Today we’d like to introduce you to DJ Dimepiece.
DJ Dimepiece, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Beauty and The Beats pretty much sum up my story but here’s the longer version. I started DJing while in college where I hosted college radio shows, DJ’d college parties and eventually took on an internship at a hip hop station to learn more about professional radio. After my internship, I begin working at several radio stations across the South and Midwest. Shortly after my Ohio radio contract ended, I traveled back home to Los Angeles to be closer to family, pursue a DJ career and start anew.
Los Angeles is a different kind of beast, especially when you’re a newcomer. Although LA was home where I grew up and familiar; my DJ business was unknown. Pushing and promoting your brand requires money and investing. So I made a pivot and went job hunting to survive the LA hustle and bustle. LA radio positions were slim to none, so going after stability was best for me. No matter where you’re from, it’s like starting over.
I’ve always had a side gig or worked a day job while in radio so getting back into the workforce was nothing new. After putting in applications, I received a call to come in for an interview at Macy’s. I was excited because I knew this would be a great opportunity to funnel income in as I pushed my DJ business to thrive in LA. Once interviewing, Ana, the manager at the time didn’t want to offer me the job. It was a part-time position in their fragrance department. She mentioned she had something better and believed I’d shine in another position. She then offered a full-time position as a Manager of Trend Beauty, which is home to some of the beauty brand greats like Smashbox who has a celebrity photo studio here in LA, Urban Decay, Anastasia Beverly Hills a renowned Brow Salon in Beverly Hills and ten other lines. Coming from the Music Industry, I had no knowledge whatsoever about the Beauty Industry but the manager who hired me believed, so I was up for the challenge. Little did I know, this career move would alter my life for the better.
Since then, I haven’t looked back. I’ve since been promoted within the company and became a Style Crew Ambassador curating content for Macy’s. In addition to pivoting into the beauty industry, I am also an ambassador for hair companies RastAfri and Fashion Source Wig Collection, based here in Los Angeles where I showcase their products and tutorials through social media.
You’ve heard the beauty side of the story and from that, the Beats finally began making their sound! I am now an official working DJ here in LA dj’ing/hosting events and mix shows that can be heard online and on iHeart Radio.
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?
Coming to a new market and audience can be tough. You’re not known and you literally have to start all over which is exactly what I had to do. Los Angeles is such a massive place and cost of living can be tough as well which can make your LA journey even harder.
Although you may have the experience, radio is all about who you know and working your way up aka “paying dues”. I found that to be a struggle at one point being that my radio resume consisted of working in the South and Midwest regions. So knocking at the LA radio doors was a little discouraging. I continued to push forward in another direction and wasn’t afraid to pivot. Pivoting has created and brought more opportunities than I could have imagined. I’d definitely encourage one to be open to leaning in and pivoting if needed. Don’t be afraid to trust and see what else could be on the horizon. Walking away from a closed-door and pivoting doesn’t mean you’re giving up. It just means you recognize that there’s more to your story and it’s not over.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’d like to describe myself as a Corpreneur, combining the words Corporate and Entrepreneur. I work my Corporate job in the day, Entrepreneur by night. I am a Beauty Advisor to clients and manage 13 beauty brands. When I’m not doing the 9-5 life, I’m running a full-on business as a DJ; DJing events, Radio Mixshows, Host and Content Creator for major beauty and clothing brands.
I’m known for my all-around hustle and not being anchored to one thing. That’s truly what sets me apart. I’m not afraid of a new challenge or to acquire a new talent. Who says you have to just do one thing? I’m all about expanding my horizons and living my best life. Doing so has made me and brand more valuable and versatile.
Believing in myself, trusting my magic and letting it speak for itself is what I’m most proud of. Takes strength to live your truth when journeying the unknown. Sometimes a loss or door closing isn’t the end but redirecting you to the right direction.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
I learned to appreciate life and the true importance of pivoting. The world literally stopped for a moment. We’ve lost loved ones, jobs were cut and finances stripped in most cases. For myself, venues were closed and my day job was closed so I found myself learning more pivoting strategies to stay afloat, i.e. DJing virtual events, emerging in content creating now that more people were at home and doing what I can to stay healthy and safe.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: http://djdimepiece.com
- Instagram: http://instagram.com/djdimepiece
- Facebook: http://facebook.com/djdimepiecefanpage
- Twitter: http://twitter.com/djdimepiece
- Youtube: http://youtube.com/djdimepiece
- SoundCloud: http://SoundCloud.com/djdimepiece
- Other: https://www.macys.com/style-crew/a/dj-dimepiece/213716
