We recently had the chance to connect with Debbie Sallee and have shared our conversation below.
Debbie , a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
The first 90 minutes of my day is probably out of the ordinary for most. LOL Sadly, I don’t drink coffee, but I definitely don’t need coffee to wake up, I’m naturally a morning person and when I wake up, I hit the floor going. Bathroom of course, get “semi dressed” unless I have some place to be, then go straight to my desk. Check emails, social media and start my to do list. Sometimes, more than I’d like to share… I’ll be at my desk till close to noon before realizing I didn’t have breakfast and I’m starving.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Let’s Celebrate! That’s my brand that’s me, Debbie The DJ. I want your wedding to be the one everyone is still talking about months or years later. Yes, the one that everyone compares every other wedding they attend to yours. I specialize in weddings but also do corporate events and reunions. I definitely feed off others energy! Nothing makes me happier than having my client say they want to try something different, non traditional or out of the box! I say, let’s make it happen! I’m pretty high energy and I’m not a sit behind my booth type DJ, I like to interact with the guests. I’m a DJ, MC and Entertainer.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
Powerful, I’m not certain this is how some would see this as a “powerful” moment. My earliest memory for me was in High School. I realized I was able to influence people, get them to laugh, do fun things that were out of their comfort zone and actually have fun. That was a great feeling and I felt like it began to shape me into who I am today and what I live to do.
When you were sad or scared as a child, what helped?
I’ve never been asked this question and it honestly made me have to think pretty hard. This leans more toward when I was sad. As a young child, I was a gymnast and would go into my yard and do my floor routine over and over again to my music. It was the one getaway I had that made me feel good but also burn energy and make me forget whatever I was sad or upset about. Thinking through my teen years when break ups with boyfriends or broken friendships were my heartache, I would listen to records… yes, I said it “records” 45’s to be exact. Lol. I’d listen to the same upbeat songs that would inspire me to move on over and over again till I was out of my sadness. So this question, made me realize that music has been with me, in me and my motivator since I was a kid. Even today, once a month I’ll usually DJ during the week at nursing homes or assisted living. I’m telling you, seeing the light in their eyes, I’m reminded that if nothing else can get through to them, music can. That is one of my joys to be able to do that through music. Even at events weddings, etc., I feel like I see people come alive and enjoy and out of their comfort zone because of the music.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
Living live to the fullest every minute of every day. It’s not just a saying for me it’s the truth. I’ve always been a person that enjoys having fun with friends and family, however, in 2008 I was diagnosed with a rare cancer and I’m blessed to still be here to day healthy and doing the things I love. I don’t turn down opportunities, I take the trips, I eat the food (sometimes to much) I take the pictures (even if I don’t like my look that day) My friends and family know this and would tell you this. What makes me even happier is when others come along for the ride. I feel like they might not have done something if it wasn’t for the invite or the little push from us.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Have you ever gotten what you wanted, and found it did not satisfy you?
THIS QUESTION!! 100% and honestly more than once. In my younger years I worked as a car hop at a Sonic Drive In, my goal in life (at that time) was to work downtown, be in the corporate world, Monday – Friday job. I made it to a secretary job in downtown Houston. Wow, what a disappointment, the drive, the traffic, work restrictions, office drama and the pay. Nope, not for me. Fast forward MANY years later, I wanted to work my way to “upper management”. I didn’t have a college degree and it appeared that even thought I had worked there for several years I wouldn’t get that chance because I didn’t meet the requirement of a college degree. Hard work and proving myself to be more than capable, I got the position. Year one was good, year two became a little of a challenge I did enjoy it and learned so much. What I wasn’t a fan of was managing employees, budgets, salary vs hourly pay and so on. I took a leap of faith, resigned and went out on my own. Thankful and blessed that my husband was able to support me and my dream.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.debbiethedj.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/debbie_the_dj
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbie-sallee-821333205
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/debbiethedj1/
Image Credits
Annie Austin Photography, Farrah Nicole Photography, Lacey Nicole Photography
