Today we’d like to introduce you to Kara Ford.
Hi Kara, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I have always been very into music. Like I had an intense passion for all things music growing up. I wanted to learn how to play every instrument, I would watch music videos all day long, I never missed a music awards show, and I even started making my own music with a software called fruity loops. I was a bit obsessed. But within that obsession, I always knew I would work in the music industry in some sort of way when I grew up.
I never actually thought I would become a DJ, I did have an interest in DJ but I thought I would be a music manager or work in A&R. I wanted to find new artists and help them break into the industry. While I still would love to work in the industry in that capacity, little did I know being a DJ, I would be able to break artists in the most direct way by deciding if I would play their music at events.
I didn’t become a DJ until after I moved to LA, after graduating from Purdue University with a major in business. I moved out here looking for a music industry job and decided to learn to DJ to make extra money so that I could take a music industry internship. And while pursuing DJing, I absolutely fell in love with it. I thought to myself, “wow I think THIS is what I should be pursuing”. I was obsessed with the craft immediately and decided to give it everything and make DJing my career.
Started getting gigs through a well-known wedding-focused DJ agency based in Los Angeles that thankfully kept me very busy and helped me learn the ins and outs of the craft. After being exclusive with that agency for three years, I branched out and started my own business focusing on DJing corporate events, weddings, and bars/clubs.
Now looking back fortunate enough to have gotten the opportunity to DJ over 400 weddings, work with clients like Zillow, Microsoft, Amazon, Nike, Bentley and, and hold residencies as some of LA’s most exclusive venues.
Now as I continue to grow my brand, I am booking other DJs to help represent my company and traveling around country DJing amazing events. Its been quite an amazing journey and I am excited to see where it all goes.
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?
I think my biggest struggle has always been understanding my worth. First when stepping out of the agency, I worked with. I was unsure how well I would do on my own and if I would be able to get enough clients to sustain myself living in Los Angeles. It definitely took me taking a good look at where I was at and trusting that I had the “know how” and ability to bring in clients on a consistent basis. However, after taking that leap of faith, I was very happy I did. Throughout my eight years career, I have had additional instances were knowing my worth was tested. And what I have learned is that when you put that little bit of trust in yourself and set your intention, the universe will reward in some way.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a DJ. I specialize in events -corporate events, galas, grand openings, screenings, conferences, weddings, etc.
I am most proud of the relationships I have with different well-known clients (Zillow, Amazon, Spectrum, Disney, HBO, Microsoft, etc.)
I believe what sets me apart is my passion for music, my DJ style, and my professionalism.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
Professionalism Taste In Music
Skill
Understanding of what to play at different events
Ability to read the crowd
Ability to play for a wide range of different people
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.djkaraLA.com
- Instagram: dj.kara
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC05_ffuXP7upb8fmLHwRxKA
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/djkaralosangeles
Image Credits
@jiro_sc @jeremiahjw
