To say that our 2024 has been a rollercoaster would be a bit of an understatement.
From closing at the end of 2023, to restarting operations in June of 2024, and every little chaotic moment in between TAGMO has been through it all this year. We’ve had massive highs that made us feel like we’re flying and we’ve had immense lows where we had to struggle to pick ourselves back up. We’ve learned so much these last couple of months about what it means to be a queer collective and a small business – about what it means to be an infinitesimal piece in the bigger cogs of the machine, seemingly inconsequential but capable of making a huge impact.
Without a doubt, there are so many things we would do differently – so many eye-roll worthy moments where we wish we knew what we know now. Hindsight is 20/20 after all. But instead of mulling over our losses on the last day of 2024, we thought we deserved to remember our biggest accomplishments and really take a second to bask in that glow. We’re always going to want to do better – but what’s the point in always being on the go if we can’t take a break and appreciate how far we’ve come? The world around us is constantly reminding us that the battle is uphill; in order for us to keep going, we need a reason to smile.
Team TAGMO is so grateful for all our wins this year, but these are our top 5 for a reason. We’re still in awe that we managed to pull these off, and our loving community is a big part of our success. Read on to see the 5 biggest things we’re proud of this 2024 as we seek to surpass them in 2025!
1. Our Mithai making workshop with Fable & Mane
This was absolutely one of our favorite events that we hosted at our 226 Front Street location! We jump at any chance to support a fellow South-Asian small business, and of course the opportunity for us to teach people how to make our famous mithai was a wonderful bonus. We were so honored to partner with Fable & Mane for this stellar event!
The set-up of our mithai decorating workshop. Photo courtesy of Fable & Mane.
2. Supporting Queer Soup Night for World AIDS Day 2024
As a queer collective that operates on the principles of community and solidarity, it was a dream come true to be invited to take part in Queer Soup Night. Chef Surbhi contributed her delicious lentil soup for the event and even helped serve out portions! Team TAGMO was delighted to be part of this event that highlighted the importance of giving back to the queer community.
Chef Surbhi serving lentil soup. Delish! Photo courtesy of NYC AIDS Memorial.
3. Making custom Rakhi with the Ahan Foundation
As a small business owned and operated by queer women of color, TAGMO seeks to give back to the community with every action of ours. Our 2024 Rakhi mithai box was made extra special this year with the addition of handpainted Rakhi bracelets made by individuals with disabilities at the Ahan Foundation in Jaipur, India. Everyone who bought one of our Rakhi boxes this year directly helped contribute to supporting the Ahan Foundation’s wonderful mission!
Our special Rakhi bracelets with Ahan Foundation.
4. Celebrating Navratri 2024 at the Seaport Museum
There’s no party like a TAGMO party – especially a Navratri Garba event with the Culture Tree and the Seaport Museum! This was such a colorful, vibrant night filled with love and laughter and wonderful dancing. We’re so thankful to everyone who came and got a taste of some mithai and merriment!
Dancing to Gujarati music with dandiya sticks on the Wavertree. Photo courtesy to The Seaport Museum.
5. Catering at the Rubin Museum
Chef Sahni absolutely loves catering, whether that’s for an intimate engagement party or a big corporate gathering. Being called to the Rubin Museum to bring her signature chaat-cuterie and mouth-watering appetizers was a dream come true for her!
Our guests enjoying Chef Sahni's Chaat-cuterie Board.