We recently connected with Tenille Byers and have shared our conversation below.

Tenille, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?

Before I started working as a singer/DJ I did have a regular job. I struggled through college and finally graduated with a degree in veterinary technology. I did work in the field as a vet tech for over five years. I was good at my job, but it was so stressful and the pay was horrible. It was a struggle to get up in the morning and honestly work was not somewhere I wanted to be. In addition I had to get a second job waiting tables just to make enough money. I knew that this way of life was not working. I did wonder should I just go back to school? maybe be a nurse? or something else? I was willing to do anything that would allow me to make a better paycheck. Around this time my restaurant boss was looking for performers and I convinced him to let me try. Singing is something I have always loved, but I never thought I could do it for real. I kind of just put it out of my mind. However, after I was given a chance I was soon singing every other Sunday, then every Sunday, then every Saturday and Sunday. I still wavered back and forth about quitting my job or pursuing a new career but honestly I was so HAPPY to go to work. With my husband’s support, I finally decided to quit my veterinary job and see where this new career could go. Since then things have been easier. It really is just following the next step in my path. Singing at the restaurant led to singing at weddings, which led to DJing at weddings, which led to other events sweet 16s, kids parties, music bingo, trivia, karaoke! I feel inspired to go to work instead of dreading it and I am making more money now than I did with my degree! Honestly I will never go back to my prior job. This job is perfect for me at this point in my life. It allowed me to stay at home with my children after they were born and not have to pay for daycare. It is an outlet for me so I can get out and talk to other adults. I truly believe this is my calling, so many magical things happen at work, unexplainable coincidences happen almost every time I perform. People of all ages let me know how much my music has brightened their day. I do not know if this job will be something I do forever, but I do know that it feels right to do it now and that is good enough for me.

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.

When I started training as a wedding DJ I did over 50 weddings on my own, however I was working under another company name. This was a great way to break into the industry, but it did not allow me to add my personal touch to events. Classy and Jazzy DJ started because I sing jazz and I like to think of myself as a classy lady. This can be just the type of vibe for some people, however others are looking for a more wild and crazy party experience. Luckily this DJ can do both! If you book me for a wedding, you have the option of a live jazz singer during cocktail hour and a DJ who is ready to party! I also help all my clients plan their event with a client portal containing an in-depth questionnaire and a place to record all of their music requests. I then compile all this information into an easy to follow timeline for you and any vendors to use. This way we are all on the same page and everything flows on schedule.

I love to add personal touches to your wedding as well. I may suggest an anniversary dance and play the song that your parents or grandparents danced to at their wedding. I also love to play the shoe game, but instead of the regular run of the mill newlywed questions I will covertly survey your guests to find out info about you that makes the game more interesting. Recently, I was even able coach a shy Groom into singing a surprise song for his new bride. The tears were definitely flowing that day.

Although I started my DJ training with weddings, I have also done Sweet Sixteens, Mitzvahs, and events for smaller children. I love the energy that younger people bring to parties and they are some of my favorites to do. If you are having a birthday or anniversary party, I love to ask your guests one word or phrase that best describes you. Later in the night I read the responses. This is a special moment filled with sweet and sometimes funny things that your friends and family have said about you. Before each event I schedule a planning meeting and go through all of the “extra” things that I can bring to your party. This may include live jazz singing, music bingo, family feud, karaoke, birthday trivia, minute to win it games, light-up limbo stick, dance offs, and more!
There are so many ways to make an event memorable and that is the main goal. I am so lucky to be a part of the most important moments in my clients life. It is truly a rewarding job.

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

As an artist I have seen people laugh and cry. I have been there as an old man laid his head on the bar and cried when I sang “Send in the Clowns”. I have been surrounded by children singing and ringing bells while we sing “Jingle Bells” together at Christmastime. I have cried and sang at funerals for the dearly departed. I have been the DJ for 16 year olds jumping up and down with joy and screaming at the top of their voices when I play Taylor Swift. I have seen the 100 year old woman light up when I sing happy birthday to her in operatic Italian and put a pink happy birthday crown on her head. I have witnessed so many couples pour out their hearts to each other and promise to love each other until death do us part. I am crying just writing these things because my job truly is meaningful. I love the energy that is present when people come together for any celebration, that is when the magic happens.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

During the start of the Covid 19 epidemic all the performing venues were shut down. This meant I had nowhere to sing. Luckily, I was able to still bring in some income by suggesting to my employer that this could be the perfect opportunity to give the restaurant a face lift. I spent the next few weeks deep cleaning blinds, bathrooms, walls ect. and getting paid for it. I was also able to continue singing by going to a local park and singing in a tunnel. The acoustics were great and I was able to set up a live video of each performance. The world may be back “to normal” now, but people still remember me from those tunnel videos.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.classyandjazzydj.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/classyandjazzydj/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/classyandjazzydj

Image Credits
Stephanie Rose Photography Mollie Tobias Photography Oz Images Photography