We recently connected with Janay Sanders and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Janay, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

Growing up, I was always encouraged to follow the “safe” path—a stable job, a pension, and the kind of life that left little room for risk. But deep down, I knew that wasn’t my journey. I’ve always blossomed as a creative, thriving in spaces where I could think outside the box and bring ideas to life. I tried the conventional route: I got married, settled into the expected routine, and tried to mold myself into a life that felt secure. But it didn’t work out.

When the pandemic hit, my world turned upside down. I felt alone, uprooted, and unsure of my next move. So, I decided to change my scenery and moved to Washington, D.C. That move became the spark I didn’t know I needed. D.C. introduced me to a thriving community of Black creatives who were not only successful but unapologetic about building their own lanes. It was inspiring—and nourishing. I felt alive again. My creativity reignited as I immersed myself in spaces where people who looked like me were breaking barriers.

When I eventually returned to NYC, I carried that energy with me. I hit the ground running, determined to carve out my place in this world of creativity and innovation. One of my first stops was CultureCon, an event for creatives that felt like a beacon for my tribe. I met incredible people with similar goals and found myself invited to exclusive events, each experience pulling me deeper into the world I knew I belonged to.

I’ll never forget attending the opening of the GIANTS Exhibit by Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys. There I was, in a room with legends like Tina Knowles, Lil Durk, Lil Baby, Fabolous, Queen Latifah, and June Ambrose. A few weeks later, I found myself at Winter NYC Fashion Week. At that moment, I knew: this was the world I wanted to be in—a world where creativity, culture, and connection collide.

Fast forward to some of my most surreal moments: I’ve had the privilege of meeting and interviewing icons like Dapper Dan, Angela Yee, Wallo, and Terrence J. I’ve stood in rooms with culture-shifters like Lenny S, Guru, and Shari from Roc Nation. I had the honor of meeting Denzel Washington at The Piano Lesson premiere—a moment I’ll never forget.

My journey has taken me to the NBA headquarters, Paramount, record label studios, and some of the most exclusive spaces in entertainment. I’ve crossed paths with stars like Lil Nas X, Teyana Taylor, LeQuan Smith, Davido, Angie Martinez, Mary J. Blige, Speedy Morman, Cam’ron, and even 50 Cent. These encounters reaffirmed my purpose and my belief that this is the space I’m meant to thrive in.

But it wasn’t all glamorous. There were rude encounters, mean girls, and men who didn’t know how to act. Working in entertainment requires sharp discernment and thick skin, and I quickly learned how to navigate the highs and lows of this space. Through it all, I realized my purpose: Tag Your Neighbor.

The idea hit me like a bolt of lightning. What if I could be the person to literally tag people in—to open doors and provide access for creatives like myself? My network and resources could help others explore opportunities, connect with brands, and meet the people breaking down barriers.

I also knew that visibility was key. Through interviews with celebrities, I could uncover their paths to success: the steps they took, the lessons they learned, and the mistakes they made. I wanted to offer a unique perspective—not just inspiration, but practical guidance. Social media became my tool to amplify this message. You never know who’s watching, and every post, connection, and conversation counts.

That’s how Tag Your Neighbor grew into more than just an idea—it became a movement. My vision is to build an agency that represents creative clients, connects them with brands, and fosters meaningful partnerships. My clients are experts in their craft, ready to monetize their talents and take their careers to the next level. That’s where I come in.

I’m driven by the belief that when one of us wins, we all win. Through Tag Your Neighbor, I’m creating a space where creativity thrives, access expands, and opportunities multiply. This isn’t just about me—it’s about building a bridge for the next wave of talent.

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

Tag Your Neighbor is more than just an agency—it’s a movement dedicated to creating opportunities, fostering connections, and amplifying creative talent. Founded by Nay Monique, Tag Your Neighbor exists to bridge the gap between emerging creatives and the brands, industries, and communities they aspire to influence. We specialize in helping our clients navigate the complex worlds of branding, media, and entertainment by providing tailored services that include securing meaningful collaborations, managing events, and building innovative brand activations. Our goal is to bring visions to life in ways that not only capture attention but leave a lasting impact.
What sets us apart is our deep understanding of culture and our ability to connect the right people at the right time. We don’t just network—we curate collaborations that matter, aligning creative talent with opportunities that elevate their visibility and drive growth. Whether we’re strategizing brand launches, managing events, or styling clients for their biggest moments, we’re focused on delivering results that resonate.
Tag Your Neighbor isn’t just about opening doors—it’s about building bridges. I’m most proud of the agency’s role as a culture shifter. I want my clients, followers, and fans to know that this brand is rooted in authenticity, purpose, and passion. Whether you’re a creative looking to monetize your craft, a brand seeking a fresh perspective, or someone aspiring to connect with cultural changemakers, we’re here to make that happen.
Ultimately, Tag Your Neighbor is about community. We believe in tagging people into spaces where they belong, offering them the tools, resources, and networks to thrive. This isn’t just business—it’s legacy-building, and I’m honored to be a part of that journey.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Here’s an updated and expanded version of your resilience story with those important details included:

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In my prior life, I was often regarded as the “golden child.” I was the one who seemed destined to meet every expectation, but life doesn’t always go as planned. I earned my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Howard University, accomplishments that made my parents proud. I got married, thinking I was on the path to the life they envisioned for me. But everything changed when my ex-husband betrayed my trust and my family’s. He stole heirlooms from my grandmother—items that carried generations of meaning and sentimental value.

Leaving him was an easy decision, but it came at a devastating cost. Not only did I lose my marriage, but I also lost the support of my family, who turned their backs on me. I found myself exiled, alone, and navigating one of the darkest periods of my life.

Without a support system, I spiraled into homelessness and endured various forms of abuse. With no safe place to go, I began sleeping in my car. Even then, I couldn’t bring myself to return to an abusive relationship, no matter how desperate my circumstances became. One night, I totaled the car I was sleeping in. I was emotionally and physically unstable, making rash decisions in a desperate attempt to find my way.

I eventually secured an apartment, but even that wasn’t stable. By 2020, I found myself without a home again, trying to figure out my next move. That’s when my friend Richard stepped in. During the pandemic, he opened his home to me, providing a safe haven where I could begin to rebuild. He gave me the space and time I needed to decide whether I would stay in New York or make a fresh start in Washington, D.C.

Richard didn’t just offer a place to stay—he became a key part of my journey. When I decided to move to D.C., he helped me find work and an apartment. And when it was time to take the leap, he didn’t hesitate. He packed up his car, got on the road, and moved me down there himself. His selflessness gave me the opportunity to grieve my old life, find my peace, and start anew.

Richard and Shanay are just two people within my village who carried me through my darkest times. Shanay, my best friend since we were 12, offered unwavering love and support when I had nowhere else to turn. Her family embraced me as one of their own, providing not just a roof over my head but also the stability I desperately needed to heal.

With the help of my village, I found my footing. I got a new job, secured a stable apartment, and began working as a teacher, slowly building a new life for myself. Looking back, I realize that this period of instability wasn’t just a test of survival—it was the foundation for my resilience. It taught me how to lean on my community, how to rebuild after everything falls apart, and how to believe in my ability to start over.

That resilience fuels everything I do today. It’s why I pour so much into my work with **Tag Your Neighbor**—because I know what it’s like to feel unseen, unsupported, and out of options. My mission is to be the person who opens doors, creates opportunities, and provides resources for others trying to find their way. I’ve walked through darkness, but I’ve also experienced the light that comes from a strong village and a renewed sense of purpose.

This journey has taught me that family isn’t always defined by blood—it’s defined by love, loyalty, and showing up for one another. Through that understanding, I’ve been able to build a life I’m proud of and create a platform that helps others do the same.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

A pivotal moment in my life has been navigating the balance between my full-time teaching career and my dream of running my creative agency, **Tag Your Neighbor**, full time. Teaching provides the financial stability I need, but my heart is in building a platform that creates opportunities for creatives, connects brands to talent, and elevates visibility for those breaking barriers in their fields. The challenge is finding the bandwidth to excel in both without compromising the quality of my work or my vision.

As a teacher, my days are structured and demanding, leaving me with limited time and energy to invest in my agency. Yet, every spare moment I get—early mornings, late nights, weekends—is dedicated to building **Tag Your Neighbor**. From conducting interviews with cultural icons like Dapper Dan and Angela Yee to curating brand partnerships and managing events, I’m constantly juggling two worlds.

The biggest challenge is financial stability. Teaching provides a steady income, health benefits, and a sense of security. Entrepreneurship, on the other hand, requires sacrifices. Building a business from the ground up means navigating uncertainty, taking risks, and often putting your earnings right back into the dream. The mental battle of wanting to take the leap into full-time entrepreneurship while knowing the bills don’t stop is one I face daily.

But I’ve learned to view this phase as a stepping stone, not a setback. Teaching has given me skills in organization, communication, and patience—qualities I bring into my agency work. It also funds the tools and resources I need to keep Tag Your Neighbor growing. Most importantly, it keeps me grounded while I build the foundation for my creative career.

I’m incredibly grateful for the journey because it’s shown me that pursuing a dream isn’t about an instant leap; it’s about intentional steps forward. My goal is to transition into running my agency full time, but I know that will happen in its own time. For now, I remain focused, leveraging my current stability to fuel the dream.

What keeps me motivated is the belief that this pivot is temporary. Every client I secure, every connection I build, and every moment I pour into my agency is bringing me closer to the day I can fully dedicate myself to my passion. Until then, I’m embracing the grind, finding joy in the process, and trusting that this dual journey is preparing me for the success I’m destined for.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://moniquehillary.my.canva.site/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_nay_monique/?hl=en
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janaysanderspmp/?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@tag_your_neighbor

Image Credits
Joy Malone- @joymalonephotography an award – winning photographer with Getty Images.
Zakar- @shotsbyzakar- Celebrity photographer (white dress)
Tima [email protected] Celebrity photographer (Red Suit)