We had the good fortune of connecting with Amaris Espinoza and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Amaris, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My thought process behind starting my own business was very rapid and something that I picked up quickly. It all happened very naturally. What started off as a hobby and passion for music seamlessly turned into a thriving DJ business. I began to play at my family backyard parties and then playing from vendor markets, to quinceañeras, weddings and women conferences. It all started in 2022, when my parents bought me my first DJ board for Christmas. It all seamlessly transitioned from a passion to a profession and its been very exciting and rewarding.
What should our readers know about your business?
My story is built on not only my love and passion for music but my community. When I began Djing it all really happened all by word of mouth and people recommending me. It was like a domino effect. I would DJ a party, then people would see me and business cards were spread.
One thing outsiders might not realize about the DJ industry is the necessity to be prepared for the unexpected. It’s not just about setting up and playing music; you need to have backup plans and a thorough understanding of your equipment. Being a DJ isn’t just playing music but also handling multiple roles at once. It is a multifaceted career; where you are your own manager, social media manager, emcee, sound tech, graphic designer and the list can go on. We handle all aspects of business. Additionally, being a female DJ in a male-dominated industry comes with its own set of challenges, including safety measures, gender-based obstacles, and the need to prove our worth. My community “She Spins” which is on Discord, I tell every female DJ to become apart of. I’ve connected with many women DJs who share similar experiences, and we support each other in overcoming these challenges.
Risk-taking has played a significant role in my life and career. I view risks as opportunities for rewards or valuable learning experiences. This mindset has been integral to my success, as I’ve never been afraid to put myself out there and seize opportunities. Networking and presenting myself confidently to others have been crucial in advancing my career.
I have been Djing for 2 years and going on my 3rd year now and being 16,17, and now 18-year-old DJ, I faced the additional challenge of proving myself in an industry often dominated by older, more experienced professionals. Balancing my DJ career with high school was demanding, requiring significant sacrifices, like missing out on school events and time with friends and even missing my last high school prom to DJ a wedding. Yet, these sacrifices fueled my determination to excel and demonstrate my capabilities beyond my age.
The most crucial factor behind my success has been a combination of relentless dedication, unwavering passion, and the ability to adapt quickly and innovate. By staying true to my passion, embracing challenges head-on, and cultivating meaningful connections, I have achieved milestones that once seemed out of reach to me.
I want the world to know that my brand and story are built on passion, love, dedication, and resilience. Despite the challenges, I continue to push forward, knowing my worth and striving to continue pursuing my dreams while always looking to help my community in any way possible. I want to strive forward giving others recognition and cultural representation that we all deserve. Whether it is through music, shedding light to other local artist, local businesses, and creatives, that is truly what makes me happy.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Dallas, I feel is truly a spontaneous city to be in. One of my favorite things to do is to support small businesses and I am also a foodie at heart. So, if my best friend or family member were visiting Dallas from out of town. We would hit up all my favorite small businesses and restaurants.
I think what has really influenced me and my passion for supporting small businesses is when I began to DJ for mercados/markets. I’ve had the pleasure of DJing markets at the Art Park in Trinity Groves, around Oak Cliff, and specifically for women owned businesses around Dallas.
In a city full of entrepreneurs and creatives, I think this is what makes Dallas unique as to the culture and specialty that entrepreneurs bring to the city.
So here is how I would start off any day, which is of course some coffee or matcha. Now choosing one specially is hard for me, but I’d like to name some of my favorite baristas/coffee shops to support in Dallas.
Favorite coffee shops/barista businesses: Teatro café, Xaman Café, Mas coffee, Coco Andre/ Olmo Market, Hola café, cafeciro, Just Love coffee café, coffee by Odalis.
Then we would have some breakfast at my favorite breakfast spots in DFW which are: Xaman Café, Origin Dallas, & Good day café.
After I would definitely take them to visit any museum in dallas or my favorite spots to visit. Wether it is going to the dallas museum of art, or walking around bishop arts and visiting my favorite bookstore @whoosebooks, or visiting @thesocialchica co-working space for women entrepreneurs in Cedar Hill Texas. Always something to do!
After I’d definitely visit my favorite family owned food spot:
Lunch: Pachecotaconburger @fourcournersbrewingco for some of the best smash burgers and carne asada fries in DFW.
Favorite food spots: Pachecotaconburger, Firehouse gastro park, Enos pizza,
And of course, Dallas always has POP-UP events which I love to attend.
Some of my favorite vendors are: aguaschicasdfw, olidogs, colibri panaderia, luz y tierra, cadenacollective, cocoandre, curly and clay designs, terra_gal, artesanias.colores.de.mexico, chipinkysnacks, and so much more!
And if a massages could fit in the itenerary I would definitely book a massage for my family or friend with @massagesbyGaby!
And to end the date I would visit my favorite night time spot to walk around which is Epic Central in Grand Prairie to watch the light shows.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to give a shoutout to a community I am apart of called “She Spins Global”. We are a community of Female DJs where we provide resources like tips, create exchanges and provide templates for your business. The founder of She Spins “DJ Dawn” was one of the first persons who I connected with when I began my career. I am forever grateful to have found this community through her and everything She Spins provided me with tips and even opportunities.
Instagram: amaarismusic
Linkedin: Amaris Espinoza
Facebook: Amaris Espinoza
Image Credits
1st photo:
@solid.visualz
2nd photo:
Felicia Garcia
IG: heyfelicia_studio