Today we’d like to introduce you to Chanel Crosskey.
Hi Chanel, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
So I started deejaying by accident. I was at a house party with my friends in college and there was a moment when I found myself in the kitchen behind the “DJ booth” and I was watching the DJ play music on his laptop. There was a moment during that same party that I was able to actually be the DJ and the feeling of controlling the energy of the room through music completely transcends anything I’ve ever felt before. I went back to my dorm inspired and immediately downloaded Virtual DJ and taught myself how to DJ. I did a few parties for my friends in our dorms and off campus but it wasn’t until after graduation that it became a career. After graduating, I moved back to my hometown (Warner Robins) and got really involved with the youth ministry at my childhood church. I did the music for majority of the events and then people started asking me to DJ their birthday parties, family reunions, weddings, and for other churches reached out throughout the city also. I deejayed for a Christian rapper for years during this time too. When I relocated to Charlotte, I continued to build my skill set and connect with people in the city that allowed me to DJ in some really cool spaces. It’s still surreal to me that I get to play music for people for a living!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Absolutely not. Lol I juggled working full time and deejaying part time until I was being requested to DJ more than my PTO could allow. I took a chance on myself and began to DJ full time around 2022. Maintaining consistent work in the beginning was a challenge. Post covid was a weird time for the entertainment industry. I had seasons where the phone was ringing off the hook and seasons where I struggled. I have no regrets. I would do it again a million times over. The beautiful part of the entrepreneurship journey is not just achieving the goals you set for yourself. It’s also the person you become along the way. I’m better, stronger and even more resilient. I’ve learned how to budget more effectively, negotiate better and show up in a room exactly how I want. The challenges build the character you need to help you continue to elevate in your chosen path. There will be seasons of overflow and there will be seasons of drought no matter what path you choose. The key is to stay calm, learn what you’re being supposed in that moment and keep going. And once you get the momentum you’ve been waiting for, be ready! Give it everything you’ve got.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a female DJ with my own entertainment company (DJ Smylee Entertainment) that provides services for weddings, corporate & private events, sporting events, conferences, school events, festivals, nightlife and more. I specialize in providing DJ services as well as A/V services for all events. I’m most proud of myself for choosing to follow my creative passion instead of choosing a traditional job. I’m also proud of winning the Red Bull DJ Turn It Up Battle alongside my teammate See Bird Go. Being able to DJ in unique spaces like with the Carolina Panthers, App State University football team, American Airlines, multi-million dollar real estate properties, and music festivals are also very high on my list. What sets me apart from others are my professionalism, attention to detail and diversity in music. I’ve been told by previous clients that I bring a sense of calm to the planning process and I’m very proud of that. It’s music so it should be fun! I tell people all the time, put me in ANY room and we will have an amazing time. I have over 12 years of experience in so many different spaces that I’m confident I can deliver under any circumstance. I truly care about every event I’m booked for and I curate the music for each and every event individually. My clients vision becomes mine during the planning process and I have to see it through to the end.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I’m not really a luck person. I’m more faith-based and a believer that our choices determine our outcomes to a certain extent. Faith has played a HUGE role in my personal life and business. During the seasons where business is slow, I cling the most to my faith in God knowing that everything will be ok. Just keep going. Continue to do the right thing even when it’s hard. In my personal life, I try to make good choices so I can get good results. It doesn’t always work that way of course but it doesn’t deter my optimism. Two of my favorite Bible verses to live by are Colossians 3:23 and 1 Corinthians 10:31. I’ve carried these with me in every career field and every season I find myself in personally. Also, I credit having a solid network. Who you know and how you treat people are extremely important to your level of success.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.imdjsmylee.com
- Instagram: @imdjsmylee
- Other: https://www.mixcloud.com/imdjsmylee/
