We all have dreams. Some from when we were kids and some that pop into our head as we dream of winning the lottery or starting a band and going on a National Tour. I still haven’t figured out how to live on the moon, but that’s a story for another time. Some dreams we put on a shelf and say, “I’ll come back when the time is right.” But we never return. Some of us find our calling later in life and wonder why it took us so long. Me, well I guess I was a late bloomer, but when I look back, everything I have done prepared me for this time in my life.
All of the restaurant training, working at 42nd Street Oyster Bar, opening a new restaurant, working for Marriott learning the ins and outs of weddings and sales, working for Aramark planning the inauguration of Dr. Weisenstein at West Chester University and even getting married taught me something.
I LOVE SOCIAL EVENTS!
I love meeting new people and I love music! Music has always been my one constant. From my first trumpet lesson in elementary school to symphonic and marching band in High School, mix-tapes and college party playlists, to my first paid gig! Shout out to Alpha Phi Omega, Iota Lambda Chapter at NC State University! Music constantly feeds my eagerness to learn and be better. It can cheer me up, calm me down or make me think. Music will transport you through time. When I hear Elvis Presley I think of my Grandmother, every time I hear “It Takes Two” by Rob Base and DJ E-Z Rock I flash back to being at an 8th grade Dance doing the running man!
Somehow music led me to quit my job at the age of 38 to build what is now Sightline Events. Was I ready? Should I take that plunge? I have a great job with a great salary and benefits! This is CRAZY!
Well folks, I pulled out that box of dreams and dusted it off. Became a Full Time Business Owner and DJ and started brewing beer at Frozen Toes Brewing all at the same time. It was a scary feeling to take that leap of faith. Fortunately, I had the support of my wife and family.
*Pause…walks over to podium*
“Good evening ladies and gentlemen, I would like to go on record to say, Krista, without your support this would not have been possible!”
*Walks away from podium…*
Little did I know all of my past jobs helped prepare me for this. Professionalism, Business Acumen, Making tough decisions, developing a brand and even that one time I was the only one in the room with WOO as a major trait!
My journey has enriched my life and brought me new friends and great opportunities that money couldn’t buy. I worked for two different fortune 500 companies and I have great mentors. I am always eager to learn something new and, I am enjoying the journey. I learned more about myself, I made some great friends in the DJ industry that I truly consider to be family. I have been disappointed, I have been excited, but not matter what I keep working to get better.
Most people think that as a Wedding DJ you show up, play music and go home. That could not be further from the truth. There is a lot of practice, sacrifice and dedication to master music across all genres. You have to plan for the unexpected.
I personally take a lot of pride in meeting with couples and helping them plan “The Big Day”. Getting to know their personalities and preferences so that the the music programming isn’t cookie cutter, communicating with the catering staff and other wedding vendors and of course finding a way to make special moments happen is no small feat, but it is what I love doing!
So if you are planning an event with a DJ and you haven’t done anything other than tell them what to play, you could be missing out. On what? On a memory you flash back to years from now when you hear the song again, “Hey remember when we saw Uncle Jimmy break it down to Billie Jean? I’m really glad our DJ asked about who was attending and if there are any special family songs!”
This is what happens when your DJ pays attention and gets to know you in the planning process! Dreams become reality!
Always Dream Big! And if I can ever help you turn your dream into a reality please see my contact information below.
Steven “DJ Phatboy” Lewis