How Did I End Up in This Industry?- Niki’s Story

Being the daughter of a musician, it was inevitable that I would be very attracted to music and in turn, the DJ business.

At the age of 13, my dad purchased a computer and desk and set it up in the office, right next door to the studio.  He suggested that I could help by typing up the music library for the DJ business.  As I sat at the desk to begin typing, dad played music in the background.  He was very patient and informative; explaining the artist’s or band’s name, genre of music, decades of popularity, and most requested songs.

I found this fascinating.  What I also found is that I began to fall in love with different categories of music from every era.  Dad continued to DJ throughout my teen years.  While I admired what he did, I never really considered stepping into a role with the company until my later part of high school.

I was staying after school to work on the school newspaper.  My instructor told me that my dad was coming to get me.  That didn’t make sense, because he knew it was layout week.

Come to find out, dad was diagnosed with cancer.  While my family remained optimistic, we would later be told by the doctor that it was terminal and advanced.  This crushed me, as dad and I have always had an extremely close bond.

Dad has always been a man of integrity and a hard-working man.  He mentioned that he had contracted jobs for brides, and he wasn’t about to cancel.  He asked the family to step in and help, and we agreed.

During events, I began observing the way that dad would listen to a song and go back to the mixer to ensure that the levels were exactly right.  I watched him scan the dance floor for the guests’ reactions, smile happily, and pick a song that would keep them dancing some more.  When he wasn’t DJing a job, I spent time chatting with him about how he was creating a playlist and stringing together songs.

He continued to have me type up the music library and as I became more and more educated about music, I started making playlists and providing my ideas for song pairings.  He continued to encourage me.  Next he taught me about proper delivery and microphone technique so that I would soon MC events, too.  Shortly I knew that I wanted to get a degree in Business Administration and be a part of the company.

Dad underwent radiation.  We’d go to his appointments together.  I’d sit in the lobby and study for my ACT test.  When he was done, we’d go out for coffee and a pastry. On Good Friday in 2006, dad would get the phone call from his doctor stating that the cancer was operable and had not traveled to other parts of his body.  We couldn’t have been happier!  Dad has been cancer free since that surgery.

I went on to get a degree in Business Administration and graduate with highest honors.  I learned more about operating a business and soon took on the Event Coordinator role; putting my business writing, business communications, marketing, and entrepreneurial education to the test.

With each wedding and event, I fall deeper in love with my job.  This is my calling,  I’m talented at doing this, and I’ve worked hard at it.  It’s all because I’ve learned from the best of the best- someone who is hard-working, dedicated, and passionate about what he does.  He’s someone who never gave up or let his clients down.  He’s someone who pays attention to detail and takes an interest in personalizing the experience for each and every event.  I’m thankful that I landed in this industry and for having the opportunity to provide exceptional music entertainment alongside my business partner… my dad.