As we celebrate black business month, we wanted to take the time to catch up with you as you celebrate the milestone of 5 years full-time in business. Congratulations! What did it take for you to be a successful business owner over the past five years?
Denise: Thank you so much. I am so grateful for everything throughout this journey. What success looks like is different for everyone, so for me, it was continuing to move forward no matter what it looks like, perseverance in the dark days, and a WHOLE lot of faith.
How has your business evolved in terms of services and clientele since you first started?
Denise: Well, we began 13 years ago as just cake decorators. All we did was your amazing cakes and treats. NOWWWW, we are your Experience Curator!! We create magic and moments. Taking the ideas of our clients and bringing them to life one detail at a time.
Can you share a memorable moment or event that Hactac Events has organized, and what made it particularly special or significant for you?
Denise: There are quite a few of our events that we love, but I think our favorite as a team was Patricia’s 80th Birthday. Her family made us feel like family and it was something truly special and extraordinary. Usually, we leave after we set up events but this one, we stayed, enjoyed the event, and got to experience the love for her through the eyes of her family and even childhood friends. Can you imagine having your elementary school friends at your 80th birthday, we got to hear stories… lol
In what ways has the support from the community contributed to the growth and success of Hactac Events, and how do you give back to the community?
Denise: This business is nothing without community. If someone hadn’t said my name, placed me in a space, or let someone know that we are the ones to call for their one-stop needs, I wouldn’t be who I am today. We give back by working with our nonprofit organizations to execute their events & celebrations, also, we provide internships for teens who are interested in learning about the event industry.
As Hactac Events continues to thrive, what are some new aspects about your company that you can share with us at this time that have recently launched or are soon to be in motion?
Denise: As of August 15th, we have officially rebranded. With this rebrand, we are streamlining our processes by implementing some new strategies to help us be more efficient with our practices and policies as they relate to our clients. We are ensuring that we give the absolute best at all times in all the event categories that we provide for.
How would define your entrepreneurial spirit and what keeps you motivated to keep going?
Denise: My resilience and ability to PIVOT is what keeps me going. I am a mom so my goal is to always show my son that he can do whatever he sets his mind to. He doesn’t need to give up, he can shift, start over, make changes, and still reach that point of success he is looking for.
What else would you like our readers to know at this time?
Denise: We are grateful for all the moments we have had over the years, and we have so much more upcoming. One of the things I have learned this year is to take the time for me. No, that does not mean just a spa day or a vacation, lol. Take the time to rest, relax, meditate, journal, etc. Do the things that you need to be that whole person. The entrepreneurial journey is hard. I always say it’s not for the weak. I know social media makes it look so glamorous but there are big parts of the journey that people do not see and those are the moments that need you to take care of yourself.
As you look to the future, what are your long-term goals for Hactac Events, and how do you plan to continue evolving in the ever-changing event industry?
Denise: Our long-term goal is growth, to no longer be considered a small business but to become a big business, even a corporate business. Yes, the industry is ever-changing, but you have to learn to adapt to the changes. This happens with knowledge. Continuing to learn business practices and techniques in and outside of my industry will be what continues to help us adapt and grow.
What would you like our views to gain from this interview?
Denise: I would like the viewers to know that regardless of what it looks like they can do it. Business is ever-changing, and entrepreneurship takes a lot, but if this is where your heart is and you have faith, you will be successful. Remember, success looks different for everyone so measure success by your standards only not by everyone else’s.
How can people remain connected?
Denise: We are always available on social media. All our handles are @hactacevents, our website is www.hactacevents.com
Photo Credits:@dannidavinchi @F4mediageoff
Congratulations! Your success will be a beacon for other entrepreneurs seeking to find their way through…