I started DJing nearly 20 years ago and the natural progression to make music came from there. I stormed into the scene in 2001 after winning the Liquidfunk.co.uk mix competition beating over 500 entries at just 20 years old.
I have started my own music label, along with having records released on other peoples labels. I just loved the music and thought hey, I'd like to DJ. None of the boys would let me near their equipment at house parties, so I was forced to go it alone. I was working as a manager at Domino's Pizza and my franchisee knew I was struggling for money so he bought me my first set of decks. From there I got so much support it kick started my career. Now, a national and international DJ and Producer, having played over 550 clubs, pubs, silent disco's, boat parties and festivals from Scotland, Europe and briefly touring the USA - tearing the roof off at Barnyard Boogie in Chicago,played Denver and Reno Nevada, headlining numerous sell out events across the world.
What were the biggest initial hurdles to building your business and how did you overcome them?
The cost of equipment. Now I have the equipment it's not having enough time! Setting up the record label was easy, and I have built up so much rapport over the years that Pascal from Playaz agreed to do the distro on my label. I carried on working in clubs, festivals in the UK and abroad and continued to grow residencies. From there I set up 3 websites. www.missrepresent.com
www.slicednoterecordings.com and in the last year, www.jungledrumandbass.co.uk
What books are you currently reading? And your recommendation for entrepreneurs to read?
I read a lot of online articles and interviews of other musicians. I pick up a lot of information from UK, Jungledrumandbass.co.uk interviews and web workshops. I don't have a lot of time to read as music production is very time consuming, and now being a mother of 2, I have even less time for production. I used to be able to sit and read books on holiday but now it's spent making sure my kids are safe. Young children don't give you much time. I would love to read Life 3.0 by Max Tegmark which is about artificial intelligence, a very fascinating book about how AI will impact our lives.
Did you ever deal with contention from your family and friends concerning your entrepreneurial pursuits? How did you handle it? What would you do differently in hindsight?
No. Everyone has always been highly supportive of what I do and for that I am eternally grateful. My husband puts a lot of time aside now to support me, especially with the children so I have time to work.
What would you say was the single most influential factor in your business success?
Happy ravers!
What advice would you give to an up and coming musician locally and internationally?
Ask questions, listen and be respectful. Don't ever think you are better than anyone else as arrogance will get you no where. Be open minded to possibilities and always look for solutions when ever a problem arises.
