Pretty and Black Owned is a celebration of brilliance, beauty, and bold business moves. This series spotlights Black women who are building powerful brands, creating impact, and owning their lane with confidence and purpose. From passion to profit, these women represent what it looks like to lead, thrive, and win.

Denise A. Grant is the visionary founder and CEO of Hactac Events by Denise A Grant LLC, recognized for redefining luxury celebrations across the Tri-State area. With over 13 years of entrepreneurial experience, Denise has built a reputation as a leading Wedding and Event Decorator, Designer, and true Experience Curator.

Born in Jamaica W.I.  Denise’s creative spark was first ignited when she designed her son’s birthday cake—a moment that inspired her transition from passionate baker to sought-after event designer. Over the years, she’s evolved from “The Cake Decorator” to a trusted name in immersive, high-end event experiences, known for her artistry, professionalism, and personal touch.

At Hactac Events, Denise’s mission is to craft unforgettable weddings, social gatherings, and corporate events that clients will cherish for a lifetime. Her signature approach blends meticulous attention to detail, honest vendor guidance, and a deep commitment to exceeding client expectations. Denise is dedicated to making every event a seamless, luxurious experience—one that reflects each client’s unique vision.

Her impressive portfolio includes work with celebrity and corporate clients such as Love & Hip Hop, Black Ink Crew, PIX11 Morning News, WBLS (including the Circle of Sisters main stage), Hot 97, Papoose, Food Network Wine & Food Festival, and Black Girl Sunscreen. Denise’s ultimate vision is to see Hactac Events become a household name synonymous with luxury, creativity, and exceptional service worldwide.

What inspired the start of “Hactac Events by Denise A Grant”?

Hactac Events started with making my son’s first birthday cake. I wanted his milestone to be special, so I made his cake myself and decorated it with the skills I learned at my local Michael’s store. Friends/family saw what I created and started asking me to bake for them, which then turned into me having a full love for decorating, and here we are 14 years later.

What has been the biggest challenge of running a brand like “Hactac Events by Denise A Grant”?

One of the biggest challenges has been client acquisition and standing out in a crowded market. The events industry is highly competitive, especially in New York and New Jersey, so it’s been essential to consistently deliver exceptional work and build a reputation based on professionalism, attention to detail, compassion, and honest advice. Balancing the creative side with the demands of running a business—like marketing, admin, and scaling—has also been a learning process, but it’s made me a stronger business owner.

How does “Hactac Events by Denise A Grant” impact its local community?

We’re proud to contribute to our local community by sourcing materials from local vendors and supporting other small businesses. Our work helps bring people together for important moments—celebrations, milestones, and even times of loss. We also partner with local organizations and non-profits to support their event needs.

How can women in particular benefit from what your brand has to offer?

Hactac Events is a woman-owned business, and I’m passionate about empowering other women—whether they’re clients, collaborators, or team members. We offer a supportive, collaborative approach, and I’m always happy to share insights or advice with women looking to break into the industry. Our services are about more than just décor; they’re about creating spaces where women feel celebrated, confident, and inspired.

Where do you hope to see your brand in the next 3-5 years?

In the next 3-5 years, I hope to expand Hactac Events beyond the Tri-State area, take on more high-profile and corporate clients, and grow our team. I’d love to develop more standardized design templates and curated collections, making our services even more accessible and streamlined. Ultimately, I want Hactac Events to be known as the go-to for luxury event design.

What advice do you have for the next generation of entrepreneurs?

Stay true to your vision, but stay flexible—things rarely go exactly as planned. Build relationships, ask for help when you need it, and never stop learning. Most importantly, remember that your reputation is everything. Deliver on your promises, treat people well, and success will follow.

What does being “Pretty and Black Owned” mean to you?

To me, being “Pretty and Black Owned” means showing up with excellence and authenticity every day. It’s about celebrating my heritage as a Caribbean-born woman and letting that pride shine through in everything I do. I see it as both an honor and a responsibility—to set the standard for quality, uplift others, create beautiful work that reflects our stories and our strengths while still being Pretty!

Connect Online

Www.hactacevents.com