We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jeremy & Rashika Craft. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jeremy & Rashika below.
Jeremy & Rashika, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.
It all started while Rashika, with her at-home bakery Sweetie Sweets, and I, Jeremy, working in the corporate world as a Civil Engineer, were riding in the car, and a radio advertisement came on highlighting a Black Owned Business during Black Restaurant Week. Little did we know, that seemingly ordinary day would mark the beginning of a remarkable adventure.
During the ad, we had no clue about the Restaurant that was highlighted. Then boom, the realization hit us—how many other Black-owned businesses were out there, hidden in plain sight, waiting to be discovered? That moment sparked a fire within us, igniting a shared vision to create something that would not only celebrate these businesses, but also provide them with the support and resources they desperately needed.
I vividly remember the passion and determination in Rashika’s eyes as she embarked on the journey to create Black Book Houston. It wasn’t long before her vision became my own, and I made the decision to leave my corporate job to fully support her dream. Three months later, I took the leap, fueled by faith and a belief that this was something truly special—something that God had placed in our hearts for a reason.
What set us apart was our unwavering commitment to be more than just a directory. We saw ourselves as a community hub, a place where business owners could not only list their businesses, but also build meaningful relationships, gain access to capital, receive education, and find vital resources to help them thrive. It was this holistic approach, this deep connection to our community, that set us apart from anything else out there.
We didn’t see anyone else doing what we were doing, but that didn’t deter us. In fact, it only fueled our determination. We knew in our hearts that this was our calling, our purpose, and we were willing to do whatever it took to make it work. And as we journeyed forward, building relationships, hosting events, and advocating for change, we felt a sense of alignment, a confirmation that we were on the right path.
Looking back now, we see how far we’ve come—from that fateful day during Black Restaurant Week to where we are today, supporting over 1,400 Black-owned businesses and counting. Our journey has been one of faith, resilience, and unwavering belief in the power of community. And as we continue to grow and evolve, we are reminded of the unique opportunity we’ve been given—to not only make a living but to make a difference in the lives of others.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
Black Book Houston stands as the premier directory for Black-owned businesses in Houston, boasting an extensive roster of over 1,300 enterprises spanning across more than 100 diverse categories.
Through our platform, these businesses receive unparalleled exposure via our physical and online directories, active social media presence, and website.
Our mission at Black Book Houston is to drive economic growth and development within the Black business community. We achieve this by championing education, facilitating networking opportunities, and advocating for the advancement of Black-owned businesses.
Our platform connects both locals and tourists with these exceptional businesses. We recognize the critical contributions of Black-owned businesses and acknowledge the challenges they often face, including limited recognition and resources. That’s why we are dedicated to amplifying their voices and providing the support they need to thrive.
Central to our mission is addressing these challenges head-on. Through strategic partnerships with financial institutions, comprehensive marketing support, and educational resources such as workshops and networking events, we empower Black entrepreneurs to overcome obstacles and achieve success.
Our impact speaks volumes. With a network of over 1,400 Black-owned businesses and a diverse array of categories, we’ve not only celebrated their achievements, but also facilitated meaningful connections within the community.
Events like our Annual All-Black Affair Award Gala showcase the vibrancy and resilience of Black entrepreneurship.
For those who engage with us, whether as clients, followers, or enthusiasts, Black Book Houston represents more than just a directory—it embodies a movement. It signifies our unwavering commitment to fostering equity and inclusivity within the business landscape.
We invite all to join us in our quest to uplift and empower Black-owned businesses, not only in Houston, but across the broader entrepreneurial landscape. Together, let’s celebrate, support, and advocate for a more equitable future.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
One of the most challenging yet defining moments in our journey as entrepreneurs came during the early years of building Black Book Houston. Jeremy had been funding the business primarily with his salary from his corporate job, believing wholeheartedly in Rashika’s vision and the potential impact of our venture. However, despite pouring countless hours and resources into the business, we found ourselves struggling to turn a profit in the first few years.
As the financial strain began to take its toll, we faced a difficult decision—how to prioritize our limited funds while still pursuing our dream. In a remarkable display of resilience and generosity, despite our own financial struggles, we made the decision to give out a business grant during our 1st Annual All Black Affair Awards Gala to another struggling entrepreneur who we believed in. We knew firsthand the challenges of building a business from the ground up, and we wanted to pay it forward and support someone else on their journey.
However, our own financial situation meant that we were only able to provide half of the intended grant amount. Instead of $5,000, we could only give $2,500 to the deserving business. It was a difficult moment for us personally, but it reinforced our commitment to supporting others in any way we could, even when facing our own challenges.
The road to success was far from smooth, filled with setbacks and disappointments. We pitched our business at competitions, only to face rejection time and time again. We struggled to stay afloat, falling behind on bills and making sacrifices, like missing meals, to keep the business going. But through it all, we held onto the personal testimonies we received from other business owners whose lives had been impacted by Black Book Houston. Their stories of how our platform had saved their businesses fueled our determination to press on, even in the darkest of times.
In moments of desperation, we reached out to close friends who supported us financially, offering a lifeline when we needed it most. And slowly but surely, our perseverance began to pay off. Despite the challenges, we refused to give up, knowing that God had brought us this far for a reason.
Now, after years of hard work and determination, we stand on the brink of turning a profit. Our annual revenue has increased by an astounding 5,000% over the course of four years, a testament to our resilience, perseverance, and unwavering faith in our vision.
Our journey has been one of trials and triumphs, setbacks and successes. But through it all, we’ve remained steadfast in our commitment to supporting Black-owned businesses and making a positive impact in our community. As we look towards the future, we are filled with gratitude for how far we’ve come and excited for the journey that lies ahead.
We’d love to hear about how you met your business partner.
Our journey together began as high school sweethearts who met during track practice at North Shore Sr. High School. I vividly remember the moment when Rashika had a cramp, and I ran over to stretch it out for her—a small gesture that sparked a connection that would last a lifetime.
After high school, we went our separate ways, attending different colleges. Jeremy stayed in Texas and pursued his degree in Civil Engineering at Prairie View A&M University, while Rashika moved to Louisiana to attend Grambling State University, where she earned her degree in Biology.
Despite the distance and the different paths we were on, our connection endured. After college, we reconnected as friends, and soon our friendship blossomed into something more. We began dating, and eventually, we became husband and wife, blessed with a beautiful family.
Our journey as partners in life and business is a testament to the power of love, friendship, and shared dreams. Together, we’ve weathered the ups and downs of building a business, leaning on each other for support and encouragement every step of the way.
Our partnership is built on a foundation of mutual respect, trust, and a shared commitment to making a positive impact in our community. And as we continue on this journey together, we are grateful for the chance to work side by side, turning our shared vision into reality and making a lasting impact in the world.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.blackbookhouston.com
- Instagram: @BlackBookHouston
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BlackBookHouston
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-craft-a88b7620/
- Twitter: @BlackBookHou
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/blackbookhouston
Image Credits
Lottie Spears (Green Rebel Photography) Rasco Green (RG2 Productions) J. Wilkins Photography