Leandra Roche has deepened her passion for hair care by opening High Definition Hair Design Salon and Academy in Merrillville. Noah Miller established Mr. Miller’s Mobile Detailing, a car detailing business serving Northwest Indiana. Kayla Oberholtzer, a student at Indiana University Northwest, launched a photography business.
Miller, aged 21, cleans a car in St. John, Indiana, demonstrating the success of his mobile detailing venture. He, along with 17 other entrepreneurs, gained recognition after completing IU Northwest’s SEED and Indiana University’s Innovates programs.
Supporting and Empowering Entrepreneurial Development (SEED) Program
Recently, 10 entrepreneurs completed Indiana University Northwest’s SEED program. This program is in partnership with Notre Dame’s Urban Poverty and Business Initiative. It is an 11-month course that teaches business principles and provides mentorship, explained Jana Szostek, the Director of IU Northwest Business Academy.
Participants like Roche and Miller benefited from this program, along with Naté Billingsley, Jetaun Carr, Christal Jackson, Rob Seals, Tequeya Spann, Elijah Steele, Amanda Tomczak, and Deanna Ware.
IU Innovates Program
The IU Innovates program is a semester-long initiative modeled on the SEED program. It supports students, faculty, and staff aiming to start companies. Oberholtzer, along with Julysa Alamo, Chloe Echols-Taylor, Michael Gaines, Olivia Johnson, Michael Ludwig, Veronica Mora, and Amethyst Rios, completed this program.
Roche, 49, with 30 years of hair styling experience, once owned a salon called A Joyous Look. After the COVID-19 pandemic closed her salon in March 2020, she took a year to refine her professional goals. She decided to specialize in high-definition hair care for curly hair, initially running her business from home before opening her salon.
High Definition Hair Design Salon and Academy provides treatments for scalp and hair, styling, and techniques such as extensions and braids. Roche values personalized hair care because she recognizes that each person’s hair is unique. Some clients visit regularly for maintenance, while others require intense repair.
Noah Miller’s Business Journey
Miller started Mr. Miller’s Mobile Detailing in February 2025. By July 2025, he registered his business with the state. His mobile detailing service operates from a vehicle equipped with a water tank and generator. Services offered include car washing, ceramic coating, scratch polishing, and interior detailing.
Previously working at Wal-Mart, Miller sought to increase his income. He leveraged his experience with vehicles and the low startup costs of detailing to begin his business, initially practicing on cars belonging to himself, friends, and family. After gaining confidence, he developed logos and began marketing his services.
Kayla Oberholtzer’s Photography Venture
Oberholtzer, 20, began Kaymae Photos LLC in October, specializing in portrait photography. She structures her business by discussing photo requirements with clients, organizing photo locations, and editing images before delivery. Her goal is to offer a personalized experience that leaves clients with pride in their photos.
In high school, Oberholtzer discovered her knack for photography while working on the yearbook, drawing much praise for her work. She states that photography allows her to display individuals uniquely, highlighting their stories through images.
Program Takeaways and Future Plans
Roche credits the SEED program with enhancing her management skills. It provided her the tools to transition from survival mode to strategic growth. In the future, she plans to expand into cosmetology.
Miller values the networking aspect of the SEED program. It divided business operations into different components for thorough learning, akin to a business 101 course. He hopes to grow his business by adding more work vans and independent crews.
Oberholtzer gained insights into marketing, pricing, and business structuring. She appreciated connecting with like-minded peers, fostering an environment supportive of entrepreneurial success.