We recently connected with Callie Dee and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Callie, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
I was a 30-year-old stay-at-home mom with three kids, two of them still in diapers or potty training. After ending a relationship with the father of my two youngest children, I found myself at a crossroads. I had been out of the workforce since the birth of my middle child and wasn’t sure what the future held for me.
Around the same time, my brother started hosting an open mic night at the Where House, a thriving venue in the Magnolia/Near Southside area. Attending these open mics became a source of inspiration for me. They ignited a creative fire within me that had been dormant for far too long.
As I contemplated returning to the corporate world, the thought of going back to a 9-5 job felt suffocating. I knew deep down that something was missing in my life, and I couldn’t ignore this longing for a more fulfilling path. With nothing to lose, I made a daring decision to pursue my passion for the music and arts scene.
I began by immersing myself in every opportunity I could find. I wrote reviews, organized events, and started a blog to share my experiences. It was a journey of exploration, trying to find where I fit into this dynamic and diverse community. There were late nights and sacrifices, but I kept promising my kids that all the hard work would pay off someday.
And it did, but not in the way I expected. The journey wasn’t a straightforward one, and success came to me in unexpected ways. Over the course of 10 years, I found my place in the industry. I started working for an underground hip hop label, collaborated on producing podcasts, and had the honor of organizing a festival for the Deep Ellum Community Association.
Looking back, I realize that finding my purpose wasn’t just about landing a specific job or achieving a particular title. It was about embracing a whole new way of life—a life filled with creativity, passion, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact. It was about discovering my strengths and how I could contribute to this vibrant community that had become my second home.
Taking that leap of faith and following my passion allowed me to build a resume I am proud of. It showcased my journey of personal and professional growth, resilience, and the willingness to step outside my comfort zone.
Through this experience, I learned the importance of listening to that inner voice, even when it goes against conventional wisdom. I discovered that finding your purpose isn’t always a linear path, but rather a journey of self-discovery and embracing opportunities that come your way.
I am forever grateful for having the courage to pursue my dreams and for the unwavering support of my children throughout this journey. They were my inspiration to keep pushing forward, and now I can proudly say that my hard work has paid off.
If there’s one piece of advice I can offer to others seeking their purpose, it would be this: Don’t be afraid to take risks and follow your passion, even if it means leaving behind what is familiar. Sometimes, the greatest rewards come from stepping into the unknown and embracing the journey that unfolds before you.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
Currently, I am working at Backwoodz Studioz, where I handle all customer correspondence, manage the online store, shipping and fulfillment, and collaborate closely with the managing partners to ensure the success of our record label. Additionally, I have launched Out the Box Radio, an online radio station that provides a platform for others to showcase their creativity through curated playlists and talk shows.
I also host my own podcast called The Smitten Kitten with Callie Dee, where I invite guests to discuss topics related to sex, love, dating, and relationships. Furthermore, I write a blog with the same name and theme to complement the podcast.
Recently, I started Deep Ellum Podcast Studio, where I take on the roles of producer, editor, and podcast facilitator to assist others in their podcasting endeavors.
In January, I took on the position of bookkeeper for the Deep Ellum Community Association. Additionally, I have assumed the role of Director of Entertainment for the First Annual Deep Ellum Community Arts Fair, which will take place from May 27th to the 29th.
In my spare time, I am pursuing a degree in Radio/Television Broadcasting. I am also considering majoring in Relationships and Sexuality, potentially as a therapist or sociologist in the field.
Overall, my current pursuits revolve around my passion for music, broadcasting, podcasting, and exploring topics related to sex, love, dating, and relationships.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, I believe the most crucial factors that have contributed to my success are building strong relationships, maintaining a teachable mindset, and staying true to my commitments. These three elements have been instrumental in keeping me afloat and thriving in the ever-evolving world of music and art.
Remaining flexible and open-minded in my perception of what music and art should be has allowed me to adapt and stay relevant as new trends emerge, ensuring that I don’t become obsolete with outdated ideas. Additionally, cultivating and nurturing solid relationships has been paramount. People I connected with a decade ago have now become valuable connections who can offer me opportunities. Having mentors whom I respect and who provide honest and constructive feedback has been a game changer in my growth and development.
Staying updated on the latest trends, including understanding the dynamics of social media, and continuously learning new skills have made me a valuable asset to the creative community around me. However, the most crucial aspect is integrity and reliability. I firmly believe in under-promising and over-delivering. Doing what I say I will do and maintaining clear and precise communication, whether through written agreements or verbal discussions, has been essential. Honesty and transparency are qualities I prioritize, even if it means admitting when I don’t know something. Genuine honesty will take you further than deceptive practices.
In summary, the keys to my success have been building and nurturing relationships, embracing a teachable mindset, and upholding my commitments. These principles have enabled me to adapt, grow, and establish a strong foundation in the dynamic world of music and art.
Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
I apologize in advance if I forget to mention someone, as there have been numerous individuals who have played significant roles in my journey. Here are some of the key people who have had a profound impact on my success:
Jamie Kinser and Aaron Knight (RIP) were the first to take me under their wing and teach me the fundamentals of booking shows and event management. Their guidance in creating advances and sending offer letters remains invaluable, and I still utilize one of their spreadsheets when making talent offers.
Marc McCullough and D Teknics helped me organize my initial notable shows, and Matthew Scott became my first investor, supporting my endeavors.
Gavin Malloy, during his time at Trees, believed in my ideas and provided essential support. His belief in me has been crucial to my progress.
Joel Salazar served as an early mentor, and I learned a great deal from working with him. Many of the connections I hold dear were made through his events.
John & Sally Rody introduced me to the world of radio, which has become a pivotal aspect of my identity and career.
Moody Fuqua granted me access to Crown and Harp for some of my earliest shows. Filling a 100-capacity venue was much more enjoyable than having a half-empty 500-capacity venue.
Anthony at Boiler Room provided me with my first promotional opportunities.
I forged relationships with legends like Abstract Rude, who connected me with the Los Angeles hip-hop scene, and Ras Kass, who introduced me to my idol, Wendy Day, and provided legitimacy in various aspects.
Kool Keith and his manager, Eric, have consistently shown me love and respect.
Satori has been an early mentor who provided the constructive criticism I mentioned earlier. Her tough love and honesty were crucial to my growth.
The individuals at Gitmo played a pivotal role in shaping who I am within the music scene, and their influence has persisted throughout the years.
Dot Muniz treated me as an equal, providing opportunities and remaining true to his word. As a woman in a male-dominated industry, I appreciate his genuine support and motivation.
My friends Keisha, Lyndsay, Alsace, Ritchy, Pudge, Dezi, and Cam have been unwavering allies during challenging times, offering constant love and support both personally and professionally.
Anton Schlesinger has consistently shown me respect over the span of close to a decade and has recently become a crucial figure in my growth and recognition of my potential. He offered me a job as his assistant, opening doors that have brought stability and a promising future in the industry. I cannot list all the ways in which Anton has contributed to my success. Also shouts out to Brian and Trevor.
My children serve as a driving force behind everything I do, and my partner, Yusef, is my rock, providing unwavering love, support, and sanity in the face of any challenge.
Honorable mention to my talented little brother who introduced me to my passion and to many of the people that ushered me into this crazy life I get to live.
Once again, I apologize if I have inadvertently omitted anyone. The contributions of these individuals, along with many others, have played integral roles in shaping my journey and contributing to my success.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.calliedee.com
- Instagram: @callie_dee
- Facebook: Facebook.com/callie.dee
- Twitter: @callie_dee
- Other: @thesmittenkittenwithcalliedee @outtheboxradio @deepellumpodcaststudio
Image Credits
@DrewlioPhoto | Andrew Sherman Tuna Pryor
