Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Alena Kozhevnikova. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alena , appreciate you joining us today. Has Covid resulted in any major changes to your business model?

Before the pandemic hit, my career as a DJ was thriving. I played at top venues across Miami, including Faena, St. Regis, Novikov, Do Not Sit On The Furniture, Club Wall, LIV, and Chotto Matte. My schedule was packed, with gigs from Monday to Sunday, often performing at both evening and night events over the weekend. This hectic lifestyle was exhilarating but demanding, and my usual days off were Tuesday.
However, when COVID-19 struck, the vibrant nightlife that fueled my career came to a grinding halt. One by one, my gigs were canceled, and soon, I found myself with no work at all as the city shut down. Facing the reality of no income, living in a rental apartment, and being an immigrant from Moscow, I needed to find a way to reinvent myself and adapt to the new circumstances.

With time on my hands and an uncertain future ahead, I turned to social media as a lifeline. On a whim, I advertised DJ courses on my Instagram, thinking it might just be a fun way to pass the time and connect with others. To my surprise, the response was overwhelming. People were eager to learn DJing, and suddenly, I found myself transitioning from performing to teaching.

This pivot was not just a temporary fix but a complete transformation of my business model. Setting up the courses required me to develop a curriculum, figure out the logistics of teaching (initially online), and tap into my network to attract students. It was a challenging but rewarding process, leveraging my skills and reputation in a completely new way.

The shift from live DJ gigs to teaching DJ courses has been a profound change, but it has opened up new avenues for growth and stability in an otherwise uncertain time. It’s a testament to the power of adaptability and creativity in navigating the challenges brought by the pandemic.

Alena , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am DJ Aloona, with over 15 years of experience in the music industry. Having honed my craft for over 9 years in the United States and an additional 14 years internationally, I am recognized as a leader in the field. As the founder of Miami DJ Academy, I am proud to lead the only DJ school in Miami owned by a woman, breaking barriers and fostering an inclusive environment for aspiring DJs from all backgrounds.

At Miami DJ Academy, we offer transformative DJ lessons that turn your passion for music into a tangible skill in just 10 hours. Our commitment extends beyond teaching; we are dedicated to nurturing your talent and empowering you to shine in the music scene.

Moreover, we understand the importance of practical experience. That’s why, upon completing your 10-hour DJ course, we organize a live DJ show for you at one of Miami’s premier venues. This event provides a platform to test your skills and make your mark in the music world.

We invite you to become part of our vibrant community of music enthusiasts, passionate learners, and budding DJs. Whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to refine your skills, Miami DJ Academy is your gateway to a fulfilling career in music.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

One crucial lesson I had to unlearn is the idea of postponing new ventures or ideas. Often, we think about starting something new and decide to shelf it for later. However, I’ve learned that it’s imperative to start immediately. The earlier you begin, the sooner you’ll see results and achieve greater success.

This mindset shift was particularly vital during the pandemic when I transitioned from being a DJ to teaching DJ courses. If I had waited or hesitated to advertise my courses, I might not have discovered this rewarding path. Instead, I acted quickly, using my instincts and the resources available at the moment. This approach not only sustained me through uncertain times but also allowed me to grow and expand in ways I hadn’t anticipated.

So, the lesson is clear: Don’t put your plans on the back shelf. Start now, and you’ll open up a world of possibilities sooner than you think.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

I don’t rely on just one source for finding clients. Being highly sociable, I can engage potential clients almost anywhere, even while sitting at a bar or restaurant. This flexibility allows me to continuously expand my network and opportunities, no matter the setting.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.miamidjacademy.com
• Instagram: aloona.official
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-v2K2fL_RZekrLW9ZfHfKg