Meet Debbie Sallee | Debbie The DJ

We had the good fortune of connecting with Debbie Sallee and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Debbie, do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?
Live, Laugh, Love – 3 simple words, commonly used, decorative signs made and written for inspiration but what I try to live by Daily. Live life to the fullest EVERY… SINGLE… DAY… I tell people that I see through a different set of eyes after fighting and surviving Cancer. I hear that happens often to people who have lived through something like that or a tragedy. You become strong, appreciative of the smallest things and really start LIVING and ENJOYING the LIFE you are given. So that is exactly what me and my family do. It can be the simplest of things like swinging in a swing to a nice boat ride to traveling, camping and of course DJ’n weddings!!! Laugh / Laughter is probably the most important thing to me. I love to laugh. I love laughing with others and even more to make people smile or laugh. Not just any laugh… I want the belly laughs, the ones that make your cheeks hurt, your stomach muscles hurt and the ones that make you almost pee yourself. That is ME.. that is what I love and love to share. So I definitely have silly personality and goal to do this any chance I can. And lastly, Love which is harder to explain because it’s such a deep feeling and emotion. With family and friends it’s the kind of love that makes you want to tear up, be thankful and tell them everyday.. which I do lack in doing this. Then there is the love that I get to witness with my job every time I’m dj’n a wedding. Between the bride and groom with dads, daughters, mothers, sons, family… My view is one of the best views ever!! You only think of a DJ playing music, making the announcements, etc. What we see from our angle is so beautiful and sweet. I take so many videos with my phone from things I know the bride and groom and family miss because they are so caught up in the day, visiting guest, timelines, etc. and love sharing them a few days later. An example would be dad/daughter talks while no one else is around before he walks her out. Bridesmaids or sisters crying during the ceremony, Moms doing what they do best manage and make sure things are going good, those special dances with parents and grandparents. Then the dancing.. oh my goodness, when you can get those people out there dancing that nobody thought would dance.. I LOVE my job. Yes, I got off a little on the word Love.. but you see where I ended up. Lol

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I own and run my own business as a female DJ, entertainer, emcee! There is truth in the saying do what you love and you will be successful. I wish I could go back and tell my younger self to start this a long time ago, but I also know timing is everything and trust in God’s plan. Starting out was a bit of a struggle realizing that every dj is different, we all have our own taste in music, different personalities, different equipment, etc. I needed to find out who I was as a dj, be confident in who I am, which is very hard for a woman, sell myself as I am and trust that people would like me and hire me. If there is a downfall to what I do it’s taking time off. Every weekend is booked and my husband works during the week so it takes a lot of planning in advance for a vacation and you miss out on close friends and family birthdays, baby showers, weddings, etc. Luckily, all who know me understand and are very supportive. There aren’t many events that I work at that I’m not hugging them, following on social media and gaining a forever friend.
I have a soft heart when I get the opportunity to DJ at nursing homes and assisted living facilities.. music is good for the soul and I see it in their eyes, a little toe tap here or there or tapping on the chair, oh my heart, they react to music when nothing else does and it fills my heart with joy.
My business cards say “you bring the guest, I’ll bring the fun” and “Let’s Celebrate”! That’s me, that is the Live, Laugh, Love in my motto.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I owe absolutely everything to my husband Curtis and my daughter Cheyenne. When reading this, it almost brought me to tears, thinking have I ever REALLY told them that if it wasn’t for them and their support and encouragement to get me going and keep me going, I wouldn’t be where I am today. My husband Curtis and I have been together for 27 years, both of us working full time jobs and striving to make it to the top. Then we had the shock of a lifetime when cancer hit and changed our lives forever. After a hard battle, I was ready to live the American Dream and own my own business. I went down one road for about 6 years.. and it was good but when I started doing little fun dj gigs like karaoke, parties and a couple of friends weddings I knew DJ’n was it. He supported me in every adventure I dreamed about.. We had to start out buying used equipment, just the basics and slowly build up to what I have now. He wasn’t only my supporter he was my “roadie” lol. Going to my gigs helping with setup, sweating his butt off and sitting through my gigs till it was time to take it all down and load it up. Bless his heart. He still goes with me occasionally but most of the time it’s a kiss and telling me to have a good time. My daughter Cheyenne, kind of a chip off the ol block. For a while this was like a family thing and she would go along too. She enjoyed helping me and keeping me up to date with the “cool” and upcoming popular music. I don’t think she realizes just how much it means to me to have her by my side. You know mothers at some point become the un-cool, nosy moms that daughters usually run from. Somehow I got lucky. I’m so thankful for the venues, photographers and caterers that continue to share my name and help keep my small business successful.

Website: https://www.debbiethedj.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/debbie_the_dj/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/debbiethedj1/