From Passion to Purpose: My 30-Year DJ Career Journey 🎧✨
The Beginning: A Love for Music and Dance 🎶
My DJ journey began with a deep love for music and an 18-year passion for dancing, which eventually transformed into a self-taught mastery. Within just two weeks, I was mixing at a level that got me recognised in local bars and clubs. Confident in my abilities and clear about my goals, I wasn’t afraid to put myself out there. As the positive feedback rolled in, I quickly reached a professional level and started securing re-hires. The impact I made was undeniable, and I was hooked. 🎤
Building a Career: People Over Playlists 🎉
DJing was never just about technical skill—it was about trusting my instincts, reading the crowd, and creating an experience that felt seamless and unforgettable. I thrived on making it easy for everyone to request their favourite tracks while ensuring no one felt left out. For me, DJing became about connection—transcending genres and blending the crowd’s energy into the perfect set.
The skills I never expected to master—reading the room, engaging the crowd, and understanding the unspoken needs—became my secret weapon. Harmonising with everyone from bar staff to venue managers became second nature. Over two decades of performing up to seven times a week, I fine-tuned these skills, ensuring each performance was not just about the music but about creating a shared, immersive experience for everyone in the room. 🔥
I built my career on passion, raw talent, and adaptability. Every gig was an opportunity to learn, grow, and evolve. 🎧 My neurodivergence played a crucial role, enhancing my ability to adapt quickly and meet the unspoken needs of my audience. This deep connection with diverse crowds kept me in demand and helped me cultivate long-lasting relationships within the industry. 🌍
Pivoting and Adapting: Phase One 🚢
After 15 years of live events in the UK, I began to feel uninspired by the same venues, the audiences, and the people paying me. Everything started to feel stagnant. That was until 2006, when I found myself on my first cruise.
While on holiday, I saw an opportunity to step into the DJ booth. Passengers were complaining that they couldn’t hear or understand what the DJ was saying on the microphone, yet nothing was being done about it. This sparked an idea: Why not offer the passengers a taste of DJ Michelle—a personalised experience that reflected the high-energy, UK-style atmosphere I was used to?
Using the DJ’s collection and microphone, I greeted the next passengers that walked into the nightclub, creating a dynamic and welcoming environment. I lasted 30 minutes—before being kicked out by Health and Safety!
The overwhelmingly positive response from passengers ignited a new chapter in my career, exposing me to global audiences and opening doors to fresh opportunities. 🌊
Pivoting and Adapting: Phase Two 🌐
By 2010, I had fully embraced the digital era, leaving behind my CD and vinyl collections. At the same time, I began writing my first book, sharing the unique experiences of life at sea for future crewmembers, inspired by the incredible stories of crew and passengers I met along the way. I published the book in 2013, hoping to give others a glimpse into the world I had come to know. 🌏
Encouraged by passengers who suggested I try public speaking, I took a leap of faith and hosted my first event at the local library while at home between ship contracts. The event was a success, leading to an invitation for a second speaking engagement and a few more book sales along the way. 📚
In 2015, I took another major step—launching my own DJ academy. This was my way of passing on the knowledge I had accumulated over the years. The academy became a platform where I could teach not just the technical aspects of DJing, but also the deeper skills of reading a crowd and creating unforgettable experiences. It quickly became a place for aspiring DJs to grow and learn, and it remains a key part of my legacy. 🎓🎶
As the world shifted in 2020, so did my DJ business. The global move to online spaces marked a turning point in my career. Virtual hosting and presenting allowed me to connect in real-time with an international audience, creating a level of loyalty I had never experienced before. 🌟
My ability to innovate and think creatively, combined with my neurodivergence, gave me new ways to connect and engage. I launched a membership programme, built around the events we were running, and it continues to thrive, growing a strong and supportive community. 🌱
Lessons Learned Along the Way ✨
• Seizing Opportunities: Success isn’t just about waiting for the right moment—it’s about recognising opportunities when they arise and boldly stepping into them. Whether it’s securing a residency or embracing new platforms, it’s the willingness to take action that leads to growth. 📈
• Adapting to Change: In a world that’s constantly evolving, adaptability is more than a skill—it’s a mindset. From vinyl to digital, from live events to virtual spaces, the ability to stay flexible and embrace change is what allows us to not just survive, but thrive in any environment. 🔄
• Connecting with People: The true essence of success lies in building deep, meaningful connections. It’s about understanding the energy of the crowd, responding to their needs, and creating moments that resonate and leave a lasting impact—both on the people and on your own journey. 💖
💖 What’s Next?
My journey has deeply influenced my approach as a business owner, mentor, coach, author, aspiring speaker, and DJ academy founder. The skills I honed behind the decks—understanding people, managing expectations, and crafting transformative experiences—have become the foundation of everything I do. Today, I channel these abilities to see the unseen, hear the unsaid, and address the subtle changes that often go unnoticed. This allows me to help others break through barriers and thrive in ways they never thought possible. 🌟
Closing Thoughts 💭
What began as a passion has evolved into a purpose-driven career, one that serves as a constant reminder: embracing change, seizing opportunities, and staying true to your passions can lead to extraordinary outcomes. Whether you’re a DJ, a creative, or navigating a major life transition, it’s not just about the task at hand—it’s about the connections you forge, the energy you bring, and the lasting impact you create. 🌱