Meet Emerald Tucker | DJ
We had the good fortune of connecting with Emerald Tucker and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Emerald, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
Work-life balance has definitely been a journey for me—especially being both a full-time DJ and a college student. I’m currently finishing up my last couple of semesters, and finding a rhythm between school and music hasn’t always been easy. There have been moments where the balance feels overwhelming, but completing my degree is a huge personal goal. I’ll be the first in my family to graduate, and that alone keeps me grounded and motivated.
When I think about balance, my first instinct is to say it’s challenging—but I always remind myself that the reward outweighs the temporary stress. Over time, I’ve learned how to build a routine that supports both my creative and academic side. I’ve learned that being intentional with my energy is truly most important. DJing isn’t just a job for me—it’s my passion and my craft, but also a real responsibility. As a DJ, I’m not just playing music—I’m curating an experience, setting the tone, and creating an environment where people can let go, connect, and feel good. It’s my job to maintain the vibe and guide the energy of a room, and that’s something I take seriously every time I step behind the decks. But I also know that my education is just as important, especially as I work toward a goal that means so much to me. That’s why I’ve had to become really mindful about where my energy goes and when. I don’t just try to “fit everything in”—I create time blocks where I can give my full focus to each area of my life. Understanding the power of intentional energy has been the key to making this balance sustainable. It’s helped me avoid burnout, stay motivated, and stay connected to why I’m doing all of this in the first place.
The biggest game changers for me has been creating intentional space for myself—outside of both school and music. I’ve found that through Lagree and other strength-based fitness routines that focus on slow, controlled movements, I’ve been able to reconnect with my body and mind in a really powerful way. Those workouts demand full presence, which has taught me to slow down and be intentional not just in fitness, but in life. People often say things like, “Wow, I don’t know how you do it all,” and honestly, I want my hustle to show that it is possible. You can spread your energy across multiple passions and still show up fully for each one. It’s about discipline, mindset, and knowing that the grind is worth it.
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Becoming a DJ was never something I necessarily predicted for myself, but looking back, it feels like everything that has occured within my life has led me here.
Growing up, I was always musically inclined. I was that kid who lived for school plays, talent shows, and music class. I played Mrs. Hannigan in the Annie school play, and I was so obsessed with the show Glee that I tried to make my own world feel like a musical. In middle school, I was actually bussed to the high school every day just so I could participate in their honors choir. That part of me—the performer, the expressive artist—was always there. However, I was also a talented volleyball player, and in a family that was very sports-oriented, I felt this kind of quiet pressure to pursue athletics. Growing up and trying to pursue both, I started to face challenges and I realized that it was time to focus on one. I made the decision to fully commit to volleyball. I spent all of middle and high school traveling across the country with a competitive club team, eventually earning a college scholarship to play in Wyoming.
But what people might not realize is that music never left my side even during this time. It was my constant and it was how I stayed grounded during the highs and lows of my sport. My teammates and I even leaned on music to get hyped before games, to bond on road trips, and to decompress from the intensity of being a student athlete. I naturally became the playlist curator—making warm-up and workout playlists. My volleyball journey took a sudden turn when I broke my ankle during a preseason scrimmage heading into my second year. I was out for the season, and in many ways, I felt like I lost my identity. I was 18 hours from home, in the middle of covid at the time, and stuck in brutal Wyoming winters without even being able to walk. To keep it short, I was struggling mentally. But again, music was there. I spent most of my recovery from my injury in my dorm room creating playlists for different moods I was feeling at the time and pairing songs that I thought would sound good together. FaceTiming my friends back at home was something I did 99% of the time and we would spend hours digging on Soundcloud, going back and forth, song-4-song, trying to put each other on to something “new” we found. Looking back, it genuinely blows me away how music has always been so consistent in my life and always has found a way to fit in.
After the injury, I made the decision to move back home to Texas and forgo playing college sports. This was heartbreaking for me, however, I moved to Dallas and immersed myself into focusing on school and work and began working in the service industry. I loved the environment—fast-paced, social, and filled with music. One night after work I was with a couple of my friends and was introduced to my boyfriend now, Flip who also happens to be a DJ and producer. After we met, we ended up spending nearly every single day together and being around him, going to his gigs, and just soaking in that world he was a part of sparked something inside me. A couple of months into us hanging out, my curiosity really started to kick in. I found myself watching Flip more closely at his gigs and asking little questions here and there. Then, like fate, Dallas got hit with a major snowstorm that winter, and we ended up stuck at his place for a few days. That’s when everything shifted. He pulled out this old, beat-up controller he had tucked away in a spare bedroom and started showing me the basics of beat matching—just the simple idea of how two tracks could blend together. The moment I tried it, something clicked. I was instantly hooked. I spent hours in that room, totally immersed, losing track of time and falling in love with the process. I gained a lot of my early confidence at a Dallas venue called Felix Culpa, where Flip had played regularly at. He’d throw me on the decks mid-set and say, “Mix the next three songs.” I barely knew what I was doing, and the crowd was full—but those moments shaped me. The pressure, the unpredictability, and the trust he had in me forced me to rise to the occasion. That belief, especially when I hadn’t yet found it in myself, helped me develop into the DJ I am today.
The way Flip taught me to DJ is something that sets both of us apart. We operate more like musical mixologists—always reading the room, creating blends that maintain energy, and adjusting in real-time to the vibe of the space. Over the last three years, I’ve not only adapted his style, but I have made his style into my own. I’m incredibly blessed to have someone to share this craft with—someone who constantly challenges me and pushes me to grow.
These past three years have been transformative, but I know my journey is just beginning. I’m grateful every day for the opportunity to curate the sound and energy at some of Dallas’s top restaurants and lounges. The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that there’s no perfect path or timeline. Sometimes the most unexpected detours lead you back to your most authentic self. I’ve learned that the things that once felt like detours—sports, theater, school—all contributed to who I am as a creative today. Was it easy? Not at all. I had to work through self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and the pressure to follow a more conventional path. But I’ve learned that real fulfillment comes from doing what makes your soul feel alive. That’s the heart of my story—and the heart of my brand. I want people to know that it’s okay to change, to evolve, and to return to the parts of yourself that the world may have told you to leave behind.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend came to visit Dallas for a week, I’d be so excited to show them my version of the city—the mix of wellness, food, fashion, and great vibes that makes Dallas feel like home to me.
Day 1: We’d start the trip strong with an early morning workout at either EVE in the Design District or One Lagree. I always like to move my body first thing, and they’d get to see how that discipline sets the tone for my days. Afterward, we’d head to Las Palmas in Uptown for lunch and spicy margaritas—because balance! At night, we’d get dressed up and head to the Swexan Hotel in the Harwood District. We’d grab a few small bites or dinner at Stillwell’s, then go downstairs to Babous for drinks and music in the perfect, moody lounge setting.
Day 2: We’d keep the energy flowing with a mat Pilates class at O2 followed by a walk on the Katy Trail to decompress and catch up. We’d spend the afternoon shopping around West Village, and then end the night with a beautiful dinner at The Mexican in the Design District. It’s truly my favorite for elevated Mexican food—the flavors, the ambiance, everything about it is stunning.
Day 3: This would be a more relaxing day. We’d head to Alive + Well for some intentional wellness—maybe a morning breathwork session or a cold plunge to reset. Afterward, we’d grab coffee at Wayward, my favorite coffee shop in the Design District, then spend the afternoon by the pool at The Virgin Hotel with lunch in between dips. For dinner, we’d cozy up at the bar at Evelyn—the 70s/80s upscale vibe is everything, and the food and cocktails always hit.
Day 4: Time for some vintage finds. We’d go thrifting at my go-to spots: Dolly Python, Vagabond, and Genesis, then make our way to the Dallas Farmers Market for lunch on a patio and a little browsing. At night, we’d check out Columbian Country Club—a super cool and under-the-radar lounge vibe—then end with a nightcap and carajillo at Bowen House, one of the coziest little gems in Dallas.
Day 5: Spa day, no questions asked. We’d spend the day at The Joule Hotel spa, completely unplugging, relaxing, and just taking care of ourselves. After that, sushi dinner at Tensushi—the quality there is amazing—and if we could catch a Dallas Stars or Mavs game that night, we’d absolutely go for it. There’s nothing like the energy of a hometown game to end a perfect day.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to dedicate my shoutout to my boyfriend, Flip Millionz who is a DJ and producer as well.
Instagram: @emerwrld
Image Credits
my own images
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