Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Owner of Kasey McCarty Interior Design [Austin]

Testimonial

When I was first encouraged to apply for the grant, I honestly was not sure I was the right candidate. After discussing my background and circumstances with then Texas Chapter President Adrian Galvan, ASID Allied, his encouragement gave me the confidence to move forward, and the timing could not have been better for my studio.

I continue to feel the positive impact of the award today. I used a portion of the funds to establish a functional satellite office in San Antonio, investing in essential equipment that allows me to meet client and site-meeting demands while working on projects in that market. This included a multipurpose printer and scanner capable of producing 11×17 and 13×19 construction document sets, which has proven invaluable during client presentations and on-site coordination.

The grant also allowed me to pursue targeted advertising in regional trade publications, supporting a key marketing goal for my business. In addition, I am developing a proprietary organizational system for marketing collateral to strengthen branding, self-promotion, and competition submissions, helping ensure my 20+ year studio remains relevant and competitive in today's market.

I was genuinely surprised and deeply grateful to be selected as the 2025 recipient. Beyond the financial support, the process of writing the essay, and sharing it with my family, was profoundly meaningful. We are proud of where we come from, and being recognized in this way felt like a win not just for me, but for my entire family.

CEO of The Prototype [Frisco]

Testimonial

Being named the first recipient of the ASID Texas Chapter Diversity in Design Small Business Grant in 2024 was more than recognition; it was validation and fuel at a critical moment for The Prototype.

As a Black woman building a business in the interior design industry, I've learned that excellence isn't optional; it's the baseline. There's an unspoken reality that you're often underestimated, so you set the bar higher. But that drive is exactly what makes diverse perspectives so valuable. We see solutions others might miss. In an industry serving such a wide range of clients and lifestyles, that diversity of thought isn't just nice to have, it's a competitive advantage.

Before the grant, visibility was our biggest constraint. We had the expertise and systems, but needed credibility and resources to reach the designers who needed us most. The grant enabled strategic investment: 47% in marketing and content creation, leading to our first course, "The Designer's Guide to Reliable Lead Generation," and partnerships with Business of Home, Mydoma by Studio Designer, Business of Design, and LuAnn Nigara.

Here's what I want other diverse business owners to understand: diversity extends beyond race. It's about being a woman in a male-dominated landscape, a mother who built this company because I needed support I couldn't find.

The industry needs diverse voices, not just because it's right, but because different perspectives create stronger businesses. This grant showed me what's possible when organizations invest in diverse entrepreneurs at critical moments.