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

Alright, Molly thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

I believe the best way to learn, no matter the occupation, is to take initiative and jump right in. I taught myself how to DJ and I am now teaching myself how to produce music. I played by ear through trial and error until it all clicked. Eventually, my transitions were smooth and I learned to mix in different tracks. Another important lesson I learned is to never be afraid to ask for help along the way. I am fortunate to have amazing mentors in both the music industry and in real estate. I have found talented people who support my dreams and visions. They believe in me and present me with opportunities where I am able to learn and grow. Additionally, and perhaps most importantly, they have given me the confidence to be comfortable taking creative risks. No matter what career you are in, networking and communication skills are vital. I see myself as a true connector and love bringing people together, no matter the circumstance. Just as others have supported me along the way, I see this as a way to help others and to give back.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’ve always gravitated towards people, travel, music and all things water related. I was raised in St. Petersburg, Florida and moved to Nashville immediately after graduating from the University of Alabama. I can’t imagine myself anywhere else and have been fortunate to be able to pursue multiple passions while living here. By day, I work as a real estate agent on the Six1Five Living Team at Compass RE. By night, I DJ and go by the name of DJ Mollywater. I began both careers at the same time in 2020. My DJ career emerged during the quarantine of 2020 as I established myself in Nashville’s underground music scene with my “Club Dungeon” basement party series. Since then, my career has progressed quickly. I have been direct support for Washed Out and recently opened for one of the biggest rising artists in the electronic bass scene, Nostalgix. I placed 2nd in Dancefestopia’s YBR tour and was the final four for Glassetonbury’s Deep Tropic’s competition.

When it comes to real estate, there are so many pieces to the puzzle of helping clients find a home that meets their needs and vision. Our team works tirelessly to make the process seem easy, but behind closed doors, you never know what twists can get thrown your way. For me, those moments are never frustrating–I find those challenges exciting. You have to be prepared to pivot and problem solve at any given time. I am honored that my clients put their trust in me to help them make one of the biggest financial transactions of their life. When it comes to music, it is important to challenge yourself to stay versatile as a DJ. I’ve had multiple gigs throughout Nashville’s prominent bars and hotels. I believe what sets me apart as a DJ is my diverse set of skills and ear for music. You have to be able to read the room and keep up with the vibe on the fly. The residency setting versus the underground scene require a different approach. One involves a lot of planning while the other is more of a freestyle. I am most proud of my journey in both careers. I have to remind myself to take time to reflect on how far I’ve come in such a short period of time. My love of people and my passion for music make both of these careers pure joy.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

I want my work in both careers to be sustainable and relevant. My success as a realtor is gratifying, particularly when you are helping people find a place they love and put down roots not just in Nashville, but in a neighborhood. My work in real estate also provides me with the financial freedom to pursue my passion of performing and producing music. DJing is such a male dominated industry and I have benefited by the encouragement and support of many artists, but I also want to show other women that there is a space for us too, to shine on stage!

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

By far, one of the most rewarding aspects of being an artist is when people thank me for the set I played and tell me how much they enjoyed it. That means the world to me. There is no better feeling than stepping on stage and performing a set that connects to the audience on an emotional level.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/mollywater
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/djmollywater/ and https://www.instagram.com/manellavanella/

Image Credits
Alex Mars Hunter Storch Matt Andrews