Today we’d like to introduce you to Debbie Sallee.
Hi Debbie, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
Birthday parties, Karaoke, a friend’s wedding a referral from that wedding and I was on my way! Fell in love with the DJ gigs right away. Meeting people, being a part of their special day, and making it fun and memorable that they are still talking about it the next week… then I’ve done my job. Which doesn’t feel like a job at all. In 2008 I went thru a tough battle with cancer. It’s true, that after going through something tragic like that and survive, you see through a new set of eyes. Appreciative to wake up the next day, not taking little things for granted, and not sweating the small stuff. I started a bucket list and going for every little thing I’ve said I’d like to do. I found a DJ on Craig’s List selling all of his equipment because he bought all new and I think it was like $1500. So, I bought it, started some small gigs, and never looked back! Here I am 9 years later small business owner and female DJ! Let’s Gooooo!
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
I’m not one of the youngest DJs out there heck probably one of the oldest female DJs there are. Technology and equipment and music change daily and now it’s keeping up with the new songs not just on the radio but on platforms like TikTok. What’s really funny is people will request those songs sometimes only knowing the popular part of the song, so when the song starts off, I get that deer in the headlight look from them until they hear the chorus or part of the song they know.
We’ve been impressed with Debbie The DJ, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
DJ / Entertainer! I’d say ninety percent of my business would be weddings, the remainder company, private events and I visit health care facilities about once a month. I started doing this as a side hustle about nine years ago and after the first year it took off and I haven’t looked back. I enjoy every single moment DJing weddings. I connect with my brides from the time of booking and offer a lot of little suggestions for their planning process to help them out, but the day of is it for me. Seeing all of it come together for the bride and groom, the families, their nerves, getting them lined up to walk out, and then the music begins. Guest get quiet, families walking down, wedding party, wondering if the flower girl and ring bearer will make it down the aisle and then of course the bride. All of it is so exciting and I get to be a special part of their day. I do this for a Living!!! Had I told my younger self that I would be doing this now I would have never believed it. I’m definitely a high-energy DJ, I love to keep the guest happy and entertained with special games, creative ways to release tables for dinner, etc. I want them talking about it days after the wedding. Parties of all kinds are pretty fun and interesting and I love DJing karaoke for these parties, now that is entertaining for me. Next would be visiting the healthcare facilities, oh my goodness the joy in their eyes. Playing music, they relate to, some getting up dancing, some singing and remembering every… single… word. Music reminding them of their past / the good ole days, it’s so rewarding for me and my heart to do a little something special for them. I actually took my husband with me one time and at the end, one lady stood up and thanked us for coming and remembering they are still alive and here. When we got in the car, my husband said, after hearing what that lady said, I see why you do this.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you.
The role of “luck” in my life and business, wow… Luck or Blessings? I stumbled on starting this business after my battle with Cancer. I’m Lucky and Blessed to be alive and Living Life to the fullest. Could it be luck, that I found a DJ selling all of his equipment for just $1500, because he was purchasing all new equipment You can’t start many new small businesses for that if any. I’ve met so many wonderful people in the wedding industry that will refer me to new brides and have had repeat business and new business from guest I have met at weddings. Let’s call it both Luck and Blessed all day every day.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.debbiethedj.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/debbie_the_dj/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/debbiethedj1
