Today we’d like to introduce you to Iesha Daniels.
Hi Iesha, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I officially started DJing almost five years ago. My love for music came from both parents. My father is also a DJ and I used to help him when I was younger. But DJing as a career didn’t cross my mind until I was in between jobs. I knew that I didn’t necessarily want to go back to a corporate job in the capacity that I’d previously been in. So, I took DJ lessons to learn the new technology and moved home with my parents to invest in DJ equipment and into myself.
I did a lot of odd-end jobs in between and took every type of DJ opportunity–even if it was low/no compensation in order to build a network and get to where I am today. So far I’ve done some incredible gigs for clients such as: Apple TV+, Twitter, Essence Fest, REVOLT TV, Tabitha Brown, Vivica Foxx, JB Smoove, PAFF, TIFF, Morehouse College, Howard University, UCLA, NAACP and The Academy of Motion Pictures among many others!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It was a lot of sacrifice in the beginning but I prepared myself for that and I knew that if I was determined and disciplined that it would pay off eventually. Making the decision to move in with my parents wasn’t an easy choice because I was giving up my independence. A lot of family members have helped me along the way as well and I’m very grateful for them.
The hardest part was working full time and pursuing my passions on the side until it became stable enough to do solely. There were often times where I’d work 7 days straight because my job was Monday-Friday and then I’d be DJing on Saturday and Sunday. I was extremely tired. Sometimes I’d have to take days off from work because I’d have a DJ gig that was mid-day and I needed the opportunity. I also sacrificed my social life which took a toll on me.
I’m truly thankful for everyone that’s supported this vision along the way and those that continue to support me! I definitely couldn’t have done any of this alone.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a DJ, I do mostly private parties and corporate events. I play mostly Top 40 (hip-hop, R&B, pop, Latin, international) music–essentially whatever the client prefers and build from there. I’m not afraid to play new music and ‘dig in the crates’ for older tracks, if it sounds good and it fits the direction I’m going in, then I’ll play it.
I’m most proud of making the career switch and believing in myself enough to take the risk and go after what I’m passionate about. I didn’t want to live with regret.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
My parents and my siblings have all supported me with housing when I had to downsize and cut back on my expenses to make this vision a reality.
I’m grateful for my friends and extended family that gave me my first DJ opportunities and also invested time/money to support me and lended an ear when I needed to vent about the rough patches.
I’m grateful to everyone that has referred me for opportunities on my behalf. I have the most amazing network and I could not be more grateful. It’s truly been a blessing.
Contact Info:
- Website: ieshairene.com
- Instagram: @iesha_irene
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ieshadaniels/
- Twitter: @iesha_irene
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/ieshairene
Image Credits
Jelani Lockert Jennifer Johnson Jon Carmichael Anne Marie Clark
