Tinesha Franklin, director of vibes and marketing (also known as director of sales) at the Moxy Atlanta Downtown, has more than 11 years of experience in hotel sales, including roles as corporate sales manager and interim director of sales. She stepped into her current role in late 2025.
Franklin has a simple philosophy: “The first to call back wins the business.”
1. What first got you into hospitality?
Before hospitality, I spent several years in the entertainment industry as a recording artist and actress. At a certain point, I was ready for a change of pace and decided to explore something new, which led me to the restaurant industry as a bartender and eventually into management.
A colleague of mine, Lori Brown, saw something in me and encouraged me to explore hospitality sales. I took a leap and started as a sales coordinator at [the] Embassy Suites Perimeter ... and I instantly fell in love.
The pace, the people, the energy … it just clicked. Hospitality gave me the opportunity to still create experiences, connect with people, and bring energy into every interaction, just in a different way. And I’ve been all in ever since.
2. Who were some of your mentors when you were getting started?
I was incredibly fortunate to have strong leaders pour into me early on: Tenille Perry, Jasmin Jones, Alex Morales and Shanta Hayes-Johnson.
Shantae really took me under her wing when I first started and taught me the systems and structure. Alex and Tenille helped me understand the rhythm and hustle of sales, and Jasmin always that voice of encouragement pushing me to go bigger. They each shaped me in different ways, and I carry those lessons with me every day.
3. What were some of the most important lessons you learned early in your career?
That time is truly money and how you show up in that time matters.
Being responsive, intentional, and consistent can change the entire trajectory of a deal. In hospitality, speed builds trust, and trust builds business.
4. What is the biggest professional challenge you’ve faced in your career? How did you overcome it?
One of the biggest challenges has been navigating rejection; especially in situations where the outcome was tied to things outside of my control, like a property’s condition or perception in the market.
I learned to shift my focus to what I could control: the experience, the relationship, and the value I brought to the client. When you lead with that level of intention, even a “no” can turn into a future “yes.”
5. Can you tell me about one of your proudest professional accomplishments? Why is it meaningful to you?
One of my proudest accomplishments is helping develop team members and watching them step into roles that elevate their careers. That’s incredibly fulfilling for me.
I also take pride in the impact behind the numbers; when I bring in business, it creates opportunities for our team. More hours, more stability, more families being supported. That’s the part of the job that keeps me grounded and motivated.
6. What brought you to the Moxy and your current role at the property?
Honestly, if Moxy were a person, she’d be me.
With my background in the entertainment industry as a recording artist and actress, I’ve always been drawn to spaces that are expressive, high-energy, and rooted in culture. That same creative spirit lives at the core of the Moxy brand; it’s bold, it’s experiential, and it doesn’t take itself too seriously while still delivering exceptional results.
Stepping into this role felt like a full-circle moment. I get to merge my foundation in hospitality with my passion for music, art, and creating memorable experiences.
As director of vibes & marketing, I’m able to bring that energy to life, partnerships, and how we show up for our guests every day.
7. What is the best part of your job?
The people, hands down!
There’s something special about the energy in a Moxy lobby. It’s not just a pass-through space; it’s an experience. I love connecting with guests and my team in real time. Sometimes that means talking about business, and sometimes it means stepping right into the vibe with them.
My goal is simple: Help people find a little joy in their day. When the energy is right, everything else flows.
8. What do you hope to be doing five years from now?
I’m not sure exactly what that looks like just yet, and I think there’s power in leaving room for growth and evolution.
What I do know is that in this moment, I see myself continuing to elevate the Moxy brand and creating experiences that bring people together in meaningful ways. I want to keep building strong partnerships and continue to position Moxy Atlanta Downtown as a cultural hub where business, lifestyle, and entertainment intersect.
Wherever the next five years take me, I know it will be rooted in purpose, impact, and creating spaces where people can truly connect.
Play On.