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Ep. 136 - Aligning your core value to your brand - Dj Dazzler
81 Plays8 months ago
Happy Woo Wednesdays! My good friend DJ Dazzler is in the HECK YES house. She is Unapologetically her. Check out my instagram to see the branding shoot I photographed. She rocked it. I love how she shares with us how her rebrand helped her to get hired into big brands like Bravo, Netflix, Nascar, Vanderpump Rules and much more.
Dazzler is a Los Angeles-based (but suitcase ready!) luxury events and brand experiences DJ that specializes in stylish soirees that celebrates buzz worthy moments through music.
Hot Topic
Aligning your core value to your brand
Branding
- core values
- alignment
- authenticity
- supporting communities you are apart of
Connect with Dazzler
Connect with Carissa
https://instagram.com/carissawoo
Sponsors
www.strategic-assistant.com promo code: WOO
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Recommended
Transcript
Introduction to DJ Dazzler
00:00:00
Speaker
Happy Woo Wednesdays. DJ Dazzler is in the heck yes house. She is a big deal in the wedding industry. Her brand, her smile, her outfits, her big events with the top brands. She's got it all, but do you know what I love most about her? I love the way she makes people feel. She gives everyone the time of day and she's hilarious.
Comedy Night Collaboration
00:00:20
Speaker
I've been asking her if we could put on a comedy night event for WIPA.
00:00:25
Speaker
So if you want a dope brand to DM me the word Coaching, I will send you a video on how I could help you be the go-to vendor, the go-to vendor in your area, the one where there's buzz about and everyone is talking about you. Anyways, enjoy this episode with DJ Dazzler.
Carissa Wu's Podcast Mission
00:00:46
Speaker
Welcome to Get a Heck Yes with Carissa Wu. I'm your host, Carissa, and I've been a Los Angeles wedding photographer for over a decade. I've traveled the world, built my team, and seen it all. I now coach wedding photographers hit 10K a month and build a thriving business. In this podcast, we are going to deep dive into how top wedding creatives get that heck yes from their dream clients. We are not holding back on the struggles of the business and how to push through the noise. Some healthy hustle, mindset shifts, up-leveling your money story,
00:01:15
Speaker
time-packed because I'm a mom of two, a little bit of woo-woo, and most importantly, self-love and confidence are just a few of the many things we will talk about. I want to give you a genuine thank you for following along my journey. I hope to inspire you every Woo Wednesday so that you say heck yes to listening to this podcast. See you guys soon!
00:01:38
Speaker
Hey everyone, welcome back to Get A Hype Yes with me, my girl DJ Dazzler.
Live Recording Excitement
00:01:43
Speaker
We are live at my home studio in Torrance and I'm so happy for you to be here today. I never have in-person people. I know, I'm so excited to be here live. Hi everybody. Yeah, I have pretty good sound stuff.
00:02:00
Speaker
in here, but we're going to lunch after this. We're super excited. Yes. We're celebrating a birthday. This one VIP right here in 39. I've been trying to get desert on my podcast forever, over a year. So this is really exciting. But yeah, I feel very zen. We're drinking our
00:02:18
Speaker
and I actually added some green mushrooms in here, so I'm gonna be more relaxed. Awesome. Might need to do a weekly visit here for some studios for that.
Dazzler's Luxury Event DJ Career
00:02:31
Speaker
Yeah, so I guess my first question to DJ Dazzler is, what is your elevator pitch? Like, who are you? Oh my goodness. That's like way to put me on the spot. You know, when I'm not behind the turntables, I guess you wouldn't know.
00:02:46
Speaker
who I am. So I'll say that I'm a Los Angeles based DJ yet suitcase ready, focusing on luxury events, elevated functions, destination, brands, touring. Really, you can catch me on tour with NASCAR. I've opened up for Pitbull. Chanel has been one of my clients and very diverse. I think
00:03:11
Speaker
life celebratory functions in terms of live action, sports, gaming industry, travel, and all of the things that activate music and bring things to life is where you can find me. Oh my God, that was amazing. Coming to a party near you. Yeah, that's amazing.
00:03:36
Speaker
kind of funny thing, but you know me and Ziti Dazzler on WIPA, but yes, a lot of people don't even know your name. Dazz is the name. Okay, we'll just go for Dazz. Okay, well that was a great elevator pitch, probably the best I ever heard.
Southern California Roots
00:03:53
Speaker
But now we're gonna like, my podcast is very about like who you truly are as a person, not like as a brand. And we want to get to know you as a person. So let's take it
00:04:04
Speaker
like way back, back into time, like growing up, parents, how you're raised. And if you want to share. I'm a SoCal born and bred girl, California girl to the core, born in Los Angeles, raised throughout the South Bay and Orange County, lived in Los Angeles and Orange County. So really centered here. 714 area code, I will never change it.
00:04:31
Speaker
Oh, so the day I had the same number since I was fourth grade. Oh, really? Okay. Yeah. I've had my, I want to say I've had this phone number since I had the Nokia cell phone where you can play snake and like customize ringtones on it. So I've had this, I've had this, um, phone for a long time. Uh, and just really growing up in Southern California, I can't see myself anywhere else. Even though I travel extensively, I've experienced different cultures and, you know, environments.
Family Background and Creative Divergence
00:05:01
Speaker
Southern California is home. Grew up with two siblings, parents that worked in public service. Very opposite I want to say from the trajectory I went to professionally. They had commendable careers in nursing and law enforcement and much of my family is in work, have his government jobs and
00:05:25
Speaker
public servant jobs. And really, I think where I separated myself and went on my own path was having the desire to fulfill my creative juices, not knowing it was gonna lead to music. There was actually a specific instance in time when that happened. And I wanna say I'm a late bloomer too. I wasn't one of those, oh, I've been studying music since I was a kid and became this,
00:05:51
Speaker
prodigy child and, and, and, and really had it a part of my lifestyle since I was young, you know, and it goes to show you it's never too late to start anything that you want because I feel like I started this venture very much well into my adulthood adulthood. Okay. Not yet. Not yet. Let's not get to Oh yeah. Okay. So what were you like as a kid and
Childhood Creativity and Self-Image Struggles
00:06:14
Speaker
like growing up, what were you into?
00:06:16
Speaker
completely social, your typical extrovert, wanted to make people feel included and wanted because there were often times where I wasn't included and wanted anywhere from being last or second to last being picked on a sports team, in grade school, wasn't the coolest person in school and was very much made aware of that. Sometimes you don't,
00:06:45
Speaker
You don't know things about yourself until you utilize other people as a mirror. So growing up, I had issues with my weight. I had self-image issues with my weight for a very long time leading up to adulthood, went to private Catholic school for many years. So growing up with the same group of people and I feel like those people become friends and
00:07:10
Speaker
like if your classroom's 30 people for a dozen years or so, you know what I mean? It's like, oh, who's my friend group and who can I identify with? So really in the middle of all of that, started to realize I was a creative person, did poorly in your math and science courses, needed constant help in those areas in my education. I wanna say even up until college. So I say that I grew up here,
00:07:39
Speaker
went to school here. Yeah, right. I did. I did grow up in Carson a little bit. All of my schooling is in Southern California all the way from preschool to college. I went to Cal State Fullerton, which is a commuter school in the state university system here in California. California is home. Southern California is home for me. I mean, thank you for sharing that. That's very vulnerable. I feel everything's kind of making sense, like getting to know you because you do make people feel very
00:08:09
Speaker
like welcome and loved. And I feel like, like when I was a kid, like I wasn't like bully, but I have been bullied too. And I remember those times. I never wanted to go like that. And even on the tennis courts, I remember like- You played tennis? Yeah. I played in college too, but it would be like my dad would be like, Oh, like don't play with that person. Like they suck or whatever. And that's how they pick up all like, Oh, like we don't want to play with you.
00:08:36
Speaker
My dad would be like, oh, come, come, come, Carissa. And I'd be like, like, no, no, like that's like messed up, dude. Right. Like to like, just leave the court. Yeah. I was like, I just put my foot down. Like, no, I'm not leaving. Like, that's messed up. I don't want to make people feel bad. And I feel like me and you're like this. Right. No, we're just so inclusive, I think, given our life experience in history, which I think is awesome, leading to, you know, where we are today and what we do. Yeah. Okay. So let's take it to Cal State Fullerton.
00:09:04
Speaker
What were you up to in college?
College Life and Event Production
00:09:07
Speaker
Were you the party extrovert girl? Were you driven? And when did you start, I don't know, becoming kind of musical? Okay, yeah, I'll answer that in the reverse. I did not start start becoming
00:09:24
Speaker
into the trade that I am now till well after I was in college. So going back to college years, I was absolutely extroverted. I was in a sorority. I was involved in my majors. I was highly involved with clubs and organizations. That's where my event producer career, if you will, started. I worked in tourism at the time. Being in places where
00:09:50
Speaker
people are brought together, getting them excited. That was my happy zone, not knowing that would have an impact in my career. So completely an extroverted person that thrives off the energies of people and really enjoying to bring those factors together. Interesting. Yeah. So I would see, I imagine you like,
00:10:13
Speaker
kind of club hopping, not like club clubbing, but like, yeah, like school club hopping. Oh, and that's you and nightlife night, my nightlife experiences were very rich and very
00:10:27
Speaker
I should say, I don't have that type of energy now, which is ironic because a lot of the work that we do is during those times, you know? So I think what I've really enjoyed about what I did not know then that I can apply now is really valuing the human experience and really appreciating people for who they are and bringing them together because in college, it's not like that was
00:10:53
Speaker
I just really enjoyed being in the presence of people and really finding out what their story is and bringing that to life and making them feel included and celebrated, which is what our industry does. And I would have never thought fast forwarding from that time where I would be as a career. Okay. So were your parents or your siblings extroverts too?
00:11:17
Speaker
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00:11:34
Speaker
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00:11:57
Speaker
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00:12:20
Speaker
tell us how you're feeling like I want to just know a little bit more about your thoughts. Yeah, beautiful. And you're, you're awesome. It's beautiful. I'm speechless. I just like the fact that it feels like myself. I can I feel myself when I see this. Oh, man. Well, you got me pumped and excited for this. Carissa, thank you. They're extroverts in their own way, but I would say mostly introverted. Okay. I definitely am the odd family member in my immediate family.
00:12:50
Speaker
vocal for sure, which is oftentimes not welcomed in most Asian households, or even just your upbringing. I'm very opinionated with good reason, obviously wanting to be heard, wanting other people to be heard, wanting
00:13:09
Speaker
to teach a lesson in terms of what, how can we grow and elevate from things? But some people aren't ready for that as is also like the Achilles heel to that. You know, some people aren't ready for those conversations. So yeah, I think it also and like dynamics too. I would say family dynamics. I would say
00:13:28
Speaker
my family doesn't appreciate that trait of mine. It's too invasive. It's too in your face. You know, it's like, I know I've saved you're more of like, put your head down, focus. Not everything needs an opinion type of thing. Is there, is there mantra I would say. So I think I'm in where I am. It's kind of
00:13:50
Speaker
appreciated when you're vocal, I think, you know, so I think you found your I hope so, you know, and if the best is yet to come, I wonder what's next for me. But in terms of like college, you know, I'd say I'd group my adulthood years, and just journey of constantly finding yourself and what and who you are and the things that are important to you. That's a lifelong lesson. Totally. You know, there's no expiration date on that. I think we're constantly evolving and
00:14:17
Speaker
finding what's important to us and things change, right? Oh my God. Well said. Um, let's take it to after college, like early, uh, jobs and then the exciting part is when you started to become this DJ dad. You know, it's not as exciting and happy as what you might think. I became a DJ from very unfortunate situations.
Career Shift to DJing
00:14:41
Speaker
So.
00:14:42
Speaker
First off, I am a product of the recession, if you can recall those years. Yeah, like in that 2006 to 2010, that was a really rough era for a lot of us. And if you figure those during the time I was in college, graduating college, there were no jobs available. And at the time I graduated from a university that was super impacted. And what that means is they're at top record levels of, you know,
00:15:12
Speaker
student enrollment and it's really hard to get a class, at least a class that you want the time and day. We had one of the graduate record breaking graduating classes and the jobs, I was applying for.
00:15:26
Speaker
senior level executives were also applying for because they were losing their jobs. A little bit of background about my education. I actually earned a degree in a field I am not even involved in at all. I got my bachelor's in Bachelor of Science in Human Services with a concentration in mental health, thinking I was going to explore careers in, you know,
00:15:48
Speaker
marriage family therapy, social work, peace management, and those things, and a minor in public relations, which I feel like I use a lot more now, although there's best practices that have evolved. I think I do use an element of my degree in a sense of connecting with people. And I think that's just more of an innate trait, not a, oh, a bachelor's degree served me in that case. So you figure back in that time,
00:16:13
Speaker
I was just trying to get a job. You graduate college, you do things in sequential order or what you think is supposed to be right and we're in the middle of the recession. I floated around to a couple of jobs and got to where I thought I was going to be. I worked in higher education. I worked for a nonprofit. The interesting part of working for a nonprofit is
00:16:32
Speaker
Those jobs are never guaranteed in the long term because they're either grant funded or the funding runs out. And I was miserable. I was like where like everything was operating at a scarcity. Like there's not enough money to fund this. We don't have budgets to do this. And I worked as an event producer. I worked in marketing. I worked in these elements that are very cost intensive
00:16:59
Speaker
you know, positions, not only a salary, but you want to activate an event that costs money. And so when those things started to trickle away, they really I got the pressure to like
00:17:11
Speaker
you figure it out, make it happen, although that made me stronger under the wrong leadership that can really taint your experience. So I really needed to find a, I needed to find a cathartic thing to console my, what I felt was a neg experience in my corporate world job. You know what I mean?
00:17:33
Speaker
I didn't play any instruments. I definitely don't want me singing, but I've always loved other people's music. I loved music. I love being able to manipulate it in a way of like, or playing it at the right place in the
Learning from Top DJs
00:17:45
Speaker
right time. So I learned, I literally one day on the job was probably doing some menial administrative tasks. And I said, I literally Googled
00:17:55
Speaker
learn how to DJ Los Angeles because I didn't think there was anything cool like that in Orange County. Sure enough, there was this school DJ school that was that popped up. I'm like, no way this really exists. And at the time when I was reading the website, I said, I think you already have to be a DJ. And I had zero experience called in.
00:18:15
Speaker
the rest is literally history. I went in, learned, learned pretty quickly. And I learned from people who are established DJs from Power 106, really big DJs who had a name for themselves out there. And I was one of the few females at the time who was studying at the school. And I'm going to fast forward a couple of a couple of details from that. But I ended up working for this organization.
00:18:41
Speaker
a Scratch music group, Scratch DJ Academy, who has a very big, near and dear place in my heart, because that's where my DJ career, what at the time did not think was going to be career. I was strictly doing it just to find another hobby to get excited about life again, and really saw that I can make a business out of this, you know?
00:19:01
Speaker
That's amazing. So that's really, and you think that's been, I've been DJ now for almost 15 years. It's been, it's been a regular part of my life for 15 years. Um, never thought I would ever make a dollar doing it, let alone.
00:19:18
Speaker
you know, going on tour, being featured in radio, on TV, and being on film on Netflix with Gabrielle Union and Jessica Alba. What was this show? It was LA's Finest. That was a very, very quick cameo on that, but a several day recording that was really fun. Some of the things I would, what I thought would never be my career has brought me the most amazing things I have ever experienced in my life.
00:19:47
Speaker
Kind of fun question. When do you feel like you stepped into your power as like your brand? Like everyone else you guys like this DJ does are like pink and orange and fun and vibing and big smile and like just this beautiful like branded setup.
00:20:06
Speaker
Um, did that take time or was there aha moment? Do you have inspiration, anything you could share with us? Because I want to keep it concise, but I want to get people like this, um, like the zap of inspiration that like, maybe they could do it and just be like, become this powerhouse. Sure. That's a great question. I want to say I've always been me. However, I think where it's now projecting in a place where
00:20:31
Speaker
let's say if you've never met me and you're schooling Instagram, I'm like, I have two seconds to get to know this person. Oh, bam, Dazzler, there she is. So I want to say that's been a journey that's been happening since 2020 when I rebranded, essentially. For those of you who are wondering what, sometimes when I hear the word rebrand, it doesn't mean what I think it means. And to other people, people might have different definitions.
00:20:54
Speaker
And really, what I was looking for at the time was, if you remember, not that we ever need to ever talk about the pandemic, but it was 2020 was a pandemic and. A quick synopsis to that I want to say is.
00:21:08
Speaker
Do you remember in that March of 2020 where the world was saying, we're going to shut down for two weeks and we're going to be back to normal? Like, what does it flatten the curve? I actually was grateful. Like, even though I lost work, I was like, I'm kind of feeling burnt out, not burnt out. I love my job. I love, I love this craft. I love this career path, but I was actually getting physically
2020 Rebranding and Authenticity Focus
00:21:28
Speaker
burnt out. So I said, okay, two weeks.
00:21:30
Speaker
I kinda need a break anyway. But two weeks turned into a season, a season turned to half a year. Summer came and went. We weren't back to so-called normal. We work in the events industry and our craft really requires us to congregate among people. We could not do that. So I kinda got shaken up inside of my, okay, at some point things are gonna go back to quote unquote normal. I at least wanna come back revived, refreshed, better systems in place.
00:21:58
Speaker
Essentially, I don't say I knew me, but elevated me because I didn't want to return to my old ways, not to say that they were bad, but I think we can always improve. And that literally meant every aspect of my business of how I presented myself to the world, whether people were asking for me or not. So I want to say it's now we're going on to year four of this.
00:22:19
Speaker
It's not an overnight, an overnight journey at all. There's a lot of growing pains and learning lessons. Um, one being getting rid of perfectionism mindset. I think that really, really holds us back is, is so for example, it'd be like, I don't want to release this mix because it's just not perfect yet. I, well, what if I, what holds me back from releasing it versus
00:22:45
Speaker
if I don't put this out and maybe it is not perfect, but it's my best and it opens a door for new opportunities because someone needed an example of my work. So really, really honing in on that mindset and really exploring what the rebrand could possibly do for me and not knowing what the results were gonna be, but at least attracting
00:23:10
Speaker
people and brands that have the similar values as me was the main priority. Wow. That's so good. Oh my God. I could go so deep into this, but I can't due to time, but you said the word value. So we're going to get into hot topic. Hot topic. So what is your hot topic today? And why is it so near and dear to your heart? And I believe we have never talked about this on get a heck yes. So you guys, you have to tune in, turn your volume up. We're going to it.
00:23:40
Speaker
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00:24:05
Speaker
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Speaker
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Speaker
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00:25:16
Speaker
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Speaker
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00:26:02
Speaker
And yeah, they are going to get your finances in order so you can continue to scale and succeed. Back to the show.
00:26:11
Speaker
My hot topic is really leaning into who you are, the things that are important to you and your core values of the things that you want to track back to you. So what I, in this process of this rebrand, I really started digging deep and looking at what are the, what are the things, ideas, and people that have the same synergy as I do that can bring out the best of my work and really never heard this. So I'm like, well, leading, I think.
00:26:42
Speaker
When this, I feel like gone are the days of this, you know, casting a wide net and grabbing everything you can, you can get as far as clients go because that's what everybody does. And when you do that, you're not the expert. People don't think that's the expert anymore. If you really niche down and focus who you want to serve.
00:27:01
Speaker
You already come from a place of being intentful and knowing who your audience is. And for me, leading with my core values, and that's really a variety of things. It's, you know, women empowerment.
00:27:16
Speaker
supporting LGBTQIA plus lives, body positivity and racial justice and coming from those heart-centric modes and knowing to relate to people. I'll tell you this, this is not a surprise if you are new to me, my brand, if you go on my Instagram page as a straight female of color, I attract more same-sex couples than the average
00:27:47
Speaker
person slash same sex vendor or even because I'm very intentional in
00:27:53
Speaker
being present for that community had a huge influence in my interests of music, pop culture, and those things. So a lot of people might think, oh, of course I support XYZ or this cause, but I actually live it day to day. I constantly showing up for these respective communities donating to their funds. I'll tell you one thing, if you are
00:28:19
Speaker
a client of mine in the wedding space. One of the things that I do is I donate in there to my client's name to one for organizations that mean a lot to me. So because if we're in the business of love, I think we should be sharing that, you know, and so I like to show up for different communities who are especially marginalized or don't have a voice. And so using these using this career as a platform for those things. So leading with that being intentional. How did you
00:28:47
Speaker
even honestly come up with this not come up with this but like what inspired you because or how did you learn about this because I never really.
00:28:57
Speaker
heard about this, I learned, I heard about it through like, Bernie Brown, like core values, and I never really truly understood it. But then you were talking about core values for your business. Yeah, I'm sure you had a lot of time to think during COVID. Yeah, for sure. I think, well, a variety of things. A, I was looking at how my industry DJs were navigating the type of work that I was after. And I think beyond
00:29:22
Speaker
tech equipment, DJ equipment. I do think there's this empty space of where some of my peers don't look to elevate themselves.
Influence of Peers and Educators
00:29:29
Speaker
So I thought that was an opportunity for me to stand above
00:29:33
Speaker
noise in addition to being a female, which is, you know, there are much more males in my industry. Secondly, some of our peers in the wedding industry who are very sought after educators, they have had a huge influence in my business. I mean, I mean, the greats, Terica, you know, for one, Renee Dallow,
00:29:56
Speaker
One of my, actually my rebrand creative director, Amanda from Carrie Love Designs is a huge part of how I present myself to world. She works day in and day out with me making sure that my messaging and who I am is so authentic and it's me. I like to bring it full circle and say that, let's say if you've never met me,
00:30:18
Speaker
If you go on my website, my Instagram saw this video or whatever it is, by the time you meet me, whether it's on zoom or in person, you shouldn't be surprised. You know what I mean? It should be just an extension of feeling my energy. Have you ever met this? I always make this example where have you ever seen a creatives Instagram and it's not.
00:30:36
Speaker
curated or presented well and except you're excited to meet them. You're, I can't wait to meet this person. And when you do, they're like, is this even the right person I met that has happened to me so many times thinking like that was interaction was so often. I think it has to do with the.
00:30:51
Speaker
lack of cohesion of how we present ourselves to the world. And people forget that others are watching us. Like even right now, like when we're not on, you know, posting or what it is, they're looking at what we're all about. Can they relate to us? Can we relate to them?
00:31:07
Speaker
And what happened to me a lot like in dating, like, oh, profiles, it's all like romantic. And I love that. And then I would meet them and they're like, what up? Like, you know, that's such a good, good comparison. It really is like,
00:31:23
Speaker
like dating, if you will, like how you present yourself to the world because we're behind our phones and camera screens, right? So it's really how someone experiences you. We should be utilizing these as tools for people to get us in real life. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah.
00:31:38
Speaker
Okay, let's talk to like, directly at the people listening right now. Say, okay, so it's wedding pros, photographers, DJ, and florists, everyone, and they want to just be more authentically them. And they want to dig deep into their core values and just show up authentically like you are, you're living your brand, you are your brand, you are in the brand. So
00:32:06
Speaker
what is like maybe some tips and tricks to kind of maybe like brainstorm and who they are and you know maybe some tactics that they could do today right now? I think the biggest piece of advice I can say and this might sound scary is not being afraid to say no. There are I think there are leads and inquiries that we all get as creatives where I think you know deep down this isn't for me but
00:32:35
Speaker
Maybe lead flow is really low. You want the gig. You want the money. You want the opportunity. So you really try and make it work. And then you just know deep down, it's not for you, you know, type of thing. I think really come to.
00:32:50
Speaker
to exploring that. And what are you really losing when you say no? I think really you do up your value. There is a value in being unavailable for something or not attainable. I think your stock does go up. There's times prior to my rebrand and there's even ethical situations where I run into like, wow, I really want this.
00:33:15
Speaker
gig but it's not for me like it can be even something as a point to where the opportunity is amazing what if it's for an amazing brand, but you need to be bilingual I I'm not so I'm not a fit for it and I'm trying to find an angle where I can but sometimes it's really
00:33:31
Speaker
about utilizing that moment to give someone else and shine really like really
Core Values and Opportunity Selection
00:33:36
Speaker
abundance mentality goes a long way really you know and and finding someone or you know being a way to be collaborative you know joining forces with somebody else and breaking bread I love breaking bread with other creatives and giving them opportunity and shine because it just makes you know we're better together in terms of
00:33:55
Speaker
you can make a bigger impact. And I think everyone has their own individual expertise within their trade. So, you know, like for photography, there's different styles and DJs, there's different musical genres people know, know better. So yeah, I think there, this is an opportunity. A, if you say no, it's a way for you to really be in tuned of who you are and knowing what's for you. And
00:34:18
Speaker
opening the door for other people so they can collaborate with you and you can learn from other people. I think one thing about being a creative, especially as a career is maintaining the idea of your student always being open to learning. Oh yeah. I mean, you said so many great things in there. I'm just trying to think of stuff in my career, like I'm Chinese, but I'm like the most not Chinese person, but sometimes
00:34:42
Speaker
they see the name Wu, so they think I could speak it. But maybe it's not maybe the best fit and I don't really want to do the Chinese big weddings. So just living in your power because when you say no, it could open the door for a new wedding that would be a better fit. Okay, I want to ask this question. I'm sure everyone is dying to know. I'm sure a lot of WIPA members are going to be listening to this.
00:35:08
Speaker
And they're just gonna be like, okay, leaning in the big brands like Bravo, Netflix, all these things that we see you I'm posting about and we're just like, how did Dazzler get to that level? How is all these big brands wanting to work with her? Like, how the heck did you do it, Dazz?
00:35:29
Speaker
That's, I forgot, you know, as I did my elevator pitch, those were some big ones you named, you know? It really, so. And I didn't do my research. I mean, like, it's just like in my brain because, you know, of what you've seen. Yeah. How it's presented to the world. Fair question. And really it kind of comes back full circle of to the person who I am because I'm extroverted.
Building Authentic Relationships
00:35:50
Speaker
All of that came from.
00:35:52
Speaker
fostering relationships and not having an expectation to be an opportunist and only seek people, humans, for an opportunity, really being present for them as a human being and developing those friendships and
00:36:09
Speaker
being present for people because they remember that people really truly remember how you make them feel. And I like to come from a place of, you're not hiring a DJ for, for my couples in love, looking for photography, Baker, you're not looking for those things. You're looking for a human who you can relate to because there really are so many options for everything. I'm not the only DJ how let's take a step back.
00:36:38
Speaker
DJ isn't the only source of music entertainment. There are bands. There's so many options. How it's really how I got these opportunities was showing up authentically and making impactful
00:36:52
Speaker
relationships with people and being there for them. You do that really well. It's really important to me. I think that's why it doesn't feel like work. That's why when people make a joke like, oh, there's Dazzler out in her going to networking event. And really, I think it's like it's a moment for us to hang out. And I like going to these. Oh my gosh. Yeah. I was so honored that you invited me. And then many of our peers were there. So that was a moment for us to connect and bond.
00:37:19
Speaker
having the also the expectation of of having no expectations what I mean is of I'm not going to these things for like oh I'm gonna get this gig I'm gonna make that money this I think that's the fast track to disappointment and really just looking at things at a way that's not
00:37:38
Speaker
fruitful for anyone. Just being present. And it's really being of service to other people first. And sometimes things come out of that and sometimes it doesn't. I always say that.
00:37:51
Speaker
you put good energy in the world and just like the most random thing will happen. Like it's always least expected, right? Like refer me in the book and I'm like, I've been working on this relationship with these other planners that never gave me anything. And then like all of a sudden like this random person gives me a referral. So it's just like, it's just, you know, um, law of attraction. Absolutely. I wanted to ask you this, which is one of my questions that I've been dying to know, but
00:38:17
Speaker
Like, why you? Like, why would we choose you over, like you said, a band or, you know, one of those big DJ companies? Sure. Like, what are your your woo factor, your DAS factor is like, what makes you stand out? Like, why should we choose you? Hey there, wedding pros. I want to tell you one more thing about a company that has changed my life. Strategic assistant staffing.
00:38:46
Speaker
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00:39:02
Speaker
Yep, you heard that right. They are a fraction of the price and so efficient at what they do and so talented. It's like $7 an hour. Super crazy. So after understanding my needs, I was paired up with a personal VA and he is amazing.
00:39:18
Speaker
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00:39:48
Speaker
www.strategic.com. It's in the show notes. Make sure you use my promo code back to the show as I head to the beat. See ya. A big part of what I lead with is this elevated process that is this heightened communication, this way of being explaining things in a clear, concise manner and creatively that's branded by me and
00:40:15
Speaker
a way that I connect with people is really my secret sauce on getting these opportunities. I think in a high level, so I don't take my role as DJ literally because of my experience in event production, I'm able to see things in a 360 view and really where
00:40:37
Speaker
the name in terms of, especially the brands that I, that I work with, I'm your ambassador for the day. So because, because core values mean a lot to me in terms of, I'm not going to work just with any brand. It's not, not all money is good money, right? If we align, then wearing
00:40:55
Speaker
that logo on me and representing should not, should come off natural, right? And I'm an extension of that, you know? So really spotlighting people and causes. Now for people and celebration events, I'm an extended family member, if you will, and really being able to
00:41:14
Speaker
hone in in the role of telling someone else's story, love story, if it's a wedding in the way I do with music and taking those opportunities in a way they're like, wow, that was unforgettable.
Client Alignment and Self-Awareness
00:41:26
Speaker
That's why I'm one of those DJs who I'm not trying to get three wedding gigs a week, maybe not even a month. I'm really intentional. So even to hire me, we have to hop on a zoom call. We need to have a vibe. So yes, you know, the, the choice is in,
00:41:44
Speaker
the client's hands, but I think we also hone in on our power and really use that opportunity to see are we a fit to we vibe, you know, because there are times when I didn't like vibe with the client and it was nothing bad. It was just more, I just thought of someone else who would be way better, you know, who could knock it out of the park. Like I would, I would hit the home run, but I knew someone who could do a grand slam. I think that's a better fit for somebody else. So really my overall theme of how I've come to where I am at is.
00:42:14
Speaker
this level of self-awareness. So not every, you know, the goal for me is not to close every lead I get. It's really trying to be aligned and in tuned with my counterpart as a client so we can together get the best result and produce something amazing. And in my case, it's, it's, you know, your musical journey and experience. Okay. Did you guys get what you just said? So pretty much like.
00:42:41
Speaker
You have to be an extension of your clients. So I'm not sure if you guys are working with brand yet or it's just, you know, couples, but you are their family member that day. Like you are their hype woman, hype man. You're their.
00:42:58
Speaker
talented coven. I like the way how you're saying it because it makes it even more relatable in terms of you're not you're not just the person that's clocking in and out to press play. You really are representing people and causes. And I mean, why else would
00:43:15
Speaker
people really hit up, like you think a way of how would you personally shop, right? You're also looking at other options. Well, which was the best, right fit for me, you know? No, I mean, everything's kind of coming full circle. Like when I did the branding shoot with you, which I'll post when I post, you're repping me, you're repping mesh kids, you're repping my brand, you're repping the podcast.
00:43:37
Speaker
you are an extension of working with me. It's not just about you. And I think that really reflects when you work with these brands and it's like, oh, is she the main girl, you know, of the DJ of Bravo? You know, is she the DJ of Netflix? So I hope that's a huge takeaway for the listeners, like be an extension of that brand who you're working for. I think that is something
00:44:02
Speaker
I don't know. There's just like, I don't think there's books about that. I know. It's really, it's a lot of it too. You can, I mean, you can learn on your own. You can, you can obviously take the initiative to read up on things, but I also think your life experience is a great educational piece, you know? Yeah. Oh my God. Okay. So I guess coming up on time, such a good conversation, but last question. Okay. And before rapid fire questions is what is your best? Heck yes. Sales technique.
00:44:30
Speaker
Wow, that is really putting me on the spot. Asking people, potential clients, whoever you're talking to who is in the position to hire you, really understanding A, their pain points and B, what's important to them. I think that really gives
00:44:51
Speaker
you a lot of clarity in where you can really serve someone, or you may not. Like I said, I think everything is so focused on the ideals. And I think sometimes we turn into, yes, people are like, yes, we can do that. Yes, we can do this. But understanding the root causes and reasons of why people think the way they think, or what the things that they're insecure about, or things that are just
00:45:15
Speaker
a paint stake for them really gives a lot of clarity and is the opportunity for us as creatives and you know us and we're technically in service too to people and allows us to show up for people in the way they need us if it's inbound with us. Yeah I just changed my bio Instagram to like wedding pops up color wedding photographer that works with people that really need direction
00:45:43
Speaker
Oh, you're so good at that. You're really good at bringing the best of people out in camera. And that's what like a big I'm a test of that. She did that with me. Yeah. I just like, I really pondered on this question, which you guys did too. And just brainstorm like, what are like these deep pain points, desires of your ideal client? Like what are they struggling with? And, um, even it helps me with content of just, uh, trying to help someone where they're at. So I think that was a really good answer. Um,
00:46:12
Speaker
I kind of changed my mind. One more question for rapid-fire questions, but speak to the heart of wedding pros struggling to get their business started, struggling with Lee, struggling with their brand. What would you do today to change their
00:46:30
Speaker
Right. I would say the first thing is redirect a mindset shift because that is the initial thing that will help jumpstart things. So not focusing on the end result because you can't move a mountain in a day. And this is even saying this as a great reminder because I get into those.
00:46:48
Speaker
moments of where I feel defeated, but really going to things that inspire you. So for me, they are going to networking events in our trade circle events, because that's where people who are like-minded like me congregate. And I just get that source of inspiration. And it doesn't have to be inspiration of, oh, this is what's going to get me to lead. It's just that energy force.
00:47:13
Speaker
And that shows up in a variety of ways, depending who you are. But I would say if you're thinking, what can I do today to help me jumpstart tomorrow? Really measure and reassess where your mindset is today and see what you can do to help evolve yourself in making the next step. And it doesn't have to be one big leap at all. It could be the fact that
00:47:33
Speaker
you are creating a system in place, like let's say your time block in your calendar or something, maybe you've never done that. And you're starting to just work 30 minutes a day on your business. I like that. You know, that's attainable in 30 minutes turns into more. It's like that stuff, like, yeah, I would say that's something people could do today. Just time block. Yeah. 30 minutes a day. Uninterrupted. Yeah. Do not disturb boat all the way.
00:48:02
Speaker
Pomodoro method, whatever. Put it there and just have your CEO hat for 30 minutes a day. That is really great advice. Okay, these are more shorter answers, just kind of like quick. I'm gonna try to learn as much as possible with these short answers, but favorite social media tip or hack? Do pre concepts ahead of time in terms of scheduling out your social media. So I think before I was,
00:48:32
Speaker
initially going off the cuff, like, oh, I'm doing this event live post right away. If you really take the time and visit my Instagram, like that's really a great way to show what I'm explaining. I don't necessarily, I use stories to do live stuff in terms of this is what's happening right now, but I use the feed to story tell the things that I want to attract and really pre-planning those in advance really will get you in a place to let people see your vision.
00:48:58
Speaker
Oh, we could do a whole podcast on that, but next question, what was your favorite event? Oh my gosh, Carissa, that is...
00:49:08
Speaker
Oh, hard question. It doesn't have to be number one, but just stand up. One thing, okay, obviously DJing for Lisa Vanderpump and I've done many events for her is so huge, especially for Vanderpump Rules and I DJ at all her properties, Pump and Tom Toms and all of that in West Hollywood. But also last year I had my record-breaking audience of 140,000 people DJing for NASCAR Talladega in Alabama. Was that 140?
00:49:38
Speaker
thousand that's right yeah and before that it was I think I did 20,000 in an amphitheater teaching for Pitbull and Iggy Azalea and so it's just it's such an energy force it's such a high in terms of being in those moments and elevating and uplifting people who are who have this awesome common interest that you're elevating and spotlighting dude that's crazy what do you think about your career
00:50:02
Speaker
I think they're, sometimes I think they don't get it. And at the same time, they're all so proud. Like they're like, I don't think they know, you know, this is the struggle for every creative, right? It's like, our parents don't know how to explain what we do, but as long as they see that we're paying our bills with it, they're like, I think, I think they're doing okay. You know what I mean? Yeah. What is your biggest showing up tip? Because everyone's like, they're the one to show up.
00:50:29
Speaker
Letting people speak, you know, sometimes we don't have to interject all the time. We can listen and allow people to express themselves how they feel is authentic to them. I think we can do a lot of learning if we listen. Good. Oh my God. This is such a high vibe.
00:50:49
Speaker
podcast with DJ Dazz. We're so excited. Go follow her and tell everyone where to follow you and how to work with you. DJ underscore Dazzler, D-A-Z-Z-L-E-R. And obviously my newly rebranded website is DJDazzler.com. I hope to see you all along there. Thank you. Yay. Thank you everybody.
00:51:17
Speaker
Thanks for joining me this week on Get a Heck Yes with Carissa Wu. Make sure to follow, subscribe, leave a review, or tell a friend about the show. Take a screenshot and post to IG. Tag me. Also, don't forget to download my free guide on how to become a lead generating machine. See you next time, wedding pros!