Today we’d like to introduce you to Juwante Vaughan.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I was born and raised in Virginia, and music has always been a big part of my life. I’ve always had a deep love for music and the way it moves and connects people. What started as playing music for friends at small gatherings slowly grew into something much bigger. Over the years, I’ve lived in a few different areas and have DJed in every place I’ve called home, which helped me adapt to different crowds and styles. Eventually, I moved to Tennessee, and I love it here. The energy, the people, and the music scene are all inspiring.
Performing at weddings, corporate events, and parties, helped me to realize I had a real talent for getting people dancing, engaging with crowds, and orchestrating unforgettable nights. Weddings, in particular, became something special to me because I get to bring joy to couples and their loved ones on one of the best days of their lives. I gradually built my own professional setup, investing in equipment over time to bring my vision to life. Before launching my business, I worked in customer service, entertainment, and as a dance teacher, which taught me how to connect with people and bring energy to a room.
Have I always wanted to be a DJ? No. I actually started out producing music, singing, and songwriting. I dropped my first album a few years ago and DJing events was just a way to fund that passion. Eventually, I grew a passion for this line of entertainment and started investing more into it. I once wanted to be famous, but then God helped me discover my deeper longing was for connection. Music was just the medium for that. I also realized I had a different style of DJing that set me apart and enjoyed the freedom that the career allowed me and my family.
Eventually, I knew it was time to take the leap and start my own business. I launched DJ Wanté Entertainment LLC, combining my passion for music with professionalism and energy that clients can count on. What sets my brand apart is being a DJ that goes beyond the booth. I’m very interactive. Historically, the pressure has always been on the Bride and Groom of a wedding to keep the dance floor lit. If they’re on the floor, so will others, but that’s evolving now. As the DJ, I see it as my job to keep the dance floor hype, regardless of who is on the floor or not. You’ll see me dancing behind the booth, but also in the crowd making everyone feel comfortable to lose themselves for a while on the floor. If you want a DJ who just stands behind the booth all night, that’s just not me. There has never been an event I’ve done where I couldn’t get people dancing.
It’s been almost a decade of DJing, growing, learning, teaching, and performing across many states. Every event reinforces why I do what I do. I love sharing in music that brings joy and creates lasting memories.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road, and honestly, it still isn’t. Starting my own business meant learning a lot from scratch and relying on my own resources to grow. While my friend helped me get started in the industry, it was my wife who supported me in the beginning stages of my business by working full time as a teacher. She often worked 12 hour days, giving me the opportunity to pour myself into my business and grow it to where it is today. Now, it’s able to support both of us while she chases her dream of building a school.
From managing legal documentation and clients, to investing in marketing and expanding my setup, there were plenty of challenges along the way. For example, it can be hard to break into Venue’s Preferred Vendors lists. I can’t tell you how many vendors, coordinators, and wedding planners I emailed to try and make as many connections as possible. I also had to find ways to differentiate myself and build trust in a competitive industry. Apparently, dressing up as a DJ is a thing of controversy, but I always dress up to each gig. Venues often mention it as something they appreciate since their usual DJ wears a t-shirts and jeans. I think it’s important to match the vibe of the event and venue.
Overall, while it has been a lot of hard work, I’m proud to be able to do something I love every day!`
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I’ve always been passionate about music and the way it brings people together. From a young age, I loved performing, teaching dance, and experimenting with sounds, which naturally led me into producing music and eventually DJing. Over the years, I’ve performed as a DJ and MC at weddings, corporate events, and parties across many states, constantly learning how to read a crowd and create unforgettable experiences.
Starting from humble beginnings, I gradually built my business, investing time, energy, and resources into creating professional setups and memorable moments. Many nights, I’ve come home with sore feet because I was out on the floor dancing with everyone. I’m proud of my ability to bring energy and joy to every event, connecting with people in a way that goes beyond just playing music.
What sets me apart is my commitment to maintaining professionalism while keeping every event fun, personal, and memorable. You could say I specialize in mixing fun with professionalism. This approach has earned me a reputation as the DJ that coordinators recommend when couples say they want to have a truly fun night. Of course, I get recommended beyond that as well because I provide top-tier service every time.
One of the best feelings in the world is DJing a wedding and, at the end of the night, hearing everyone talk about how amazing of a time they had. The bride and groom, their friends, and their family usually all come up to tell me how great of a job I did or how much fun they had. It fills the heart and helps me sleep at night knowing I played a part in creating such a special memory. It’s also rewarding knowing they’ll likely tell their friends about me, giving me the chance to do the same for them.
My business is putting a new spin on weddings. People are tired of the same old boring receptions where the DJ plays a few songs, nobody dances, and the night falls flat. That’s why my business continues to grow and expand, because I focus on creating experiences people will never forget.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
I love the energy and creativity of Nashville. The music scene, the people, and the vibrant culture make it an inspiring place to live and work. I also love that there is always something to do, see, or music to hear. Like any growing city, rush hour traffic can be a challenge, but it’s a small trade-off for being part of such an exciting city.
If you’re really going to twist my arm though, I dislike coffee that tastes like coffee. Give me sweet milk with caffeine mixed in there. I’m not sure how this ties into things, but there you have it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://wantethedj.wixsite.com/djwante
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dj_wante
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DJ_Wante
