We recently connected with D’Marcus Latcher and have shared our conversation below.
D’Marcus, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. How has Covid changed your business model?
March 26th 2020 a day before I was supposed to get on a plane to join friends in Vegas for a Dj convention. I was hyped, however indecisive because of all the cancellations and shutdown warnings across the world. Nevertheless my flight was cancelled as well as the Dj convention. Little did I know that I would not Dj for the next 8 months. No one could predicted it, I was straight flat lined from the Dj world. The known was the unknown. Selfishly, but logically thinking because of my success from the previous year I didn’t want to go that long not being able to Dj.
Confusingly during that eight months I went back to the basics. As it relates to being fully accessible to my family at anytime, having game nights, bike rides, walks, and etc. It was beautiful lol. I could concentrate on the important things instead of my mind racing on the next thing I have to get done for a client. My perspective changed and it allowed me to put measures in place for the future. Covid showed me how to sit down and enjoy the life that was once passing me by for material gain. Lastly, it showed me that the decision I made to start A Bowtie Affair, LLC in 2018 was one of the best things I could have ever done.
No human could predicted it, Not Ms Cleo, not one business owner, nobody. During covid I seen a lot of Dj employees go with out. There were many who had to pick up any type of job just to make it through the week. Being that I was in control of my bookings and financial state the previous year my lifestyle altered however we were still blessed to not worry or be in a bad state of mind. This showed me that no job or boss will ever look out for you the way God and you will lookout for yourself. Depending on another human through a unknown situation is not for me. Covid taught me its ok to work on multiple streams of income even if one is not 100% perfected, just dont let it get in the way of your basics.
D’Marcus, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I’m D’ Marcus Latcher from Dallas, Texas, owner of A Bowtie Affair, LLC. As one of the Top wedding solo operated Dj companies in the industry. Our motto is “Simple but Significant”. We bring the college party, club, and family reunion vibe to each of our events .
I was not supposed to be the owner of a single operating DJ company. It’s funny, but that’s what I told myself for years. Despite my passion for music, creativity, hustle, and personable personality. My aim and plan in life was to be a counselor working with at risk kids or a firefighter. That being said for years I worked several interns in the Dallas area serving in juvenile substance abuse facilities as well as non-profit shelters mentoring teens and kids.
My true gift is being able to relate. No matter how troubled the kid or adult was I was able to find a way to relate and motivate them to do better. However, the money was not good and the satisfaction that I had so many rules which prevented me from being the most affected drove me crazy. While still in the at risk field I discovered a turntable that a childhood friend gave me.
Having passion for music all my life, playing the drums, bass guitar, being one of the captains of my high school drumline, and lastly being apart of the Grambling State University Marching Band. I quickly was drawn into the hobby of DJ-ing. I studied it on youtube daily and received a few tips from a close friend that DJ also. However, I stilled looked at it as just a hobby. I even gave myself a the playful name DJ Mr. Marcus.
My best friend Shaun was a photographer for a company specializing in wedding and corporate events. Shaun Introduce me as a DJ to the owner of Harmland Visions. Chris, the owner, in which I knew of from college. He brought me on his team as a third party DJ (meaning if all other DJs are booked including the camera guy Ill book Dj MrMarcus.
Instantly I had something to prove or so I thought. I practice night and day I was after respect from my peers. I became pretty decent that Chris notices the grind and talent that I had developed that insanely during a Wiz Kalifah concert we had a deep conversation on life and my future DJ plans. We debated and I continued to work at the crafted and tragic struck. My Uncle died of cancer.
I had 4 very strong women who I looked up to who also had a very significant role in my up bringing; my Mother Carla, Grandmother Faye, and my 2 aunts Cathy and Janice. Along side of these queens my uncle was the most consistent positive male figure I had growing up Mr Kenny Beavers. During the time of his passing I got back closer to Christ. My turning point was when I purchase a faith-based book called Soul Detox while on a Christian camp trip with my mentor job serving as a chaperone. In result, it changed my thinking and outlook on life. I was for real about everything I pursued especially since it was not just me. I was leading my infant daughter and my now forever wife Brittany Latcher.
Nevertheless, In memory of my uncle, I changed my name to Dj BowTie because of his membership in Kappa Alpha Psi and how he used to dress my brother and I growing up. I became one of the best DJ’s on the Harmland Visions team that represented professionalism, skill creativity, and diversity. The hustle in me wanted more so I used what I was taught in conjunction with my favorite quote from the booked Soul Detox. Invest, and ” what you Fear the most, is where you Trust God the Least”.
2018 I took a leap of faith and started A BowTie Affair, LLC servicing clients of all races because of my ability to relate only now it’s through music. I invested in a lot of ways, education being the most important. My brand has become a house hold name at some of the most luxury venues in Texas and I praise Jesus for all the opportunities he have allowed me to embark on over the last four years. Our motto is “Making Simple Significant” and we are looking forward to a successful year andI say thank you God because I was not supposed to be a DJ at least that’s what I thought.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
The beliefs or opinions that are generally held about someone or something may not affect you personally. However, in business whether it’s true or not it can be very damaging if you allow it. Transparency, communicative, respect, creative, and focus are some of the tools which allowed me to build such a superb reputation in the wedding entertainment industry. My focus has never been money or being the best Dj in the world. Of course I want to get paid good for my services and talents, however for me there is a bigger focal point in why others and I love what my company do. Not focusing on the obvious have giving me the ability to practice being more transparent, communicative, creative within my own life style with family, friends, and everyday life events which have lead to positive opinions from others. As it relates to business along with creative/respected Dj skills these 5 focal points allow my clients to be relaxed and confident in the company they hired which follows 5star events and continuous positive reputational growth.
Where do you think you get most of your clients from?
Since January 2020 we have not participated in any marketing or networking events outside of our own social media platforms. We have been bless to receive about 97% of our business through referrals or word of mouth. I only say that to say the best source for new clients are old clients. Past clients will continue to book and refer your company if your doing the things that’s necessary and unnecessary to the average DJ to make sure their event is special. Dj Mike said it best “when we are giving the opportunity we should think or going in like its our interview for the next event or client”.
Contact Info:
- Website: abowtieaffair.com
- Instagram: @abowtieaffairllc @Bowtiethedj
- Facebook: DJ Bowtie
Image Credits
Mustard Seed Photo Studio