Meet Your DJ

Growing up, I always loved two things, animals and singing. As a little girl I can remember sitting on my porch swing and singing for hours to my dog and cat. As I grew older, I kept singing. However, I thought it was something other than a serious career path I could follow. I decided to attend Gaston College and get a degree in Veterinary Technology. I was good at my job and worked in the field for five years. However, the pay for a veterinary technician is low not to mention it is challenging work. I started waiting tables on the weekends as a way to earn extra money. When my husband and I decided to start a family, instead of trying to continue my job as a veterinary technician and pay for daycare, we decided that while our kids were small, I would stay at home and continue to work as a waitress on the weekends. We had two children in 13 months! Eventually, I said I would return to my veterinary technician work.

During this time my boss at Garibaldi in Fuquay Varina, decided he wanted to bring live music. Something inside me said, “You! You can do this”. So I asked him, and he gave me a shot. I started by playing tracts from my phone and singing along. I only knew about 10 songs, but I would rotate through them, and people seemed to enjoy them. I would also sing Happy Birthday in Italian very loudly at the table when it was someone’s birthday which was a big hit. Pretty soon, I sang every other Sunday night, then every Sunday night, then every Saturday and Sunday night. People started asking me to sing at their parties, anniversaries, and even weddings! Then I thought I could learn how to do the whole party, not just sing. I bought a DJ controller and signed up for DJ classes. It was funny because when I arrived at the classes, I didn’t realize they were geared toward kids. So here I am, a 30-year-old mom of two babies in a class with 8 to 10-year-olds, and they were much better than me, haha. But, the 20-year-old instructor taught me a lot, and after a couple of months of classes, I joined a local DJ company that continued to mentor me. I was the DJ for over 50 weddings that year, and I loved it!

At this point, I was seriously thinking, Do I want to be a veterinary technician again? Is being a DJ and a singer an actual career? I can not do this when I am old; maybe I should go back to school and get a degree in nursing or something that pays more. I was going back and forth and wrestling with the decision. One day I was mowing the lawn, and it hit me like a lightning bolt. It was like God said, “Don’t worry about what you are going to do when you are old, do what you love now!” From that point on, I threw myself into being a performer. I bought all my DJ equipment; I made a website and social media presence. I started booking my parties and weddings. There is always more to learn. However, I have come a long way. I use my DJ controller to modify my piano tracts. I can adjust pitches and tempos to my taste within the software and make the music flow much better. Now I still sing jazz, but my Saturdays are usually filled with weddings or other parties for which I am the DJ. I often start singing as guests arrive at the party, then transition into the party DJ after cocktail hour.

I genuinely love this new career path and don’t see myself ever being a veterinary technician again. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that I could never have gotten this far without the support of my husband and some reliable babysitters! Connection is the key to my success and what keeps me going. Before each event, I meditate on how I can help make the event a success and facilitate genuine moments of happiness and love. I want to make people feel something, and in turn, it helps keep me fulfilled. Life is a journey, with each new experience building on the last, and I can’t wait to see where it takes me!

Tenille Byers

Carolina Grove is the perfect backdrop for your outdoor ceremony! Photo by Christian Reyes Photography
Friends are the best! Photo by Christian Reyes Photography.
Tricia and Jason are thrilled to celebrate their wedding at Bass Lake- Photo by Stephanie Rose Photography
Thanks to Tatjana James Photography for this photo of our Bride at Wilkins Farm in Coats, NC.
The most fun cake cutting ever! - Tatjana James Photography
A private last dance is the perfect way to end the night at 305 Trackside in Southern Pines. Photo by Mollie Tobias Photography.
This guy was the life of the party that night! Photo by Mollie Tobias Photography
Everyone is on the dance floor tonight right in front of me!
This Celebration of Life was such a memorable time at Union Grove Farm in Chapel Hill.
The Farm at 42 in Selma, NC has a huge dance floor for all your wedding guests!
Sinha Media Productions caught me doing my thing at The Vin Rouge in Durham.
The first kiss was beautifully captured by Kathryn Wall.
The Farm on Cotton has the most beautiful view for your outdoor ceremony.
I always love being the DJ for events at Waverly Place in Cary, NC.
I was able to capture the Bride sharing a special dance with her uncle.
My first wedding as a DJ is so special to me at The Little Herb Garden in Raleigh, NC
My husband was able to capture this shot of me at a wedding in Youngsville, NC at The Victorian.
Where it all started! At Garibaldi in Fuquay Varina, NC.
This was my setup for a Daddy Daughter Dance in Angier, NC. The girls had so much fun!
My assistant Dedrick is the best hype man ever!
I can sing Jazz at your next event too! I think I am singing “Embraceable You” here.
My kids getting in the photo!
The Bride and Groom were literally flying high during their reception at Soiree on South in Southern Pines, NC.
Sweet 16 parties are so much fun at The Lockamy Plantation in Angier, NC.
Exit in style at High Grove Estate in Fuquay Varina, NC. Photo by Kelly Sullivan Photography
Dance moves are on point! Photo by Kelly Sullivan Photography
This Bride has such a beautiful smile! Photo by Kelly Sullivan Photography
Uplighting really adds to the ambiance of the reception space at High Grove Estates. Photo by Kelly Sullivan Photography.
Makenna had the happiest Sweet Sixteen! Thanks to Anna Marie Photography for this pic.
I try to get in every request. Photo by Shoot with Bliss Photography
The Father of the Bride at Union Grove Farm in Chapel Hill. Photo by Laura Sydney Photography.
Amazing what wash lighting and six uplights can do for this large space! @ The Farm at 42 in Selma, NC. Photo by Bradley All Weil Media.
The Newlywed game is fun for all ages! @Southern Grace Farms in Angier, NC Photo by Anna Marie Photography
Grab a friend and do the limbo! Photo by Jessica Creech Photography
Dance the night away! Photo by Jessica Creech Photography
Dinner is the perfect time for some jazz. Thanks to storyland photography for capturing me singing at Oakland Farm!
I am in love with how the lighting looks in the tall ceilings at All Saints Chapel in downtown Raleigh, NC.
This couple made sure to include their dog Waylon during all their special moments at Water’s Edge at Tart Farms.
Having some fun at this relaxed wedding reception! Photo @ Shoot with Bliss Photography
My Professional DJ setup includes wash lighting mounted on two Evolve 50 speakers and uplighting.
The Newlywed Game is a fun way to get your guests involved in your reception!
Photo by Densley Visuals
The Perfect Event needs the perfect Planners! Check out Events by Rebs pictured here by Densley Visuals at The Honeysuckle Tea House in Chapel Hill.
Every man needs a wing man!
Photo by Densley Visuals at The Honeysuckle Tea House.
Love these two!
At The Honeysuckle Tea House, Photo by Densley Visuals
Nature Wedding Vibes happening at The Honeysuckle Tea House in Chapel Hill!
Driving into forever!
At Somos Family Farms, Photo by Harlyn Blair Photography.
The Perfect Wedding night under the stars!
At Somos Family Farm, Photo by Timeless Carolinas
The Hora is always so much fun! I love bringing different cultures together. At The Barn of Chapel Hill at Wild Flora Farm. Photo by Gold and Sage Photography
The limbo can spice up any party ;) at The Barn of Chapel Hill at Wild Flora Farm, Photo by Gold and Sage Photography.
The Hora expanded! At The Barn of Chapel Hill at Wild Flora Farm Photo by Gold and Sage Photography.