We had the good fortune of connecting with Ayesha Hakki and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ayesha, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I first started my business as a magazine publisher. My partners and I launched the first (and longest running) bridal and fashion magazine for South Asian-Americans in 2000, BibiMagazine.com. At the time, there was no other publication of its kind and the South Asian-American wedding industry was in its infancy. We thought that if we were looking for this information, that others would be too. Hence, Bibi Magazine was born out of our need to find our own identity while also providing much needed information to a community that was just beginning to recognize itself.

By our first issue, we received corporate sponsorship and by our second issue, we got picked up by a distributor and overnight we were in 40 states and seven countries. That’s when we knew that our little project turned into a BIG idea. By our third issue, the Houston Chronicle featured us on the front page of their lifestyle section and then there was no looking back.

From there we branched out into events which is now our main business. We started by doing event for the magazine, then its clients and then eventually weddings.

Today, the events part of my business is called Events by Ayesha and we have offices in Houston, New York City and Miami. We’ve done everything from 700-person black tie New Year’s Eve parties at the Westin Galleria, fashion shows for New York Fashion Week and countless weddings and product launches. We’ve been lucky to have worked with the likes of Preston Bailey, David Tutera and have met many other celebrities and notable personalities along the way. We’ve won a lot of awards and recognitions, including one from former Mayor Lee P Brown and NYC Mayor Bill De Blasio. We’ve also been invited to the White House under George W Bush and Obama’s first term inaugural ball. It’s been quite a ride, but it just shows how having big dreams coupled with hardwork and determination can lead to a truly amazing adventure.

What should our readers know about your business?
I’ve been in business for 22 years and needless to say, along with the successes, there has also been a lot of challenges. I am proud of the fact that I’ve been able to navigate the business through 9/11, a recession and a pandemic. There were times when I didn’t think we were going to make it but through a failure-is-not-an-option mindset, strategic choices and a dedicated team, we were able to pull through.

I have been highly influenced by a business model called Blue Ocean Strategy. The idea is to create a brand that is so unique that you are sailing in a clear blue ocean instead of being in a shark-infested, red ocean where everyone is trying to snatch a piece of the same pie. Hence, I have learned to keep refining my brand so that it is always evolving with innovative ideas and fresh strategies.

As an event producer and magazine publisher, my mantra lies in telling people’s stories whether that is through their events and celebrations or through magazine content. I have developed a unique set of skills over the years which sets me apart from others in my industry. I also invest in education, learning and networking for both me and my team so that we can stay on top of industry directions.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
It’s been amazing to see how Houston has really come into its own in terms of the dining, culture and nightlife scene. When friends come to town, I like to show them all aspects of Houston. Ideally, it is super awesome if they can come during Rodeo. I think Rodeo is such a fun time and it really showcases the best part of Texan life.

However, a perfect weekend looks like the following. Friday night dinner at Musaafer is always a treat. It’s gorgeous Indian food served in a stunning environment with inventive drinks. Saturday would be spent visiting the Museum of Fine Arts–they have some really cool exhibits- and the Menil Collection for more contemporary art. I used to love going to the Menil’s Byzantine Fresco Chapel, which is currently closed. However, when it was around, it was such a serene and meditative space, probably my favorite place in Houston. A Saturday night six-course chefs menu at March is an elevated culinary journey through Mediterranean food with hints of international flavors. And Sunday, depending on who’s’ visiting, either Boheme’s drag brunch, or trip to the Houston Sauce Pit vegan barbecue food truck is always fun. And if time permits, some of my other favorite haunts are the eclectic shops in the Heights, the lawn at CityCentre and grilled oysters at Liberty Kitchen.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to send a Shoutout first to my partners Nikhat Naz Haq and Shabana Rehman Haq for believing in our idea and putting in the work to make it successful. I would also like to give a shoutout to Munir Ibrahim of real estate development company Virmani, the person who taught me everything I know about running a business, setting goals and understanding how to make money work for you.

Website: http://www.EventsbyAyesha.com

Instagram: @fabeventsbyayesha

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayeshahakki/

Facebook: @fabeventsbyayesha

Other: http://www.bibimagazine.com

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