Tamika Catchings Brings Community Together and Empowers Youth Through Her Tea's Me Cafés

Indiana Fever legend Tamika Catchings is on a mission to bring the community together through her Tea's Me Cafés. She hopes to create a safe space for everyone while providing opportunities for young students looking for work experience.

“We're a small little family, and we are doing what we can,” said Atlas Chavez, a barista at the latest Tea’s Me Café location.

Catchings believes Tea's Me Café serves a purpose beyond being just a tea shop; it's an opportunity to guide students in their personal and professional growth. “My vision is really just having a space to feel community vibe but also employees and team members. For many of them, this is their first job, so teaching them how to talk to people, vibe, communicate," she explained.

The journey began downtown when Catch the Stars Foundation, led by Catchings, took over the café in 2017. “That's my baby; that's the first location,” Catchings said.

“I really feel like the Butler-Tarkington area is a melting pot, and it’s fun to see all the different people coming together," said Catchings.

The café also serves as a platform for local artists to showcase their work. “We feature a new artist every single month. It varies from outside artists and we try to get some students from IUPUI that are interested. Any artists that are out there, we are looking for you,” Catchings shared.

“I've never had another boss like her. You don't get an Olympian for a boss often,” said Chavez.

To further engage the community, Tea's Me Cafés have introduced “Red Out Fridays.” Every Friday, patrons have the chance to win exciting prizes simply by showing up. The prizes include Fever-related merchandise or items aimed at promoting mental and physical well-being.