We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Qiana Coachman-Strickland. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Qiana below.

Alright, Qiana thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

The mission of the Female DJ Association is deeply rooted in personal experiences that have highlighted the need for change in the music industry. Throughout my journey as a DJ, I’ve encountered instances where gender biases and stereotypes have been all too common.

There have been numerous occasions when fellow Male DJs felt the need to step in and “help” me, or even challenge my abilities behind the decks. Similarly, while setting up equipment at venues, despite both my husband and I carrying gear, it was often assumed that he was the DJ and inquiries about setup were directed towards him. His response is always “I don’t know SHE’S THE DJ!” which turned into the name of my podcast as well as an interactive experience for aspiring DJ’s and curious potential clients.

These encounters, while frustrating, fueled my determination to create a more inclusive and equitable space for women in music. One pivotal moment was when I organized the Ultimate DJ Showcase 16 years ago. Despite facing difficulties in finding female DJs to participate, I remained fully committed to showcasing their skills and talents. Even if it meant overcoming hurdles, I ensured that at least one female DJ was featured, breaking through barriers and paving the way for greater representation.

These Experiences highlight why the mission of the Female DJ Association is so important. It’s not just about addressing the lack of opportunities for female DJs; it’s about challenging ingrained biases and advocating for true equality in the music industry. By amplifying the voices and highlighting the talents of Female DJs and women in music, we’re reshaping perceptions and inspiring future generations to pursue their passion for music without limitations.

Female DJ Association and membership fosters a sense of community and sisterhood. Through coaching and mentorship programs, FDJA empowers DJs to enhance their skills and elevate their businesses. This support network enables Female DJs to flourish, learn from each other, and navigate the industry with confidence.

Qiana, 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?

My name is Qiana Coachman-Strickland, also known as DJ Q-BOOGIE. I wear many hats – I’m a mother, Mema, wife, entrepreneur, professional DJ, and the founder of the Female DJ Association. Our association is a global community and membership dedicated to empowering, uplifting, supporting, and educating women in music, specifically female DJs, to increase visibility, awareness, and opportunities on their DJ journey.

I’ve been DJ’ing for 16 years, but my journey hasn’t always been smooth. I used to work in the insurance industry, but in 2019, I took a leap of faith and pursued DJing full-time. However, the pandemic hit shortly after, and I had to pivot quickly as all my booked events were canceled or postponed. I started DJ’ing virtually on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitch, helping people get through the tough times. Soon, I began DJ’ing for Zoom events and huge Virtual Summits, which I still do today. People started reaching out to me for advice on business and navigating the pandemic, and that’s when I started coaching and mentoring other DJs.

Through my journey, I realized that female DJs were not getting the recognition or pay they deserved. I wanted to create a space where we could share experiences, educate each other, and be celebrated for our talent. That’s how the Female DJ Association was born, along with the “She’s the DJ Podcast.”

Music has always been my passion. Even as a young girl, I loved playing records and dancing in my parents’ basement. I played the violin and clarinet growing up, so I’ve always had an ear for music. But when I first mentioned wanting to DJ, someone told me it was too “boyish.” It discouraged me, but I didn’t give up. In my early 30s, I found a mentor who gave me equipment and set me up with turntables, a mixer, and records. I put in lots of practice and hard work and eventually had the courage to became DJ Q-BOOGIE.

It took me a while to call myself DJ Q-BOOGIE because I wanted to make sure that I understood the fundamentals and was able to show good representation for the art and culture first. I connected with another female DJ, DJ LovHer, who supported me at events when I was starting out.
Networking has been crucial for me in getting booked for events. People love seeing female DJs, especially because there weren’t many of us back then. As I got more bookings, I learned what types of events I enjoyed DJ’ing for and worked on my branding and business.

As an entrepreneur and business owner, I’ve learned the importance of understanding my clients and providing excellent service. I create customized music experiences for live and virtual events, and my energy, vibe, and music are all part of the experience.

Fear has been a constant companion on my journey, but I’ve learned to push through it. Some of my proudest moments, like DJ’ing on a major radio station and creating a global community for women in music, have come from saying yes to opportunities that I didn’t think that I was ready for and facing my fears head-on.

My advice to aspiring DJs and entrepreneurs is to be true to yourself and find mentors and communities that support and empower you. We all have unique gifts, and it’s essential to embrace them fully.

My superpower is seeing the potential in people and helping them realize it. And I’m proud to use that gift to empower others on their journey to success.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Building my reputation in the market as DJ Q-BOOGIE has been a journey, and a few key things have really helped along the way. Firstly, it’s been about delivering top-notch service and performances every single time. Whether it’s a small gathering or a huge event, I always bring my A-game, ensuring that my clients and attendees have an unforgettable experience.

Networking has also played a huge role. By connecting with other DJs, event organizers, and industry professionals, I’ve been able to get my name out there and secure some incredible opportunities.

Consistency is key as well. From my branding to my DJ sets, I’ve worked hard to ensure that everything I do reflects my unique style and professionalism. This consistency has helped to establish trust and reliability with my clients and audience.

Lastly, being adaptable and willing to evolve has been crucial, especially in the ever-changing landscape of the music industry. Whether it’s learning new skills, embracing new technologies, or adapting to new trends, staying ahead of the curve has been essential in building and maintaining my reputation as DJ Q-BOOGIE.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

One significant pivot in my career occurred when I transitioned from working in the insurance industry to pursuing DJing full-time. It was a big leap of faith for me, leaving the stability of a corporate job to pursue my passion for music and the art of DJ’ing.

Initially, I focused on traditional DJ events, such as weddings, parties, and corporate events. However, I soon realized that I needed to expand my services and adapt to meet the changing needs of clients.
One pivotal moment came when I noticed a growing demand for virtual events and entertainment, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead of viewing the pandemic as a setback, I saw it as an opportunity to pivot my business model.

I quickly invested in equipment and learned how to DJ virtually on platforms like Facebook Live, Instagram, and Twitch. This pivot allowed me to continue providing entertainment and connecting with my audience, even during lockdowns and social distancing measures.

As the demand for virtual events grew, I expanded my offerings to include virtual DJ sets for corporate events, conferences, and online summits. I also started offering virtual DJ coaching and mentorship to aspiring DJs who were looking to hone their skills during the pandemic.

This pivot not only helped me to survive during challenging times but also opened up new opportunities and revenue streams for my business. It taught me the importance of being adaptable and innovative, especially in an ever-changing industry like music and entertainment.

Overall, this experience reinforced the value of embracing change and taking risks in pursuit of my passion. It showed me that sometimes the most significant opportunities arise from unexpected challenges, and that with the right mindset and determination, it’s possible to pivot and thrive in any situation.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.femaledjassociation.com and www.DJQBoogie.com
• Instagram: @FemaleDJAssociation @DJQBOOGIE
• Facebook: Female DJ Association and DJ Q-BOOGIE
• Linkedin: Female DJ Association and Qiana Coachman-Strickland
• Youtube: SHE’S THE DJ PODCAST

Image Credits
LESLIE GOMEZ OF LMG PHOTOGRAPHY