From baking her son’s first birthday cake in a small kitchen to orchestrating lavish celebrity and corporate events, Denise A. Grant has redefined what it means to curate an unforgettable celebration. At 42, the Jamaican-born, New York-based creative has not only built one of the most respected event design brands in the industry—HACTAC Events—but is now being hailed as the newest innovator in event design and floral décor.
Known for her bold use of color, storytelling through florals, and an unmatched ability to translate personal details into immersive environments, Grant is reshaping the luxury event space with fresh perspective, cultural pride, and daring creativity.
“Luxury, for me, starts with the client’s vision. Once I bring that to life—down to the smallest detail—that’s when the magic happens,” Denise says. “It’s not just about looking good; it’s about feeling cared for, and walking into a space that reflects who you are.”
Grant’s signature approach blends vibrant Caribbean influences with sophisticated, high-touch hospitality. Her floral installations are more than centerpieces—they’re statements of identity, emotion, and elegance. Whether designing an over-the-top wedding or a star-studded launch event for clients like Love & Hip Hop, PIX11 News, or Hot 97, her goal remains the same: to turn every moment into an experience.
But this wasn’t always her career plan.
“It all started with a cake,” she recalls. “I took decorating classes at Michael’s after work just so I could make my son’s first birthday special. That cake unlocked something in me. I just kept going—and people kept encouraging me.”
CEO of HACTAC Events, Denise A. Grant
Over 13 years later, that spark has grown into Denise A. Grant LLC, a full-service design company revered for not only its creativity, but also its professionalism and heart. With HACTAC—which stands for Have A Cake Take A Cupcake—Grant has evolved from a self-taught baker to an experience curator, producing weddings, social events, and brand activations that feel like art installations.
What truly sets Grant apart is her intuition. She listens deeply to her clients and then incorporates thoughtful elements that exceed expectations.
“One client told me how much her daughter loved bows. I could hear her excitement when she mentioned it—so I built the design around that detail,” she shares. “That bow became the emotional thread of the event. It’s those touches that make it unforgettable.”
In an industry often dominated by traditional aesthetics, Grant brings something far more daring: representation and reinvention. Her Jamaican roots shine in her love for bold palettes and florals, and her events always carry a sense of cultural storytelling and authenticity.
“We Jamaicans are bold—we love vibrant things,” she explains. “So when I design, I want it to make a statement. I want people to walk in and feel something.”
And clients do feel something. Her work has caught the eye of powerhouse brands like Apple, Proximo Spirits, and Black Girl Sunscreen. She’s also been entrusted with Instagram-worthy stages for WBLS’s Circle of Sisters, and high-touch activations for The Food Network Wine & Food Festival.
Still, for all the glamour, Grant is grounded in purpose.
“Every day I ask myself: What skills do I have that I can use to keep this business thriving?” she says. “Entrepreneurship is about problem-solving, pivoting, and thinking outside the box. That mindset is how I’ve stayed in the game.”
Her toolkit includes everything from YouTube tutorials to hands-on workshops and mentorship from seasoned professionals. She never stops learning, and that hunger for growth is reflected in the quality and innovation of her designs.
“You don’t need permission to start. I didn’t wait for perfect conditions. I just took the next step and kept building,” she says. “My advice to anyone starting out? Have bold faith. Own your vision—even on the hard days.”
As she continues to scale HACTAC Events and redefine modern celebration, Denise A. Grant is not just a name to watch—she’s a voice of transformation in an industry ripe for disruption. With her signature florals, visionary concepts, and unapologetic cultural flair, she’s proving that event design is more than décor. It’s personal. It’s powerful. And in Denise’s hands, it’s pure innovation.
