By EU Media

On November 8, 2026, models walked beneath the glass and steel of the Indianapolis Artsgarden, with spectators seated on either side of the runway. Above the intersection of Washington and Illinois streets, the downtown landmark was the setting for UNITED, Midwest Fashion Week’s 20th-anniversary show. For founder Berny Martin, the milestone put the spotlight on the city where his fashion production company began. UNITED event page · Indy Arts Council

From his grandmother’s sewing lessons to an Indianapolis runway

Martin, a Haitian-American fashion designer, traces his start to his grandmother in Haiti. She encouraged his interest in clothing and helped him sew his first design, a pair of jeans. He named his label Catou after her and launched it in Indianapolis in 2005. A year later, he founded Midwest Fashion Week, seeing a need for more places where designers in the region could show their work. Berny Martin’s biography · Midwest Fashion Week

That early goal was as much about business as it was about runway presentation. “I want designers to have a chance at selling something this year,” Martin told the Indianapolis Business Journal in 2010, as he worked to bring boutique owners into the room. An introduction to a buyer could give a designer a next step after the final walk. Indianapolis Business Journal

A fashion company with international reach

What began as a small Indianapolis event series grew to include productions in Chicago, New York, and Paris. The runway became a place for emerging designers, models, stylists, and photographers to show what they could do. In 2019, Martin founded the Fashion Community Foundation, a nonprofit that aims to give young people with limited access to the industry hands-on training in skills such as sewing and garment construction. The runway gives people a place to show their work. The foundation gives young people a place to begin learning the craft. Midwest Fashion Week · Fashion Community Foundation · Training program

A runway spot is earned

Make no mistake, a place on this runway is earned. Midwest Fashion Week says its runway shows are by invitation only and its team bases invitations on design quality. Applicants submit a press kit with a bio, a portrait, images from past collections, and a vision board for upcoming work. For a designer who has put in the hours refining a collection, that invitation is a chance to show the work in a professional production and put it in front of an audience. Midwest Fashion Week designer information

The opportunity extends across the arts. A model can build runway experience, a stylist can see how a look reads in motion, and a photographer can build a portfolio and meet other creatives. Designer Judith Prieto, owner of ZELF INTIMATES, told Midwest Fashion Week that Martin’s invitation to show helped her bring her brand to market sooner. Photographer Donald Burlock recalled that working with Martin opened doors to other shoots and helped him see a career for himself in the creative industries. Judith Prieto interview · Donald Burlock interview

Back under the glass in Indianapolis

One of the most telling moments in Keep Cookin’ Media’s recap comes before a look is shown. During rehearsal, models are coached on where to pause and how much space to leave for a designer to step forward and receive applause. Later, the overhead view shows what that preparation was for. There’s a clear path down the middle of the Artsgarden, with the audience close enough to see the clothes in motion. Watch the UNITED recap

Twenty years after Martin started making room for designers in Indianapolis, the city had a chance to applaud the person who built the runway as well as the people walking it. Congratulations, Berny Martin, on 20 years of Black excellence and on celebrating that milestone at the Indianapolis Artsgarden. 

Video and recap imagery by Keep Cookin’ Media. Editorial coverage by EU Media.

#Trailblazing #BernyMartin #20years #Blackexcellence #milestone #Indianapolis #Artsgarden.#MidwestFashionWeek

GlobalBossUp Member Spotlight · Freebirds General Contracting LLC · Indianapolis area

A bathroom remodel can come to a standstill over one unanswered question. Who needs to finish their work before the tile goes in? A deck project can run into the same problem when the layout changes after materials are ordered. At that point, what a homeowner needs is somebody who can talk to the crew, explain the choices in plain language, and tell them what needs to happen next.

That’s where Reggie Williams comes in. This week, GlobalBossUp is spotlighting the owner of Freebirds General Contracting LLC and the two ways homeowners can start a conversation with him. You can ask Freebirds about taking on your remodel, home improvement, fence or deck project. You can also ask Reggie what it would look like for him to coordinate the crew, bring in trades as needed, and keep you informed as work moves from one stage to the next. Explore Freebirds’ services · Business profile

From bathroom remodels to backyard upgrades

Freebirds lists home remodeling, kitchen and bath upgrades, structural improvements, and interior and exterior updates among its services. If you’re calling about a fence, explain what you want it to do. Privacy, an enclosed yard, and a wider gate for equipment are different goals. For a deck, describe how you want to use the space, where you want the stairs or access points, and whether you’re starting fresh or replacing something that’s already there. Those details give Reggie a better picture of the job from the first conversation. Freebirds services

In a January 2024 HomeAdvisor review, a homeowner described hiring Reggie for a bathroom renovation that went down to the studs and, separately, for a two-story deck area with a boat dock and launch. She reported that both projects finished on time and within budget, with the bathroom coming in a little under. Read the customer review

When you need someone to manage the work

Think about what happens between demolition and the finished room. The plumber and electrician may need access before walls are closed. A delivery delay might mean moving one crew’s start date and giving another crew a different task. If the crew uncovers damage after opening a wall, the homeowner needs a clear explanation of what changed, what options are available, and what decision is needed before work continues.

Reggie can speak the trades’ language and explain what those decisions mean for you. If Freebirds is hiring the crew, ask Reggie how he’ll check progress, coordinate the people he brings in, and communicate schedule changes. If you’ve already hired a crew or the job is underway, ask whether he can take on a separate coordination role and what that would cover. A first conversation can clarify who directs the crew, who approves changes, and when you can expect updates.

Here are three ways to start that call.

• “I need the project done.” Describe the remodel, home improvement, fence or deck you have in mind and ask what Freebirds can take on.
• “I need someone to keep the crew on track.” Explain who’s on the job now and where communication or scheduling has become difficult. Ask what Reggie can oversee and how he would keep you informed.
• “I’m missing a trade.” Share what’s finished and what needs to happen next. Ask whether Freebirds can bring in the right people and coordinate the handoff.

Building a network in the trades

Freebirds also has a page for the FBC Alliance, which brings contractors and other construction professionals together to learn and make business connections. Its Build a Vet Village page describes an initiative focused on affordable housing and community support for veterans and their families. GlobalBossUp has a separate workforce page for skilled tradespeople and independent contractors interested in working with Freebirds. FBC Alliance · Build a Vet Village · GlobalBossUp contractor opportunities

Talk to Reggie about your project

Have your project location, a few photos, your target timing, and any existing estimate or scope handy. If work has already started, tell him who’s on the job and what needs to happen next. To reach Reggie, use the business contact information in the Charging the Crossroads partner directory or contact Freebirds through its company contact page.