We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Cecilia Valles a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Cecilia , appreciate you joining us today. Can you walk us through some of the key steps that allowed you move beyond an idea and actually launch?

Before I created Grime Girls I was a Dj. I was DJing for about half a year before I decided to start throwing my own events. I noticed I wasn’t getting gigs I resonated with at the time, so I thought… why not throw my own. I also saw a lack of female representation in the Seattle rave community. I saw others around me doing it and have attended several underground raves, so I had a general understanding for how it should look.

So everyday for about two months I started to plan, I was scouting out venues, DJs, figuring out how I could markey the events. A friend of mine came to me and she suggested that we start the events together since she is an online influencer and I am a Dj. It was indeed the perfect duo, and we started to brainstorm names, and create online content.

Our first event we did a little over a month of social media marketing and ended up selling out our show online at 150 tickets. That to me was a huge accomplishment. So ever since we have done a show or two almost every month since! We even did a show in New York. Our brand keeps molding into something different as we find ways we can improve. Our community is growing so we want to grow with them and for them.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I started DJing just for fun and began posting lighthearted videos on Instagram. To my surprise, people noticed and started reaching out to book me. I never imagined pursuing DJing seriously, but I’ve fallen in love with it. As a people person, being able to connect with others through music every weekend is incredibly rewarding.

Grime Girls has grown into something much bigger than me as a DJ—it’s become a vibrant community of people who love to dance and create art. Through Grime Girls, I’ve built lasting friendships and shared unforgettable moments.

Grime Girls is currently an event production business that handles everything involved in hosting unforgettable events. We hire DJs, lighting and sound professionals, security, and all the other elements required to create a memorable experience. What sets us apart in this industry is our commitment to our core values. These values include uplifting women in the DJ community, delivering a fresh and exciting experience at every show, and fostering a safe and welcoming environment where people can let loose and dance.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

One of my goals is to create a strong, female-led DJ community in every city I host in. I want women of all ages to feel a sense of belonging, no matter their circumstances. When I first began my creative and musical journey, I often felt like I had to fight for my place, seek out help on my own, and force my way into my city’s music scene. I don’t want other women to go through the same struggles. My vision is to support emerging artists and DJs, share what I’ve learned along the way, and help make their paths smoother by fostering a welcoming, collaborative environment.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding part of being a creative is hearing from people that I’ve transformed their experience with nightlife. My goal is always to make someone’s night the best they’ve ever had. Creating a space where people feel safe, can dance freely, and build lasting connections is incredibly fulfilling. There’s a unique magic in curating moments where music, energy, and community come together seamlessly, leaving lasting impressions on everyone involved.

Through my work as a promoter and DJ, I’ve formed strong friendships—almost all of my friends are people I collaborate or work with. Being surrounded by people I enjoy, learning from them, and coming together to create something special is a truly gratifying experience. It’s not just about the events; it’s about the shared passion and creativity that fuel everything we do. Watching those connections blossom and grow—both in my personal relationships and among the audiences I serve—is a constant reminder of why I love this work so deeply.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uluvsissy/
• Youtube: https://youtu.be/_fydc9StALg?si=Q6I_NVl4_hqK1y9p
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/cecilia-valles-37781264/uluvsissygrime-girlsmachine-girl-after-party?si=b9c8bfb2db3f459fa95558e78465f842&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing

Image Credits

Lily Grace, Julia Barbosa, Sara Roolf