My name is Erica, and Crafts in the Grass is bigger than a business idea to me. It is the beginning of something I am working hard to build for my family, my future, and my community.

Right now, I am working toward my associate degree in Business Administration. I am taking what I learn in school and putting it into action. I am learning how to plan, budget, market, organize, and build a business with a strong foundation. My goal is to create generational wealth for my family, but I also want what I build to have a purpose beyond my own household.

That is where Crafts in the Grass comes in.

Crafts in the Grass is an arts and creative experience created to give children, teens, families, and our community something positive to do together. I want to start small by hosting affordable outdoor arts and crafts experiences in local parks. Kids will get outside, put the screens down for a while, create something with their hands, meet other kids, and take home something they are proud of.

But the park is only the beginning.

As we grow, I want Crafts in the Grass to offer paint nights, birthday party activities, arts and crafts packages, family events, youth activities, and creative experiences throughout the community. My long-term goal is to grow this business into my own banquet hall and event space, a place where families have access to affordable celebrations, creative events, community programs, and experiences all under one roof.

I am asking for funding because starting small still takes resources. Donations will help me purchase art supplies, tables and event materials, food and refreshments for community events, equipment, marketing materials, business expenses, and the supplies needed to host our first Crafts in the Grass events.

I am not asking someone to build my dream for me. I am doing the work. I am going to school. I am learning the business side. I am planning. I am putting in my own time, energy, and resources. I am asking for people who believe in what I am building to help me get the first pieces in place.

I come from a background where generational wealth was not handed to me. I am a young Black woman trying to build something from the ground up and create a different future for my family. I want my children to see what happens when you take an idea seriously, educate yourself, work for your goals, and keep going.

Every donation, no matter the amount, helps put another paintbrush, flower, canvas, activity, or creative experience into the hands of a child. Your support helps me build a business, but more importantly, your support helps me build something my community gets to be part of.

This is the beginning of Crafts in the Grass.

We are starting in the grass, but I have much bigger plans for where we are going.