Meet Lexi Runion

We were lucky to catch up with Lexi Runion recently and have shared our conversation below.

Lexi, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.

I started playing live DJ gigs at major bars and clubs in the STL area just a month and a half after I began learning to mix, so the imposter syndrome hit hard and fast. While those first opportunities may have come through serendipity, I quickly began to master to the art of live mixing and prove–both to myself and others–that I deserved to be there.

Still, even as I became a skilled music curator, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I wasn’t good enough. It didn’t help that the DJ scene around me was largely male-dominated, with most of them having years more experience. From the very beginning, I’ve received patronizing comments from male bar patrons–things like, “Are you even doing anything back there?”–that reminded me I was an outlier. I’ve also felt that I’ve had to prove myself more to management than my male counterparts due to implicit bias.

These dynamics continued to feed my imposter syndrome, even beyond the early learning curve. What helped me overcome it was repeatedly putting myself in situations that made me uncomfortable. By doing so, I built real evidence of my capabilities–handling tough crowds, adapting to technical issues on the fly, and building infectious energy throughout a set. I reframed the discomfort as a sign that I was growing. Honestly, I faked it ’til I made it, and eventually, that confidence became real once I had the evidence to back it up.

Even now, I know that imposter syndrome can resurface as I step onto bigger stages–literally and figuratively. When that happens, I turn to the positive feedback I’ve received from friends, fans, promoters, management, and fellow DJs. Instead of brushing it off as someone “just being nice,” I’ve learned to take it seriously and keep a mental file of those moments to revisit whenever self-doubt creeps in.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I’m an open-format DJ, which means I play music from a wide range of genres to create dynamic, crowd-pleasing sets for both nightlife venues and private events.

What sets me apart is my versatility and my ability to seamlessly mix the old with the new. Even though I’m only 23, I’ve curated music for a broad range of audiences, from college nightclubs to 40+ singles events, and everything in between. My experience spans across genres and atmospheres, with sets ranging from high-energy EDM raves to hip-hop clubs to nostalgic throwback pop nights. I’ve done support for artists such as Fisher, Ayybo, and Nostalgix, and have played at some of the most popular venues in the area.

Whether it’s a packed dance floor or a more intimate event, I specialize in reading the room and crafting a vibe that aligns with both the energy of the crowd and the identity of the venue. I love being able to bring my personal musical flair while staying true to each client’s vision.

I’m currently available for bookings in the Greater St. Louis Area and beyond. For inquiries, feel free to reach out at [email protected] or connect with me on social media @djlexirose.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

1. Growth mindset

When I first started DJing live, I had to let go of perfectionism and embrace being a beginner. Making mistakes in real time taught me to see challenges as growth opportunities rather than shameful setbacks. This mindset has been essential to adapting within a fast-changing industry–whether it’s learning to engage new crowds, handling rejection, or pushing through slow seasons.

Advice: Don’t wait until you feel “ready.” Jump in, stay open, and let the uncomfortable moments sharpen your skills. Rather than let fear of failure hold you back, trust your future self to adapt to whatever the outcome is.

2. Passion

Pursuing DJing full time over the past year has given me more respect for folks pursuing creative careers. There is no clear, linear path to success, and the challenges of burnout and financial uncertainty hit differently. Passion is what sustains you. My passion is not only about my love for music, but also loving the spaces I play in. When I care about the venue, event, or crowd, I show up with more intention and energy, and DJing is more than just a “job.”

Advice: Find ways to cultivate your passion, whether that be through introducing novelty to your routine or working alongside like-minded individuals.

3. Open-mindedness

Not boxing yourself in musically is huge. Being open to different genres, crowds, and venues has helped me grow faster and stand out as a versatile DJ. Every new experience has pushed me creatively and expanded my skillset.

Advice: Step outside your usual lane and see what happens.

What would you advise – going all in on your strengths or investing on areas where you aren’t as strong to be more well-rounded?

I believe it’s important to lean into our strengths, but not to the point of boxing ourselves in. Some of the most meaningful growth in my life has come from taking risks and investing effort in areas I wasn’t naturally strong in.

For most of my life, I stayed in a lane I knew I could excel in–academics. I put all my effort into staying at the top of my class and had my sights set on becoming a physician. This path felt safe because it aligned with what I already knew I was good at. But over time, I realized medical school wasn’t the right fit. I now plan on pursuing a Master of Science in Anesthesia, which allows me to stay in healthcare but with a better work-life balance and more room for other passions.

Learning how to DJ was a huge turning point for me. It was something I never imagined myself doing professionally, but the moment I took that leap, I realized I could be great at more than one thing. DJing awakened my creativity and pushed me to grow in ways that school never could. It taught me that growth often happens when we’re willing to try something that scares us–or something we’re not yet “good” at.

So while I don’t think you have to turn every weakness into a strength, I do think there’s value in being open to expansion. You never know what hidden talents you might unlock just be giving yourself the chance to try.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @djlexirose
• Soundcloud: DJ LEXI RO$E

Image Credits

Rebrand Rogue (Paige Bequette)
Insta: @rebrandrogue

Devin Desper
Insta: @luhdev