Local Newsfeed

Art, Food, Culture, and Cars, if you are looking for something to do this weekend in Fort Wayne, check out what our local businesses are doing near you: Events for August 18th - 20th, 2023. 13th annual Dehaven Chevrolet Cruise-in Car Show: Friday Artlink Market at Taste of the Arts: Saturday Taste of the Arts: Saturday If your business is hosting an event you would like us to share, email us at fwbusinessjournal@gmail.com Have a great day in Fort Wayne!!!

Fort Wayne Business Journal shares events that are happening every Wednesday for this coming weekend, August 18th- 20th, 2023. If you forgot to make plans, swipe below to find your next events that are going on in our Fort Wayne, Community. If your business is hosting an event you would like us to share email us at fwbusinessjournal@gmail.com

We had the chance to go to Fiesta Fort Wayne, an immersive cultural festival. It was a blast for all ages and was a true spectacle of the Latino spirit today at Headwaters Park! Vibrant live music, dancing, and some of the most authentic Latino cuisine in Northeast Indiana was all part of the experience. Browsing items from handmade jewelry and clothing to Hispanic candy and deserts it was an engaging and fun event for all who came. While booths offered a range of enticing Latino goods, the heart and soul of Fiesta Fort Wayne laid in its lively performances and flavorsome food offerings. After ordering an array of fresh authentic dishes, it was relaxing to sit back, and enjoy the rhythmic music and truly feel embraced in the moment. Engaging with the vendors at Fiesta Fort Wayne added a personal touch to the experience, unveiling the stories behind each creation. Conversations flowed effortlessly as these individuals shared their craftsmanship and traditions. These interactions turned each booth into a doorway to the heart of Fort Wayne’s Latino culture, making the festival not just a mere event but a journey of connection and understanding. After agreeing on a mutually fair price, I walked away with a smile on my face, and a sombrero on my head. As the sun set on Headwaters Park, I left with a satisfied palate, full of delicious food, long-lasting memories, and a deeper understanding of the vibrant Latino spirit that thrives in the heart of Fort Wayne For more information for next year follow Fiesta Fort Wayne on Facebook: Let us know if your business has an event coming up by emailing us at: Fort Wayne Business Journal fwbusinessjournal@gmail.com

Fort Wayne has a rich history when it comes to the world of baseball, and with the help of Logan Wiening, owner of Old Fort Baseball Co, we now have a way to preserve, support, and represent the teams that have called Fort Wayne home throughout the years. When we asked Logan what the word business meant to him, he said, “It’s the ability and justification to live out a hobby. As a designer, I’ve been looking for a while to find something I could do to fill a niche and provide a creative outlet for. I wanted to do something different and not what everyone else was doing; copying something you see online and slapping it on a sticker is easy. I wanted to create something original, and a brand people would want to support, and I found that with Old Fort Baseball Co.” Logan Wiening was born in Fort Wayne and graduated from Bishop Dwenger High School in 2013. When he talked about what it was like growing up in Fort Wayne, he said something that we believe many of us felt ten years ago, everyone he knew wanted to leave the city and go elsewhere. He said, “There wasn’t much to do back then; downtown didn’t have much going on, nothing really happened at the coliseum, and the events around town were not that exciting. Throughout the last decade, that isn’t the case anymore; with all the growth happening in our city, we don’t want to leave. Fort Wayne is a great place to be, and when I talk with people that didn’t grow up here, they talk about how we have so many exciting things happening here, and it’s so easy to fall in love with the town and call it home.” Looking back at Wiening’s childhood, he remembers always liking the concept of being a business owner. He told us about how whenever he would play video games about various professional sports leagues, he always wanted to play as the general manager or other roles that required more of a business outlook on the game rather than just the athlete’s perspective. During his senior year of high school, he had an opportunity to experience the business side of sports when he accepted a position with the Mad Ants. He went on to work with the Mad Ants for six seasons. Throughout this time, Logan realized he enjoyed the business side of things, so he began thinking of ways to create his own company. Logan is a creative; he enjoys making designs and graphics for various things, so he knew he wanted to do something within that realm to ensure he followed his passions. He knew he didn’t want to be like other companies that see an overused design, recreate it, and throw it on apparel. Knowing what he didn’t want for his company, he needed to figure out what he did want. What he came up with came down to three main things; a unique idea, quality products, and to fill a void in an industry. Now that he knew what he wanted, he began sketching out a few different ideas. After several dead ends, he started on a very different concept, creating a logo for The Kekionga's, Fort Wayne’s first and only professional men’s baseball team formed in 1871. After this, he recreated the logo for the Fort Wayne Daisies, a female professional baseball team that played from 1945-1954. During this process, he realized he had a great idea here, and the concept for Old Fort Baseball Co was born. When Logan described what the company is today, he said “The main goal and focus is to celebrate and reinvigorate the love, support, and history of Fort Wayne baseball. Sport is an important part of our community, so we highlight teams people may not know about through our apparel and merchandise to bring more awareness and new life to old teams. Bringing back the nostalgia for people is a lot of fun too.” When we discussed the hardships Logan has been through since the creation of the business, he told us the most challenging part was really in the beginning, when he needed to turn his designs into quality apparel items. He knew he didn’t want to be the person that printed the shirts because that wasn’t his specialty, he was the designer. He wanted to ensure from the beginning that the brand was only providing customers with the best quality products. So, to do that, he needed to use a company with experience in creating quality apparel. After much research, what made the most sense for Wiening and the company was to use a third-party, print-on-demand service. This allowed Logan the ability not to have to invest a ton of money in inventory and gave him the ability to use that money in different areas of the company. Using a print-on-demand service meant that a third-party company would instantly print the item and send it directly to the customer whenever a client purchased an item from his website. After figuring out how the products would get to his clients, the next challenge was establishing the best pricing, deciding what to offer, and thinking through every detail of how the shirt would look and feel. Today, many of the early choices Logan made are still in effect but he has had the opportunity to create a relationship with Nick Morken, owner of Pulled & Pressed, which has given him the ability to screen print more designs locally. Aside from purchasing items on the website, people can also find Old Fort Baseball Co at the YLNI marketplace downtown once a month. Soon they hope to have a small display within a new baseball facility that is currently being built here in Fort Wayne. As for the future of Old Fort Baseball Co, Logan wants to continue expanding into other areas with the help of his Support Local Baseball initiative. This program was Wiening’s first go at a more national approach. Through this process, he’s created partnerships with companies nationwide, helping design and produce apparel for their baseball teams. Wiening enjoys building new relationships with people and hopes to expand on this as the company continues to grow. He has plans to expand the products and teams they offer and has hopes to expand into other local sports industries to help bring more awareness to the Fort Wayne sports community as a whole. Currently, Logan is the only person working for the company, but he can see himself hiring another person part-time when the timing is right. Logan has big visions for the company, and with the ongoing support of the community, he can continue to make them happen. Logan Wiening is an excellent example of what it’s like to be an entrepreneur. He had the itch to start a company and took the time to follow that and create something new and unique to Fort Wayne. When we asked him if he had any advice for other entrepreneurs hoping to start their own business, he said, “You need to be willing to work hard for your company, but don’t get too deep into what you’re doing. You have to be able to notice your shortcomings and be ready to adjust as needed. Most importantly, you need to build your brand because that is what will set you apart from other companies, especially in a town like Fort Wayne. Creating a brand gives the community something to stand behind and want to support. Word of mouth is what will really help your company grow.” If you would like to see more of what Logan is doing at Old Fort Baseball Co, follow them on Instagram @oldfortbaseballco or check out their website at www.oldfortbaseballco.com. We want to send a huge thank you to Logan Wiening for his time and sharing his story with us. We also want to thank Nikeshia Young owner of Creative Roots Media for capturing these photos. If you enjoy reading these stories about the people helping shape Fort Wayne, subscribe to our free newsletter to stay in the loop with what's happening here at the Fort Wayne Business Journal.

If you have nothing to do this weekend in Fort Wayne, check out these local events! Check in every Wednesday to find out what is happening in the Fort Wayne area for the coming weekend. I If you have any events you would like mentioned or highlighted, please email us at fwbusinessjournal@gmail.com

Every Wednesday, Fort Wayne Business Journal is going to start posting Fort Wayne To-do, Events, and Happenings that will be taking place on the weekends hosted by our Local Businesses, Entrepreneurs, and the City of Fort Wayne! Fort Wayne Happenings this Weekend August 4th-6th 2023 YMCA Summer Shindig| Friday Dragon Boat Races| Friday, Saturday FWCS Block Party| Saturday Sunday Makebreak: Fidget Bugs| Sunday If you have a weekend event and would like to share it, email us! fwbusinessjournal@gmail.com

As many have noticed on sites and applications like Nextdoor, Facebook, and even communal bulletin boards the gig economy is experiencing a remarkable surge during the summer season. From lawn care and pressure washing to pet and house sitting, as well as food and grocery delivery services, the gig economy thrives during this time as individuals seize opportunities to capitalize on the opportunities of the summer season. Opportunities in Landscaping Landscaping, gardening, and other related services are in high demand as homeowners and businesses seek to maintain and enhance appeal to their property. This surge in demand has created opportunities for individuals of all backgrounds, especially students on summer break, to take advantage of this need by providing lawn care services. These entrepreneurs possess the enthusiasm, energy, and attention to detail required for running a lawn care business. Their commitment to delivering quality service often attracts a loyal customer base. Care Providers for Homes, Pets, and Children Families and pet owners often find themselves in need of dependable individuals who can provide trustworthy care for their homes, beloved animals, and children when they are away. The gig economy accommodates this need by providing platforms and networks that connect gig workers with those seeking reliable and responsible care providers. This arrangement benefits both parties, as homeowners and parents can enjoy their vacations with peace of mind, while gig workers gain income and valuable experience. Convenient Food and Grocery Delivery The convenience of food and grocery delivery has experienced a surge in popularity, particularly during the summer months. With the rise of online ordering platforms and mobile apps, individuals can easily access a variety of local favorites without having to leave their home. Gig workers embrace this opportunity by joining delivery service platforms such as DoorDash, GrubHub, and Instacart, offering flexible hours and the chance to earn income based on the number of deliveries completed. By joining delivery service platforms, these gig workers contribute to the growing sector, satisfying the desire for convenient and fast food and grocery delivery. Gig Economy's Appeal The gig economy's expansion can also be attributed to evolving work culture and preferences. Many individuals now seek more autonomy and flexibility in their professional lives, preferring to work on their own terms rather than traditional employment schedules. The gig economy allows them to control their schedules, choose the type of work they prefer, and balance work-life commitments more effectively. Moreover, gig jobs often provide opportunities for individuals to explore their passions, develop entrepreneurial skills, and gain valuable experience in various industries. The gig economy is undergoing a huge seasonal growth spurt, with outdoor work, pet and house sitting/child care, and food delivery services playing pivotal roles in its expansion. The summer season, with its unique demands and changing consumer behaviors, offers a perfect environment for gig workers to seek employment. As the gig economy continues to evolve, it presents a promising landscape for both workers and customers, reshaping traditional notions of employment and empowering individuals to forge their own paths towards professional fulfillment.

The highly anticipated 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup is just around the corner, and soccer enthusiasts all over the globe are eagerly awaiting the start of this prestigious tournament. Jointly hosted by Australia and New Zealand, this ninth edition of the Women's World Cup promises to be a memorable event for both players and fans alike. The tournament, eagerly anticipated by soccer fans worldwide, is scheduled to take place from July 20th to August 20th, 2023. An exciting development is the expansion of the tournament. Previously featuring 24 teams, the 2023 edition will witness the participation of 32 teams, mirroring the format of the Men's World Cup in 2022. This expansion offers an opportunity for more nations to showcase their talent on the global stage, making the tournament even more competitive and thrilling. For fans supporting the United States, there are several exciting matches to look forward to. The USA team will face Vietnam on Friday , July 21st at 9 pm. This will be followed by a highly anticipated clash against the Netherlands on Wednesday , July 26th also at 9 pm. The final group stage match for the USA team will be against Portugal on Tuesday August 1st, at the early hour of 3 am. These matches will be crucial for the USA as they aim to showcase their dominance on the world stage. The second round will be announced at the end of the first round! Throughout the tournament, several bars in the vicinity will be broadcasting the games, providing fans with a lively atmosphere to enjoy the action with fellow supporters. Whether you prefer a sports bar, a cozy pub, or a trendy lounge, there will be plenty of options available to suit your preferences. Make sure to check with local establishments or visit their websites to find out which venues will be showing the Women's World Cup matches and plan your viewing accordingly. The 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup promises to be an unforgettable event, celebrating the passion and skill of female soccer players from around the world. As fans eagerly await the kick-off, the joint hosting by Australia and New Zealand and the highly competitive matches ensure that this tournament will captivate audiences and inspire a new generation of players. Get ready to be amazed by the world's best female soccer athletes as they showcase their talents on the grandest stage of all! Fort Wayne Business Journal fwbusinessjournal@gmail.com for any questions or suggestions. Let us know how we can improve on our articles or service. Local business owners' stories are coming soon. You won't want to miss it. Stay tuned to find out.

Chelsea Vona is a Fort Wayne entrepreneur making a name for herself in the yoga world. The owner of Discover Yoga, a popular yoga studio downtown, Chelsea has helped countless individuals find balance, focus, and inner peace through yoga. With her passion for success and dedication to yoga, Chelsea has become a tremendous role model for aspiring business owners, entrepreneurs, and yogis alike. We will explore Chelsea's journey as an entrepreneur and how her love for yoga has significantly impacted her success. Chelsea Vona was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan; when she was six months old, her family decided to move to Fort Wayne. As a child, she attended Wars Elementary, the Fort Wayne Community School districts Theatre Arts Magnet School, a part of the Summit Arts Program. In kindergarten, Chelsea was in her school's ballet class. Unfortunately, the school was shut down due to funding issues, and all the students, including Chelsea, were transferred to Weisser Park. She continued to dance throughout her school years, primarily with LA Dance Studio, with her favorite dance styles being Jazz and Hip Hop. She graduated from Homestead High School but went to South Side High School for most of her high school years. She was so proud to talk to us about how wonderful going to South Side was and how grateful she was to be a part of such a diversified community. After high school, Chelsea went to Columbia College in Chicago for a year before making the difficult decision to move back to Fort Wayne. Chelsea was struggling with finding her place in this world; she didn't exactly know what she wanted to do for a career or who she wanted to be just yet, so she did a lot of soul-searching for the next six years. She was a waitress at a few different restaurants throughout this time until one day, in 2010, during a vacation trip at her family's home in Pensacola, Florida, she discovered yoga. When we asked Chelsea why she decided to try yoga for the first time, she told us she's always wanted to try it. When she was very young, her sister passed away, and with this trauma, her father found spirituality which over time helped him heal, and throughout the next few years, Chelsea would find her spirituality as well. Her spirituality is what guided her to try yoga. Once she discovered the wonders of yoga, she incorporated a lot more order and structure into her life and learned how to process past traumas and deal with things better when life gets a bit chaotic. Yoga helped her in so many different areas of her life that she decided to get certified in March 2015 through Prana Yoga, a local Fort Wayne yoga institution. From there, she continued to study and today holds five certifications in yoga, including; a 300-hour certificate, yoga for 12-step recovery certification, which is a modern approach to meshing the 12 steps and yoga together to help those struggling with addiction to blend their mind and body together to help with total body healing. She is also certified in barre and fitness, and all of these certifications are reflected in her classes. Chelsea also joins in on training classes to ensure she is always learning to be the best instructor to her clients. When Chelsea first got certified, she started her career teaching at Prana Yoga for five years and then taught at Rebel Yoga (now collective wellness) for two years. In June of 2021, she led her first class on her own at a pop-up location, and in March 2022, she opened her own studio, Discover Yoga, located within the historic Bell Mansion at 420 West Wayne Street. Chelsea currently has seven instructors, including herself, running classes every day of the week, primarily during the evenings and weekends. They also offer morning classes every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. She is currently working at her full-time job, but every day she is working hard to be able to leave that and focus primarily on Discover Yoga full-time. She shared that the most challenging part of running her own business is learning proper time management. She has experienced extreme burnout and is trying to learn how to listen to her body and take breaks when needed. She said something to us that we believe hits home for many entrepreneurs: "As a yoga teacher, to be able to hold space for everyone else, you have to be able to hold space for yourself." As entrepreneurs, we all try to do everything, even if that means not sleeping or taking breaks when we desperately need them. Eventually, it all catches up to us, so we need to make sure we are creating space for ourselves so we can continue to give space to other things while ensuring were showing up as the best versions of ourselves." When we discussed the hopes for Discover Yoga's future, Chelsea said her dream for the business would be to stay at their home base at 420 West Wayne Street. She loves being downtown; she loves the direction DTFW is going with all the new buildings and storefronts coming up, all the local shops and restaurants, and the overall atmosphere of being in the area. So the goals now are to grow their clientele and expand their class schedule. She would love to incorporate more classes geared towards workshops and teacher training to get more into the educational side of yoga. She would also like to add classes with a heavy focus on wellness and mental health to help others experiencing hard times and needing help managing it all. She said, "My main goal is to help people find peace with life. I don't feel like joy and happiness are always consistent; hard times come and go, so it's about learning to live with the flow of life and finding balance and peace, and yoga is what has helped me with that. I really like helping people find their best selves." Chelsea is so passionate about helping people and teaching them how to really show up not only for others but primarily for themselves. She loves teaching yoga and sharing everything she has learned throughout her career in the industry. If you have ever been interested in taking a class or would like to learn more about Discover Yoga, visit their website at discoveryogafw.com for a complete list of class schedules, pricing and packages, and upcoming events. Fort Wayne Business Journal Sign up to learn more about Fort Wayne businesses mail us at 6435 W Jefferson Blvd #157 Fort Wayne, 46804

Jefferson Pointe, Fort Wayne's beloved shopping mall, was recently struck by an unfortunate incident as the iconic Jefferson Pointe Fountain suffered vandalism, leaving it in ruins. The fountain, an integral part of the mall's identity and a centerpiece of community gatherings has sparked feelings of nostalgia and excitement for years. This article delves into the history behind the Jefferson Pointe Fountain, explores the recent incident, and contemplates what the future might hold for this cherished landmark. The Jefferson Pointe Fountain has been an enduring fixture in the hearts of Fort Wayne residents since its donation and unveiling in August 2001. The fountain was not merely a water feature but a symbol of unity and entertainment. Nestled in the center of the mall, it played a vital role in the shopping experience, captivating visitors with its mesmerizing displays of water and music. However, the recent act of vandalism left the Jefferson Pointe Fountain in a state of disarray. According to Wane 15, a 15-year-old boy accompanied by a 16-year-old girl, inspired by the recent Spider-Man movie, was actively climbing the fountain when it unexpectedly collapsed. Although the incident resulted in minor injuries to the boy, it serves as a stark reminder of the importance of responsible behavior and the consequences that can arise from thoughtless actions. Learn more at: Fort Wayne News & Weather | Fort Wayne, IN | WANE 15 Looking toward the future, Jefferson Pointe Fountain remains uncertain but bright. The restoration process will require careful planning, expertise, and financial resources. While it may take time to revive the fountain to its former glory, the community is determined to see it restored. The Jefferson Pointe Fountain, once a symbol of unity and a centerpiece of entertainment, may have been wrecked by an unfortunate incident. However, its legacy lives on in the hearts and memories of the community. As Jefferson Pointe and Fort Wayne rally together to restore this cherished landmark, the future holds the promise of a renewed fountain that will continue to inspire joy, wonder, and a sense of togetherness for generations to come. Fort Wayne Business Journal New Fort Wayne Entrepreneur & Business Owner Stories are on the way! Check back in and find out who’s Local Business is next, you don't want to miss!