Today we’d like to introduce you to Haley Wright Tinkle.
Hi Haley, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, you could tell our readers some of your backstory.
I started my professional journey as a hostess at a restaurant near Jax Airport, and of course, it was a great first job, but I knew that my love for people and my community was beginning to blossom. While in college, I was introduced to Rethreaded, an amazing local non-profit that employs survivors of human trafficking. Through that work, I learned the importance of serving my community and loving people where they are. I coordinated pop-up shops and speaking events for the organization all over the Southeast. One afternoon, I ran the retail shop, and one of our biggest supporters came in, mentioning that she was looking to bring someone onto the team to run her event space, The Glass Factory. I, of course, said yes and got to host over 100 weddings and events in the two years I was there. The previous owners of The Glass Factory decided to sell their space, and with new ownership came new management. I left and found my current job at Downtown Vision, #DTJax’s Business Improvement District, where I oversee many of Jacksonville’s most beloved events: First Wednesday Art Walk, Third Thursday Sip and Stroll, Jax River Jams, and countless more.
I stayed close to the previous manager of the Glass Factory during this time, offering advice for the nearly 100-year-old building. When she was offered a new job, she highly recommended my husband and me to run the space to the new owner, and we’ve been back ever since. Now four years later, we are back, and using my connections Downtown and all over the city, we get to create inclusive and community-centered events. These events not only open up our beautiful space to the public, but we can provide opportunities to invest in our local creative economy. We get to bring in makers, musicians, and more. When not Downtown or at the Glass Factory, we enjoy spending time with our family and our fur babies: Apollo, Chandler, Dolly, Gretchen, and Roux. We get to partner with our neighbors over at Myrtle Ave Brewing and the Railyard Exchange to double the footprint of the space and provide new experiences for people who have never been to the area. It’s truly our little slice of heaven.
Let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
Not. No road is ever smooth. You can plan and orchestrate the perfect road, but nature and the environment all have something to say. We’ve had to deal with weather cancellations and vendors dropping the ball. Even the building sale was a fork in the road for me. I didn’t know what I was going to do. I didn’t have a job for six months. I got by pursuing my photography business full-time, babysitting, and any odd jobs I could find. I submitted almost 100 job applications. It was a scary time.
But Downtown Vision took a chance on me. And I knew that I was supposed to be waiting for this role. Six months into the job, the pandemic hit, and we had to pivot from outdoor public events to a virtual space I wasn’t familiar with. It’s been an exciting journey that I wouldn’t change one second of. I have the social media experience of a typical millennial, but I still had so much to learn. It was fun, challenging, and uplifting. I could still bring the community together from the safety of their homes. And, of course, now that the mandates have subsided, the world still feels a little different. It’s been interesting having to adjust to our new normal, but people crave and need their communities through it all.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Downtown Vision is the business improvement district (BID) in Jacksonville, Florida, responsible for driving the growth and vibrancy of the downtown area.
The Events and Placemaking Department is crucial in cultivating a lively and engaging downtown atmosphere in Jacksonville. Through our programs like Jax River Jams, First Wednesday Art Walk, and Third Thursday Sip and Stroll, we create opportunities for residents, workers, and visitors to connect, celebrate, and appreciate the unique character of downtown Jacksonville. Additionally, their placemaking initiatives further enrich the urban landscape, making downtown a destination for community interaction, artistic expression, and memorable experiences.
Jax River Jams: This signature event series organized by Downtown Vision brings the energy of live music to the St. Johns Riverfront. Jax River Jams showcases local and national artists, creating an unforgettable concert experience for residents and visitors alike. With a backdrop of Jacksonville’s stunning skyline, Jax River Jams attracts music enthusiasts from all walks of life, adding to downtown’s lively and vibrant atmosphere.
First Wednesday Art Walk: This monthly event has become a beloved tradition in downtown Jacksonville. On the first Wednesday of every month, the streets come alive with an explosion of creativity as local artists, performers, and vendors showcase their work. First Wednesday Art Walk allows the community to explore the vibrant art scene, interact with artists, browse galleries, and enjoy live entertainment, food, and drinks.
Third Thursday Sip and Stroll: This monthly event is a delightful combination of leisurely exploration and indulgence. Third Thursday, Sip and Stroll, allows attendees to enjoy a variety of locally crafted beverages while strolling down the picturesque Southbank Riverwalk. Participants can enjoy live music and entertainment while discovering unique local cuisine and craft cocktails and engaging with the downtown community.
Placemaking Initiatives: Downtown Vision recognizes the importance of creating inviting and engaging public spaces that foster a strong sense of community. Through their placemaking initiatives, they transform underutilized areas into vibrant, welcoming places for people to gather and enjoy. These initiatives can include pop-up parks, public art installations, interactive installations, and temporary activations that breathe life into previously neglected spaces. By encouraging community involvement and creative placemaking, Downtown Vision enhances the overall downtown experience and fosters a stronger sense of place.
Risk-taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
Progress has always been made by taking risks! I am an ask-for-forgiveness instead of a permission type of gal. Safety is my top priority, so with those risks in mind, I do everything I can to ensure the guests at my events are safe while experiencing something new and exciting.
Contact Info:
- Website: dtjax.com / haleywrightphoto.com
- Instagram: @dtjax / @haley.tinkle / @theglassfactory
- Facebook: facebook.com/dtjax
- Twitter: twitter.com/dtjax
Image Credits
Verance Photography, Cre8Jax, Rakimism
