We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Terrance Thomas a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Terrance , thanks for joining us today. Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?

My art comes in the form of community engagement. I work at schools, business events, sporting events, and most community events around Dallas. My journey was not easy. It took me 11 years to get where I am today. There were plenty of bumps in the road as my DJ journey took me around the world. From Chengdu, China, I was a resident DJ at Le Cafe Paname & Magma Club. I expanded my experience with the Golden Yacht company with parties on the South China Sea. Things got exciting in the Summer of 2019 when I was part of the lineup for the ISY Music Festival, was featured in DJ Magazine Asia, and secured a contract with the Atlantis Resort on Hainan Island. I found myself in the dense forests of Cambodia, DJing at a traditional drama studio for people coming to hear the original sounds of the Khmer Empire. On the white sand beaches of the East African Island of Mauritius, I worked at Pink Socks Night Club and the Hilton Hotel. I have been in many situations that contributed to my growth. That road was long, and it prepared me for the man I am today. One of my significant lessons has been to be flexible and work with people of various cultures. My experience around the world made be evaluate my values closely. The result was a heightened focus on my community. That focus makes me an excellent ambassador for Delahn Realty because Delahn Realty actively plays a role in our communities in Dallas-Fort Worth. I would like the world to know that your dreams are possible. Never give up. Never quit.

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.

Belief in the value I bring to the table has been the cornerstone of my success journey. This conviction resonates through every endeavor, influencing not just my perspective but also that of others. Armed with this confidence, I channel my energy into crafting business plans that I confidently present to prospective partners. In 2011, I penned my inaugural book, “We Must Fail to Succeed,” a testament to my belief that setbacks are essential for growth. Unlike the misconception of instant success, I embrace the inevitability of challenges, understanding they are catalysts for improvement. Adaptability becomes my ally as I navigate through storms, recalibrating my course with each obstacle encountered. Embracing the unpredictability of the journey, I acknowledge that success lies not solely in reaching destinations but in the lessons learned along the way. With four published books now circulating globally, each embodies the ethos of perseverance and the recognition that true success stems from resilience, continuous self-improvement, and the courage to embrace failure as a stepping stone toward achievement.

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

Resilience is key when creating art, chasing a dream, or building a business. When I first embarked on my journey as a DJ, I was utterly clueless about sales, promotions, crowd control, hyping a crowd, leading activities, hosting interviews, and marketing products or services. Each of these skills seemed like an unclimbable mountain, yet I resolved to tackle them one step at a time. I lacked a thorough understanding of music and had trouble using my equipment effectively in my early days behind the turntables. Despite my shaky start, I found myself thrust into the spotlight at Le Cafe Paname, facing a crowd of 250 people—an overwhelming experience for a novice like me. Nevertheless, my resilience proved to be my greatest asset, enabling me to weather the storms of uncertainty and persist in honing my craft. Through countless setbacks and failures, I persevered, gradually improving my skills and confidence. Eventually, my resilience paid off, opening doors to exciting opportunities like collaborating with Delahn Realty, a testament to the transformative power of resilience in the pursuit of one’s passions.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

In my creative journey, my overarching goal and mission center around discovering inventive methods to serve and uplift my community. As the official DJ of Delahn Realty, I actively lend my support to various non-profit organizations. Noteworthy among these are the DFW Network Chamber and the Greater North Texas Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, both of which I’m deeply involved with. Through the DFW Network Chamber, I help organize the monthly DFWNC Business Overtime Meet & Greet at the Gold Standard Gallery Lounge in downtown Dallas, strategically located near the Canvas Hotel. This event serves as a vital platform for local business owners to showcase their ventures and foster expansion opportunities. Similarly, with the Greater North Texas Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, I take on the role of DJ at the annual Cinco de Mayo Festival held in Flower Mound, Texas, drawing crowds of thousands and featuring numerous vendors. It stands as a vibrant celebration of Hispanic heritage within the DFW Metroplex. These endeavors exemplify my commitment to fostering economic inclusivity and honoring diverse cultures within our community, reflecting the essence of my creative journey and its impact.

Contact Info:

• Website: delahn.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/djmrtlive/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/terrancethomasint
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/terrancethomasofficial/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@djmrtlive