m e dia
!
By Ann Schwartz
Be a
What can a girl do who loves to stay up late, entertain and loves music but can’t sing? Be a DJ! Hard work, customer service and being creative are skills that Tami Lu Smith, Brainerd, has always had in her toolbox. About eight years ago she took the plunge and started Stage One, a disc jockey service. Her 70 engagements per year include weddings, parties, corporate events, dances, proms, events for disabled citizens, karaoke contests and more. Finding herself single and a hard worker, working two jobs for most of her adult life, Tami Lu got the idea to start her own DJ business where she has fun entertaining people all around the Brainerd lakes area. She also teaches community education exercise classes and is the Brainerd Community Education coordinator for adults with disabilities. “I’ve always worked two jobs and always had the entrepreneurial spirit,” notes Tami Lu. “I have a passion for what I do. I am happy to have found a fun way to make a living. I am glad that my family encouraged me to have the courage to make the jump from working for someone to working for myself. It wasn’t that I always wanted to be a DJ. It was more of all the elements I like ended up landing me here. For example: I like working for myself; I like music, but don’t sing or play an instrument; I like entertaining people; I like weddings; I am service oriented; I think fast on my feet and don’t get frazzled in a stressful situation; I don’t mind hard work and I am a late night person.” She’s willing to roll up her sleeves and dig in and supplemented her DJ business by cleaning houses for the first few years. 42
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