By Stacy Zemon, Editor & Chief Scribe
Dear DJ Colleagues,
As 2016 draws to a close, it is time for me to say “farewell” to the DJ business. After thirty-eight years I am retiring from our industry to pursue other endeavors.
It’s been quite a journey from the days leading Hustle dance lessons poolside at a resort in the Pocono mountains – through starting and running a twenty-three DJ full-service, multi-state, multi-op – to writing five books for the industry and then starting ProMobileDJ.com almost seven years ago.
As one of the small percentage of women in our business it hasn’t been easy but it has been rewarding. I loved being on the radio and having a large DJ service. The thousands of events at which I have entertained are indelibly etched in my mind and heart. The books I have written have also been labors of love. The phone calls, emails and personal “thank you for helping me start my business and making it successful” comments I have received from mobiles across the country and in the U.K. have continually convinced me that I was making a positive difference in the world.
I worked for three DJ companies before venturing out on my own because I wasn’t being booked as often or being paid as much as my male counterparts. In retrospect they actually did me a favor as my business leapfrogged the competition inside of a year and went on to be the largest and most successful in Connecticut.
If you’d like to read more about my career, click here.
I owe a huge debt of gratitude to the ProMobileDJ.com writers (past and present) and video-makers who have so generously given of their time and talent to turn the website into the #1 source for free educational articles and videos in the world. Thank you all so much! I trust that when N.A.M.E. takes over in January, 2017, President Carol Keslar and Co-Editor Stu Chisholm will ensure that the high standards of quality and professionalism are maintained.
Thank you also to the DJ leaders who have contributed their wisdom to my books and articles!
I want to thank American DJ lighting and Promo Only Music & Video for bringing me into your fold as an Endorsed Artist. I have always been proud to use your great products and promote your excellent companies. Thank you also DJ Times magazine for giving me the opportunity to write business articles for your publication for fourteen years.
Another “thank you” goes out to Mike Walter for bringing me back year after year as a judge at the “DJ of the Year” competition. It’s been an honor and a pleasure watching some of our industry’s best talent perform and receive recognition in front of their peers.
To the many hundreds of friends I have made in this industry over the years and from all over the world, and to those I’ve never met, keep in mind that if you love this business, hold yourselves to a high standard and never stop learning, you will surely prosper and be happy.
Although I have never received any official industry recognition for my contributions, knowing that I have made a difference in thousands of DJs lives has been and is my greatest reward. This will be my legacy and I am very proud of that. I hope that in the future when Mobile Beat gives out “Hall of Fame” and “Lifetime Achievement” awards, they will add deserving females to their current all-male lineup of recipients. I also hope that the men in our business who still hold sexist views of female DJs (and unfortunately some of them are very well known), will wake-up and realize that it’s the 21st Century and high time to accept and embrace us women as your valued colleagues. If you are a female considering becoming a mobile DJ, bravo! I am a living example of a female who made it despite having difficult obstacles to overcome. You can do it too!
A few years ago I became an Accredited Life Coach (LifeCoachStacyZemon.com), which has been very rewarding. I have been a DJ Success Consultant (StacyZemon.com) for several years and will continue to help DJs with their marketing, sales and business challenges as well as designing websites and writing content for them. I started running special events in NJ three years ago and will continue to do this, as well. What else does the future hold for me? Only time will tell.
Please feel free to keep in touch c/o [email protected] and (856) 397-3500.
I wish you all the best!
Sincerely yours,
Stacy Zemon
