We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Shontavia Young a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Shontavia, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. How did you scale up? What were the strategies, tactics, meaningful moments, twists/turns, obstacles, mistakes along the way? The world needs to hear more realistic, actionable stories about this critical part of the business building journey. Tell us your scaling up story – bring us along so we can understand what it was like making the decisions you had, implementing the strategies/tactics etc.

Scaling up didn’t happen overnight for me. From the outside, people often see the hosting, the networking, and the growing brand and assume everything came together quickly. In reality, the biggest growth happened during the middle stages the time when I was learning, observing, and figuring out how to turn my personality and passion into something purposeful.
In the beginning, my strategy was simple: show up and be present. I volunteered at events, supported other creatives, and put myself in rooms where opportunities lived, even if I didn’t know anyone there. Instead of just attending events, I studied them. I paid attention to how hosts controlled the energy of a room, how planners created experiences, and how relationships often led to the next opportunity.
One of the most important tactics that helped me grow was networking with intention. Rather than focusing on what I could gain, I focused on what I could contribute. Whether it was helping behind the scenes, assisting with coordination, or simply bringing positive energy into a space, I made sure people felt my presence in a positive way.
Of course, the journey came with its challenges. There were moments of self-doubt, missed opportunities, and times when I had to figure things out on my own. Balancing multiple roles including working as a Special Education teacher while building my brand required discipline and patience. But those obstacles taught me resilience and pushed me to stay consistent.
A major turning point was fully embracing my brand. “Tayy Wayy” became more than a name it became a reflection of who I am: outspoken, authentic, and someone who genuinely enjoys creating spaces where people feel welcome.
Scaling up for me has been a series of consistent steps, meaningful relationships, and learning experiences. Every room I entered, every event I supported, and every opportunity I embraced helped expand my vision.
And through it all, one lesson stayed clear: success isn’t built overnight it’s built by continuing to show up. That’s the Tayy Wayy.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Before the microphone, the hosting gigs, and the growing brand, Shontavia Young, known as Tayy Wayy, was already known for one thing: my energy. The kind that instantly lifts a room, makes people smile, and brings strangers together like they’ve known each other for years.
That presence first became undeniable during my time at Texas Southern University, where I earned my degree in Business Administration. On campus, I quickly became the person people gravitated toward the one who could bring the vibe, motivate a crowd, and make every event feel memorable. By my senior year, that natural leadership led me to serve as Student Body President, a role that would shape the foundation of my career.
As president, I helped lead and execute many of the university’s student-led events, working alongside organizations across campus to plan experiences that brought the student body together. From coordinating large events to booking artists and managing budgets, I gained hands-on experience in leadership, event production, and collaboration. More importantly, I discovered a passion for creating environments where people could connect, celebrate, and feel inspired.
What began as a leadership role quickly revealed something bigger: I had a gift for curating energy and experiences.
After graduating, I leaned into that gift and began building the brand “Tayy Wayy.” What started as a nickname evolved into a growing presence in the event and media space, where I now work as a host, MC, and creative collaborator helping bring life and engagement to events.
My role goes beyond simply hosting. Tayy Wayy specializes in creating the atmosphere that makes events unforgettable, connecting with audiences, energizing rooms, and making people feel comfortable enough to truly engage with the moment. For event organizers and brands, that ability solves one of the most common challenges in the industry: turning a well-planned event into a memorable experience.
What sets me apart is my authenticity. Tayy Wayy doesn’t have a personality. I am the personality. My warmth, confidence, and ability to connect with people from all walks of life allow me to transform the energy of a room naturally.
Outside of my work in events and media, I am also a Special Education teacher, a role I hold close to my heart. Working with children has strengthened me with compassion, patience, and the belief that every person deserves to feel valued and encouraged qualities that show up in everything I do.
In addition to my professional work, I am a passionate advocate for endometriosis and sickle cell awareness, using my platform to educate, uplift, and support those affected by these conditions.
Today, the Tayy Wayy brand represents more than hosting events. It represents positivity, connection, and confidence. Whether in a classroom, on a stage, or at a community event, my goal remains the same: to bring light into every space I enter.
Because when the energy is real and the connection is genuine, people don’t just remember the event a they remember the feeling.
And that feeling?
That’s the Tayy Wayy.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

One of the most effective strategies for growing my clientele has honestly been building genuine relationships and showing up consistently in the right rooms. A lot of my opportunities have come through networking, referrals, and people experiencing my energy firsthand at events.
Early on, I made it a priority to attend events, support other creatives, and connect with people in the industry without always expecting something in return. I focused on building authentic relationships and finding ways to add value wherever I could. Over time, those connections naturally turned into opportunities to host events, collaborate with brands, and expand my reach.
Another important strategy has been letting my personality and professionalism speak for itself. When I host or work an event, I make sure the energy is high, the audience feels engaged, and the organizers feel supported. When people leave an event having a great experience, they remember who helped create that atmosphere and that often leads to repeat bookings and referrals.
Social media has also played a role in helping me grow my brand. It allows people to see my work, my personality, and the types of experiences I help create. It’s a great way to showcase my hosting style and connect with new audiences.
Overall, I believe growth happens when your reputation matches your energy. When people see that you’re consistent, professional, and passionate about what you do, they’re more likely to trust you with opportunities and recommend you to others.
For me, growing my clientele has always been about connection, consistency, and authenticity and staying true to the energy that makes Tayy Wayy who she is.

How did you build your audience on social media?

Building my audience on social media has really been about consistency, authenticity, and treating my platforms like a business. When I first started growing my brand, I understood that social media wasn’t just a place to post pictures, it was a space where people could see my personality, my work, and the energy I bring to events.
In the beginning, I focused on showing up consistently. Whether it was posting content from events, sharing moments from my hosting experiences, or simply letting people see my personality, I wanted my page to reflect who I truly am. I’ve learned that people connect with authenticity, so being myself has always been the most important part of building my audience.
Another key part of my growth has been following up and engaging with people. When someone supports your content, comes to an event, or reaches out online, building that connection matters. Responding to messages, interacting with supporters, and staying connected helps turn followers into real relationships and opportunities.
I also try to approach my social media as if it were my professional portfolio. It’s often the first place people go when they want to see what I do, so I’m intentional about making sure my content reflects my brand, my work, and the experiences I help create.
For anyone just starting to build their social media presence, my biggest advice would be to stay consistent, be patient, and be yourself. Growth doesn’t happen overnight, but if you keep showing up, sharing your work, and engaging with your audience, people will start to connect with what you’re building.
At the end of the day, social media is a powerful tool but the real key is letting people see the real you and the passion behind what you do. And that’s always been the Tayy Wayy.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @beyondbeautifultay
• Facebook: Shonatavia Young / TRUTH
• Youtube: Truth Tuesdays
• Other: TikTok ; @beyondbeautifultay

Image Credits

@Wurigo
@Shotby_j6
@ZTMfilmz