We were lucky to catch up with DJ ICE recently and have shared our conversation below.

DJ, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today So, let’s imagine that you were advising someone who wanted to start something similar to you and they asked you what you would do differently in the startup-process knowing what you know now. How would you respond?

If I was to start over what I would do differently is take more risks and not have stopped my passion for three years. I would overthink situations and cared what others would think instead of trusting the process and my vision which led me to stop Djing for 3 years. If I would have continued the second I started my career back in 2013 I would have been further in my career due to the amount of hard work, dedication and how much passion I put into every event/party I am a part of. Learning how to grow in your passion is the key to success.

DJ, 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?

As a young kid I always loved anything that had to do with putting on a show and entertaining a crowd. Music was a big part of my life growing up I would listen to mostly every genre and felt so connected in many ways. When I would attend every gathering I was always in charge of the music which led a few friends to encourage me to become a DJ which I didn’t pick it up until 2013 as a hobby, I then paused my passion for 3 years. In 2016 Jackie the founder of SheLife Events who is now one of my closest friends contacted me with her vision and said she saw something in me that led her to want to work with me to build her dream, that sparked up my flame again and I am still currently her resident DJ for her events. I have not stopped my passion since then. In 2019 I quit my Medical Assistant job to dedicate my full attention and energy to building my career. This journey has not been easy but the rewards of accomplishing what others would say is imposible is so rewarding. I have had residency in huge organizations like Best Life Music Festival, SheLife Events, Escape Lounge, VH1 Black INK Crew and the list continues to grow.

Once Covid hit in March 2020 I was forced to find new ways to connect us all due to the shut down happening on my birthday I was the first DJ to go LIVE on instagram doing a “VIRTUAL HOUSE BDAY BASH” and go on Live several times a week. Which led me to so many other doors opening, it led me to have an interview with a radio station in Spain, I was discovered by the founder of Urban Pride in OKC which a year later I closed out the MAIN STAGE with 10,000 people in the crowd and turned out to be one of the most magical events I have yet to have had. I then became a resident DJ for 2 months in a club in Houston Tx which opened doors for events throughout Houston Tx. My career has allowed me to be part of so many amazing events throughout the United States like New York, New Jersey, Chicago, Texas and Oklahoma as of now.

Being an entrepreneur is not easy you need to have discipline above passion, because when things get rough in any aspect you have to find it in you to continue and figure things out. There has been times my equipment malfunctions and you need to think quick to save the event/party so as a Dj I always have a back up for my back ups. I always keep at least 2 different electronics with back up pre-recorded mixes to save the night. Learning ways to get better at your craft is essential to growing your business.

I have an experience I love sharing with everyone because it’s one of the many stories I have that helps me to not give up on myself, In 2016 I had an event that continued on 3 hours past the ending time. And one particular woman stood out all night because she looked so free, enjoying every song I played, jumping and dancing all through the night. Once I ended my set she comes up to me and thanks me for the night she just experienced and continues to tell me that this night i saved her life, I smiled with some confusion as to why she said that. She continues to share with me that she was going through a divorce and was contemplating on walking to a train track to end her life and came across this bar with music playing and she decided to come in for her last drink. Which led to another drink and a few more drinks which led her to start dancing all night long. She then with tears in her eyes tells me that because I kept playing all her favorite songs she felt free again, she felt alive again and remembered how ugly but beautiful life can be and she thanked me because those evil thoughts left her thanks to music waking her up from the pain she was feeling. I hugged her so tight thanking her for sharing her story and to always remember her worth and that everything will be fine just have faith. So from then on NO MATTER what event/party I am involved in or no matter what I am going through in my personal life I ALWAYS give it my all because I don’t know what anyone is going through and if I can be a part of a clean, magical and positive escape I will do it forever.
What I represent is a beautiful escape with music and a show. Because music can speak when words seam to fail, music connects us all no matter the age or up bringing we all become one at the moment. And I strive to provide a moment that will never be forgotten.

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

My goal for years to come is to be able to create experiences worldwide you can take with you for a lifetime. I believe music brings us all together and can bring us back to life. Dreams are beautiful but even better when you make it a reality. I would love to be able to give others a platform to grow and shine bright.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

One of the most rewarding things is the feedback I always get from people who see me in action for the first time. I love how people react to see a woman like myself going against all odds and doubts at first sight. And most importantly is hearing the stories of people you helped by just being yourself and loving what you do. I love interacting with the crowd and fans the energy felt is beyond words can express.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://soundcloud.com/dj-ice-ice-baby
• Instagram: @dj.IC3
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJJytw1rmbz77ajMDy3nRGg
• Other: Follow me on all social media platform, TikTok @DJ_IC3_ & Instagram @DJ.IC3

Image Credits
image credit to Mind Free Films & Vero Zennabiz