Meet DJ Jess McKelvey | DJ | Entrepreneur | Educator

We had the good fortune of connecting with DJ Jess McKelvey and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi DJ Jess, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
My thought process behind starting my own business was more so of a thought itself that consistently showed up in my mind.

I kept hearing a voice inside my head say “start your own thing”. It would sound on mostly either in the morning when I woke up or in the evening. And it remained the same- “start your own thing”.

I teetered between being an event planner, which is what I focused on in college, and teaching. I went back and got my Master’s in education after I graduated with an Undergrad in PR and Marketing, thinking that teaching was my path.

But the voice never stopped, and it just got louder, until I started “my own thing”.

I truly believe it is my path and I was never going to wander off too far.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

My artistry is energetic and intuitive, with heavy doses of connection.

Connection is the bedrock of my business and what allows me to lean into my intuition as a North Star. My intuition is the driving force of how I’ve got to where I am today.

I haven’t always been aware of this and most recently unveiled the philosophy/workflow through participation in business mentoring.

Once I learned that I obsess over connection in order to do my best, work, I created a process and client experience that allows connection to evolve and flourish. I’m so excited to watch the signature experience evolve and support my incredible clients.

There are a few events that I’m most proud of, including performing in Las Vegas, traveling to other cities and states for weddings, and leaning into a personal brand strategy that allows me to show up as my authentic self and meet the best people. I’m financially proud of myself for turning this into a career that supports my family.

The road to this stability was, and continues to sometimes be, curved and sometimes clouded. By leaning into my network, authentic kindness professional development, and balance, I was able to arrive and thrive.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oh my goodness, a week long? I think I need a week to type this out!

It would be a mix of the city and the Highlands.

I’d want to take them to Ohiopyle for hiking and grounding. Seven Springs for the views and the pool.
Kennywood and Sandcastle for the adventure.
Muddy Waters for oysters, then cruise up and down Butler seeking out musical vibes, maybe pop into The Goldmark or Belvedere’s.
A concert at Stage AE and dinner somewhere downtown.
And a visit to my favorite reiki master and healer in Indiana, PA, Katie Kelly.

Can we squeeze in any time for a Pirate game or kayaking on the Yough?

Pretty sure that’s not enough time haha!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Beth Caldwell, for telling me to go for it, and that education would show up somehow in my future. My father, for investing in my first sound system, and my mother for encouraging creativity.
My sister Courtney, for being my rock during the DJ Jess infant days
The nationwide DJ industry, for hosting conferences and valuing networking + connection.
Brian Buonassissi, for changing the trajectory of my business.

Website: djjess412.com

Instagram: @djjess412

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/djJess412

Image Credits
CTG Photography Requiem Images Marisa Rose Photography