Today we’d like to introduce you to Leah Smith.
Leah, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I’ve always loved music! I have always enjoyed listening to it, and love seeing the effect it has on people. I came from a family of musicians and was introduced to the piano at a young age. I knew that I always wanted to have a career in a music-related industry. I decided to attend a Music Technology program in my senior year in High School, and then later graduated from the Art Institute of Atlanta with a Bachelor’s Degree in Audio Production. Finding a corporate job out of college was very difficult even though I had a degree. I didn’t want to waste anymore time and decided to take it upon myself to start my own DJ company called She’s A DJ Entertainment. I have been in business for five years now and it is continuing to grow in success each year!
Now that I have been into this industry for a while, I decided that I wanted to find a way to inspire the youth who are interested in music just like I was when I was a kid. Last year I started We DJ Academy, where I teach young kids & teens (girls & boys) how to deejay. Since then, I have taught private and group lessons, I teach at schools, organizations, and have some students that are already out here in Atlanta doing paid gigs!
Has it been a smooth road?
No, it has not been a smooth road for me. The process of trying to grow any business is definitely challenging. Some struggles that I had encountered were trying to reach the parents in a way that they could understand and see the benefits of having their child be a part of this program, especially because most people don’t see deejaying as a typical extracurricular activity. I feel that as non-traditional careers continue to advance, people will starting to view it in a different way.
Any advice for other women, particularly young women who are just starting their journey?
My advice to women in general who want to or have just started their journey in business is to be confident in your vision, but take time to plan and figure out what will make you different from the rest. Also, “patience is a virtue”, remember that this is a journey that you are on. For young women who may be interested in starting their journey in an art-related field such as deejaying, music production, etc. I would say, don’t be afraid! Don’t let the fear of being in a male-dominated industry stop you from pursuing your passion and dreams. There are women who have excelled in this field and there will be many more to come!
So, as you know, we’re impressed with We DJ Academy – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
So, in general, I am just an all-around entrepreneur. My heart and passion really lie with deejaying. My company, She’s A DJ Entertainment is an All-Female DJ company that provides DJ, Lighting, and PhotoBooth services for Weddings, Private & Corporate Events. What we do at She’s A DJ, I teach my students at We DJ Academy the same things such as: How to use the Equipment and Softwares, How to Beatmatch (Mix), Learning Different Genres of Music, Microphone Techniques, Performance Skills, Scratching, Creating your own Brand and Business, etc. In the Academy, we also breakdown how S.T.E.M (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) coincides with deejaying.
I am most proud of actually pursuing my passion and making successful businesses from it. What sets me apart from others is having a professional Female DJ Company with an all Female DJ Team, which is definitely a niche. Along with that, teaching the youth through this awesome art form is something I feel that is not as present as it should be. I strive the be the best role model and inspiration to them!
Who have you been inspired by?
My mother and grandmother have been the biggest inspiration in my life. They are the ones what have given me wisdom. They have guided and taught me not only how to be a woman, but to be a woman of good character.
Also, when I said I came from a family of musicians, they are definitely included in this. The woman who has inspired me the most in the music industry is Alicia Keys. “The Diary of Alicia Keys” was the first album I ever owned. She inspires me because she is true to herself, her music, and is an awesome role model and leader.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.wedjacademyatl.com
- Email: wedjacademyatl@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wedjacademy/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wedjacademy/
Image Credit:
Leah Smith, Tanika Cabral, Kyla Patterson
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