We recently connected with Shawna Nicols and have shared our conversation below.

Shawna, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s the best or worst investment you’ve made (either in terms of time or money)? (Note, these responses are only intended as entertainment and shouldn’t be construed as investment advice)

The best investment I have ever made, is investing in myself. Going all in on a non-normative career and never looking back.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My name is Shawna Nicols, sometimes known better as DJ Shawna. I have had the pleasure of pursuing a professional DJ and production career in the city of Milwaukee. As a former professional athlete, music has always been part of my world. After my basketball playing days were over, I found DJing where both my passions collided in live entertainment.

As the World Champion Milwaukee Bucks Official DJ and Producer, I have been to the Bubble and back, DJ’d three NBA All-Star Games, and been part of a World Championship. Additionally, I am the NCAA Women’s Final Four Official DJ, the 2020 Official DJ for the Ryder Cup, have headlined Milwaukee PrideFest and am part of the few female DJs to do so, as well as opening for major acts such as Lizzo, Ani DeFranco, Shaq (AKA DJ Diesel), and Jonas Blue to name a few. Dare To Be is not only my clothing line, but it’s a way of life. Spreading love through DJing, creating content on my social channels, my children’s book, motivational speaking, clothing line, podcast, and original singles, “I Won’t Give Up” and “Heart Of A Fighter” is truly a passion of mine. I recognize how powerful positivity can be and I want to make a difference in my own way to leave this world a little bit better than it was before I was here.

Have you ever had to pivot?

When the pandemic hit, I think we all had to pivot. I was in my condo trying to figure out how to DJ for people. I learned the lesson very quickly of copyright and pivoted overnight to teaching myself how to legally DJ and produce my own show online to help feed that hunger and passion I have for music and people. I learned a completely new program and adjusted my home set-up to live stream audio and video. This gave me a purpose and a chance to DJ without any rules or guidelines- just what I was feeling or thought the world may have needed in that moment.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

One of the most rewarding aspects of being creative and artistic through DJing and my content, is being authentically me. As someone that is not only a woman in male-dominated industries (DJing and the NBA), but also a proud gay woman, I am often reminded how important it is for me to show up, just as myself on a regular basis.
Representation matters- and if you can see it, you can be it.

Contact Info:

• Website: djshawna.com
• Instagram: @djshawna
• Facebook: @djshawna
• Linkedin: Shawna Nicols
• Twitter: @djshawna
• Youtube: DJ Shawna
• Other: daretobeclothing.com

Image Credits
Samer Ghani, Martin Moore