We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Cera Jane. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Cera below.

Cera, appreciate you joining us today. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.

I started learning to DJ in a pretty unexpected way. I’ve always been into music and would constantly download music-related apps just to mess around. One day I came across DJay Pro on my phone. I thought I was signing up for a free trial, but accidentally paid for a full year—almost $60. At first I was frustrated, but I figured if I already spent the money, I might as well learn how to use the app. What started as random experimentation quickly turned into hours of exploring, mixing, and curating playlists. I didn’t realize it at the time, but that small accident was the spark that kicked off my entire journey.

Within a month of playing around with DJay Pro, I found out you could connect real DJ hardware to the app. That changed everything. I bought a Pioneer DDJ-200, one of their beginner-level controllers, and dove deeper into learning. Unlike other creative projects I’d started and walked away from, DJing felt different—it stuck. I invested in lessons at Scratch Out Loud DJ School in Atlanta, and combined that with online courses through CrossFader.com. That combination of hands-on instruction and self-paced learning laid the foundation for everything I know now.

The most essential part of the journey was learning the fundamentals—music theory, song structure, and the history of DJ culture. Understanding how the craft evolved helped me find my own path and respect the culture I was stepping into. Knowing what I know now, I wish I would’ve leaned into DJing earlier. Growing up, I was already surrounded by music—playing drums and keys at home, singing in church, playing clarinet in school band, and running music blogs and mixtape series in my twenties. Looking back, I realize I was always trying to share music I loved—it just never occurred to me that DJing was the perfect way to do that. At the time, it seemed too expensive or inaccessible.

One of the biggest obstacles was definitely a lack of resources. I didn’t have access to gear, mentorship, or even a clear understanding of what was possible in the DJ world. But once I found ways to invest in myself—through gear, education, and consistent practice—I started to see that this path was not only possible, but meant for me.

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

I’m Cera Jane—a 30-something creative, DJ, and music curator originally from Pittsburgh, PA, now based in Atlanta, GA. I moved to Atlanta eight years ago and immediately fell in love with the city’s energy, creativity, and endless possibilities. I’ve always had a passion for curating experiences—whether that was through writing, playlists, event planning, or just vibing out with friends. I’ve started and stopped a lot of creative ventures over the years, but DJing is the one that truly stuck. It feels like the perfect intersection of everything I love: music, connection, storytelling, and presence.

The way I got into DJing was completely unplanned. I downloaded an app called DJay Pro on a whim, thinking I’d signed up for a free trial. Turns out, I accidentally purchased a full year for $60. I was annoyed but decided to dive in and learn how to the DJay Pro app. What started as just playing around quickly became hours of experimenting. That subscription turned out to be one of the best investments I’ve ever made—it opened the door to a passion I didn’t even know I had. From there, I got my first controller—a Pioneer DDJ-200—and started taking things more seriously. I enrolled in Scratch Out Loud DJ School here in Atlanta and supplemented my learning with online courses from CrossFader.com. Between formal training, self-guided study, and countless hours of practice, I built a foundation that continues to grow every day.

As a DJ, I provide a range of services, from house parties and nightlife events to corporate gigs, private gatherings, and creative collaborations. I describe myself as an open-format, genre-fluid, soulful DJ. My style is rooted in feeling—whether that’s joy, nostalgia, reflection, or just the need to dance. I approach every set as an opportunity to tell a story and create a moment.

Music has always been therapy for me. I’ve been curating sounds since I was a kid—making CDs for friends, updating my Myspace profile with the perfect song for every mood, and hunting for underground tracks to share on my blog. That spirit still drives me. I want to give people something that resonates. Sometimes it’s the song they didn’t know they needed, and sometimes it’s just a good vibe to escape into. Either way, if even one person walks away with a feeling—or even just a new favorite track—I’ve done my job.

What sets me apart is authenticity. I’m not trying to be anyone else. I show up as my best and truest self every time, knowing that “best” might look different from day to day. My background in sales taught me how to read the room, solve problems on the fly, and create memorable experiences for my clients —and all of that translates into my work as a DJ. I don’t just play music; I curate energy.

I’m most proud of the grit and determination I’ve shown in my first year as a DJ. Atlanta is an incredibly talented and competitive city, and it can be easy to get discouraged. But I’ve stayed focused, stayed passionate, and stayed true to myself. This journey has been exhilarating, challenging, and freeing. I want people to know that when they book me or follow my work, they’re getting someone who truly cares about the experience—someone who’s intentional, passionate, and always evolving.

At the end of the day, I want my brand to be about more than just music. I want it to be about connection, storytelling, and the beauty of being in the moment. Whether I’m DJing a small gathering or a packed-out venue, my goal is always the same: to help people feel something real.

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

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being a DJ is growth. Watching myself evolve as a curator, technically and creatively, is really fulfilling. I have endless possibilities. The real reward is looking back and realizing how much more disciplined, focused, and tenacious I’ve become. It’s not just about mastering a skill—it’s about becoming the most committed version of yourself. And the best part? Knowing that if I stay the course, the growth will only continue.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

One book that has had a major impact on my mindset—both personally and as a creative entrepreneur—is The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. I was introduced to it about 11 years ago, and initially, I brushed it off. It’s short, simple, and on the surface, the advice seemed obvious. I remember thinking, “Duh, of course I shouldn’t do these things.” But as I read, I realized how how often I was breaking every single one of the agreements, and how doing so was depleting my joy and peace of mind.

The book outlines a code of conduct for personal freedom and self-growth through four core principles:

Be Impeccable With Your Word
Don’t Take Anything Personally
Don’t Make Assumptions
Always Do Your Best

What seemed like basic advice ended up becoming a daily practice that I’ve carried into every part of my life, especially as a DJ and entrepreneur. These principles help guide how I approach relationships, handle challenges, and stay grounded.

In business and in life, I believe that maintaining a positive mindset and striving for clarity in communication leads to deeper self-awareness and better decision-making. The Four Agreements has helped me build that foundation. I recommend it to everyone, it’s simple but truly transformative.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.cerajane.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/djcerajane
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/djcerajane
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/djcerajane
• Soundcloud: https://www.soundcloud.com/djcerajane
• Other: https://linktr.ee/djcerajane

Image Credits

Photos by @myyt_shots, @hellocurious, @_soularchives, @thecorkbros