JERMONT NEWSOM shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
JERMONT, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Being able to do something that not only allows me to make extra income, but live out my passion to make other smile, be my own boss, and use my natural talents and learned skills.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Jermont Newsom. My stage name is DJ Professa J (and no, it is not Professor). I was born in Nashville TN to a single mom. I have been with my wife for almost 19 years, married 10 years. I have 4 children 20, 18, 16, and 14.
I gained my Bachelors in Organizational Leadership in 2016 and my MBA in 2019.
In 2019, my cousin (DeztheDJay), decided to go into business as a DJing Duo. We had often been the entertainment for family and friend gatherings and get-togethers, simply using a CD player, speaker, and microphone. So, one night in 2019, I was helping my cousin do a gig and at the end of the night, I said, “Hmm. we could possibly do this as a business long term.” and he of course agreed, So, the next step would be, what would we call ourselves. He said D&J. “D” for Dez and “J” for Jermont, and it would be a play on the word “DJ” itself. A short time later came the full name “D&J Productions & Ent”.
What sets us apart from other DJs, DJ Duos, and DJ Companies is our personalities. Considering we a blood first cousins, that grew up together, we are more like true brothers; in other words, we mesh well together. We are alike and different in many ways, but those differences help us both as entertainers and business partners.
During middle and high school, I volunteered to be in a theater production group, at first a stagehand and eventually the stage manager/actor; I learned a lot about setup, stage presence, and connecting with the crowd. Now, I am able to use those attributes I learned in theater for DJing and MCing events and my education to help run and sustain our business.
I know a future goal of ours is to open a venue in the next 5 years or so, but not just any venue. A venue that is unique and lasting and reflects our culture and different perspective on creating unique entertainment experiences for our clients and patrons; what that may look like, is still to come.
We are now an LLC, (Newsom Station Ent. LLC) since 2021 and have a network of vendors from catering, photographers, bartending, and other DJs , we can call on to help meet our client needs.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
That was all in my mind. Either I could powerless against the challenges of life or take them on with a spirit of not letting them defeat me. I have failed many times; however, I have learned that failing does not mean you cannot still be successful.
When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
When I realized that I couldn’t hide my pain, several years back. It would tend to come out in various ways. It would show through my lack of work ethic or how I was treating my children, wife and relatives. I was able to use it as my power by being transparent about my hurt and pain and allowing others to help me overcome that pain, which eventually helped me be more positive about those struggles.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
The public version is me. I have tried the “fake” thing and it is too much trouble to navigate.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
That I was fair, honest, kind, and love to simple have fun,
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.dandjproductionstn.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/djprofessaj?igsh=enhqem10ZzA3NHc3&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://tr.ee/X-nhQb3BQc
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@djprosent.nashville615
