Mad Hat Maven Takes Pride in Certification

By: Krystell Castillo

In the summer of 2018, after several years of doing freelance communications work, Heather Taylor decided to take her business to a larger scale. She incorporated and founded Mad Hat Maven (MHM), a full-service communications firm specializing in external and internal communications, with an impressive and expansive portfolio of work in varied industries.

“I started small with no real expectation to grow, but through networking, I organically expanded the size and talent of Mad Hat Maven. This growth is largely attributed to our mantra – ‘no excuses, only solutions’,” Taylor said. “Our solution-oriented, holistic approach in the world of communications facilitates offering a broad list of services and expands the clients that we work with.”

Taylor and her team of 12 “Creative Mavens” offer services in digital media, communication, human resources, diversity and inclusion, digital transformation, c-level messaging, creative services, marketing, sales, team building, and leadership advocacy. They wear many hats, and have clients in oil and gas, energy, retail, technology, hospitality, real estate, and entertainment. Key to their success is playing an active role in Houston’s small business community, including being a member of the Greater Houston LGBT Chamber of Commerce and other business organizations in the area.

In fact, it was through Houston LGBT Chamber Co-Founder and CEO Tammi Wallace that Taylor learned about obtaining LGBT Business Enterprise Certification, which is provided by the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce.

“Benefits of chamber membership and certification have included networking, the opportunity to attend business events, and meeting people with different skill sets. Being part of a community that values diversity and inclusion also reflects Mad Hat Maven’s internal culture,” Taylor said. “It is important that we are aligned with companies that have hired us as Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I) consultants, and we are proud to be LGBT.”

INCLUSIVE AND DIVERSE: Mad Hat Maven, Heather J. Taylor pictured with staff and clients, said LGBT Business Enterprise certification gives her a sense of pride and aligns with the values of her network. Photo courtesy of Mad Hat Maven, Facebook.

This past March, Mayor Sylvester Turner signed Executive Order 1-70, which calls for the intentional inclusion of LGBT businesses in the City of Houston’s procurement process. LGBT Business Enterprises are now included in the City’s Directory of Certified Firms, providing more visibility for contracting opportunities in both the public and private sectors. Taylor said this event was indicative of an administration that has a vision to keep Houston inclusive and diverse, and one that ensures that every voice is heard.

“One of the reasons I love Houston is that this is where I came out of the closet,” Taylor said. “Obtaining LGBTBE Certification gives me a sense of pride, and it’s an honor to put the LGBTBE certification badge in our website and marketing materials. Further, it is an honor to be part of an amazing network of people who couldn’t be more out and who are proud to talk the talk and walk the walk.”

To learn more about Mad Hat Maven, go to madhatmaven.com or call 832-460-6263. To access the City of Houston’s Directory of Certified Firms, go to houston.mwdbe.com. Also visit houstontx.gov/obo and click on the Certifications tab for an overview of the following certifications: Minority Business Enterprise, Women Business Enterprise, Small Business Enterprise, Persons with Disabilities Enterprise, Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, Airport Concessionaire Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, and LGBT Business Enterprise.

CREATIVE MAVEN: Heather J. Taylor, Mad Hat Maven Chief Consultant, has more than 20 years of wearing multiple hats in the advertising, marketing communications, and public relations fields. Photo courtesy of Mad Hat Maven.