Meet Neysa Clayton

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Neysa Clayton. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Neysa, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?

As a creative, before moving to LA, I found myself feeling stuck. Despite having great jobs and opportunities, I wasn’t feeling fulfilled. Determined not to settle or play it safe, I took on a heavy workload to gain the experiences I needed for my dream career. The journey has been rocky and unpredictable, but I’ve always bounced back, handling situations better each time. I’ve realized that the tough times were necessary lessons. Now, I approach unfavorable situations with a more analytical mindset, embracing the new lessons they bring.

I moved to LA from Philadelphia in 2020, just a few weeks before the pandemic, to work as a visual merchandiser. Uncertain about what the future held but determined not to return home, I began creating fashion content and marketing plans for small boutiques, celebrity merchandise, and startups. This experience allowed me to maintain my creativity in fashion while gaining the stability offered by online positions, unlike traditional in-store retail roles.

When it comes to DJing, my mentor and friend Seth initiated a community-building effort within the DJ scene where people teach and support one another for events and advice, which is often rare. My debut was a 30-minute set in 2022 at Soho House. I was nervous and extremely hard on myself, but today, I’m booking paid gigs and creating my own opportunities. Thanks to DJing, I am less critical of myself and much more confident in my everyday life. Like with all things, you get better with time, but DJing has specifically taught me that not everyone notices when you make a mistake.

Just play it cool and move on—no one really cares!

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I am currently focused on content creation for events, businesses, and personal projects. I love the inventiveness involved in branding and creative direction. I enjoy incorporating not just fashion, but also lifestyle, technology, music, and other areas into my work. Additionally, I am branding myself more as a DJ and embracing it as a part-time job rather than just a hobby. This multifaceted approach allows me to blend my passions and skills into a cohesive and dynamic career.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

1.Emotional Intelligence: Understanding and managing my emotions, as well as empathizing with others.
2.Open-Mindedness: Being open to new experiences and feedback
3.The Importance of Community: Building and being part of a supportive community has provided invaluable support, advice, and opportunities, highlighting how essential it is to surround yourself with like-minded individuals.

If you’re starting something new or moving for a fresh start, be mindful of your emotions and triggers before expecting anything from anyone. Be open to new people, places, and experiences—your way is not the only way. Never be afraid to hear “no” or ask for help. You’d be surprised by how many like-minded people you can find.

What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?

My confidence has skyrocketed in the past year. I notice it in my DJing skills, as well as in something as seemingly small as creating my own content and being comfortable in front of the camera. A year ago, I never would have imagined myself doing these things.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://neysaclayton.my.canva.site/
• Instagram: whatneysay & djneysay
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neysa-clayton-9275b080/
• Youtube: djneysay
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/djneysay

Image Credits

Photos by @worldvisionz_ and @Junobai