Meet the Maker: Tanorria Askew
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Photos: Courtesy of Tanorria Askew
Welcome to Meet the Maker, a series dedicated to shining a spotlight on local creators of all kinds.
Meet Tanorria Askew, an Indianapolis-based chef, podcaster and social justice activist who always keeps a full plate of fresh projects.
The inspo: Askew, an author, former final four MasterChef contestant and co-host of the "Black Girls Eating" podcast, says her first inspiration was her grandmother, who taught her everything she knows in the kitchen.
- Beyond that, she says she's inspired by her motivation to prove to the world that Black women can accomplish anything, and to set a good example for her nieces and nephews.
- "I have a video of my niece telling me that she's a chef and that she makes dinner for the people that come into her home," Askew told Axios. "So the fact that she's watching and she's only 4 years old is why I want to keep doing this."
What she's making now: A little bit of everything. Her podcast is celebrating its third anniversary Friday with a special International Women's Day episode.
- Askew says she's also dreaming of a second cookbook and has a master plan to bring Black supper club culture to Indianapolis.
- "The ultimate goal of this concept is to support Black and brown creators in the food space. Because far too often the expectation for me … is that all I can make is southern food," she said. "So it's really to highlight that Black people can make really amazing, elevated food."
- She also offers personal chef and consultancy services through her company, Tanorria's Table.
Check her out: On her website, Instagram, X or Facebook.
Do you know a maker we should meet? Tell us all about them at [email protected].