7 questions with Tinique Hay

Looking back on the past five years, what inspired you to start your event planning business, and how has that vision evolved?

I started Hay Events because I’ve always had a deep love for the events industry and saw a gap in how businesses used events as a growth strategy.

I wanted to create a company that not only delivered seamless, impactful events but also helped businesses harness the power of events for community building, brand awareness, and business growth. Over the years, my vision has evolved from simply planning events to becoming a trusted event partner for businesses, helping them use events strategically to achieve their goals.

What were some of the biggest challenges you faced as a female entrepreneur in the events industry, and how did you overcome them?

One of the biggest challenges I faced as a female entrepreneur in the events industry was breaking into spaces where established networks already existed.

The events world can be competitive, and many major contracts often go to larger, well-known agencies or those with long-standing industry connections. As a newcomer, I had to work twice as hard to prove that Hay Events could deliver exceptional results.

I overcame this by focusing on building strong relationships, consistently delivering high-quality events, and positioning myself as an expert in the industry. I also made it a point to show up in the right rooms—whether that meant attending industry conferences, speaking on panels, or leveraging LinkedIn to showcase my work and insights.

Can you share a defining moment or breakthrough in your business that made you feel, ‘Yes, I’ve made it’?

One standout moment was managing a 3,000-person brand activation for Cocoa Girl Magazine. Seeing it all come together, knowing the scale and impact of the event, and hearing the amazing feedback was a huge confirmation of Hay Events’ growth. Another defining moment was securing the Black Counsel Forum conference—being entrusted with such a prestigious event showed that we had established ourselves as leaders in this space.

The events industry has faced massive shifts in the last five years, from technology advancements to the pandemic. How did you adapt and stay resilient?

When the pandemic hit, it forced the entire industry to pivot. I adapted by embracing virtual and hybrid event formats, learning new technologies, and finding ways to keep clients engaged despite the uncertainty. Staying resilient meant being flexible, innovative, and proactive—always looking for solutions rather than dwelling on the challenges. It was a tough period, but it made me and my business stronger and more adaptable.

As a woman leading a business, have you faced any unique challenges or biases, and what advice would you give to other women looking to break into the industry?

Being a young Black female entrepreneur in the events industry has come with its challenges.

There have been times when people underestimated my abilities, assuming that my age meant I lacked the experience or credibility to handle large-scale events. In some spaces, I had to work twice as hard to prove that I belonged and that I could deliver at the highest level. Instead of letting this discourage me, I used it as motivation.

I focused on letting my results speak for themselves—consistently delivering exceptional events, building strong client relationships, and showing up as a leader in my field. I also made it a priority to position myself as an authority by sharing my knowledge, speaking on industry panels, and building my presence on platforms like LinkedIn.

My advice to other young Black women entering the industry is this: don’t let anyone define your capabilities based on their own biases. Own your expertise, invest in continuous learning, and be intentional about the spaces you step into. Surround yourself with people who see your value, and never shrink yourself to make others comfortable. Your work, dedication, and confidence will pave the way for bigger opportunities.

What is one piece of advice you wish you could give your younger self when you were just starting out?

Trust the process. There will be highs and lows, but every challenge is shaping you for the next level. I’d tell my younger self to stay focused, take risks sooner, and never underestimate the power of relationships in business. And most importantly, celebrate the wins, big or small!