Meet Ryan Smith

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ryan Smith a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Ryan, appreciate you sitting with us today. Maybe we can start with a topic that we care deeply about because it’s something we’ve found really sets folks apart and can make all the difference in whether someone reaches their goals. Self discipline seems to have an outsized impact on how someone’s life plays out and so we’d love to hear about how you developed yours?
My self discipline 100% comes from my dad who owned several small businesses throughout my life. From a young age I watched him put his blood, sweat, and tears into everything he did. Long hours, taking chances, falling down and picking yourself up, sales calls, you name it. When I was a child, I didn’t always understand what he was doing. Now as a business owner myself, I reflect on the value of being exposed to what it takes to run a business. You must live, eat, and breathe your business while making sacrifices in order to get anywhere. My dad unfortunately passed from Covid just before I launched my company but if he were here today, he would see that I have carried on his spirit of entrepreneurship. My company is sort of a dedication to him.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I’m a wedding and event DJ that specializes in weddings. Sure I mix music but that’s only one of the many parts I play. Coordination with the wedding team before the wedding, knowing what equipment is needed for each circumstance, managing the timeline with announcements, all while striving for a clean and tidy appearance means we have to be a jack of all trades. My favorite thing about what I do is that I get to be a conduit to amplify the love that newlyweds and families have for each other. Amplifying sound so everyone can share in the love together, playing music that is unique to the couple, and bringing people together is what I love most about my work.
This year is a big year for me because it’s my second year in business on my own and I’m so excited to see what it brings. I’m attending two wedding shows as a vendor and it’s giving me valuable exposure and practice talking to people about my services. I’ve already booked two weddings so it’s been a great start!

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
1. Believe in yourself. Don’t let anyone (including yourself) talk you out of chasing your passion. Two years ago I would never have thought I would be where I am. Before that, not even an inkling. It might seem like it’s impossible from where you are but if you keep at it, opportunities will come your way that wouldn’t have if you didn’t try. 2. Never stop learning. When I first started out I thought I knew a lot. Now looking back, I feel like I knew nothing. I’m sure I’ll feel the same way later on down the line and I hope it never stops.
3. Meet people who do what you do but have been doing it for a long time. Finding a group of friends that have a wide range of experience in your field will expose you to what’s possible for you. Oftentimes experienced professionals want to help newer people who show them they are committed and will also pass along opportunities.

Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
As a business owner and wedding DJ the pressure is always on. Some of us have day jobs, kids, spouses, families, and homes to maintain. I can’t tell you how many weeks I’ve stayed up late in a row, eventually hitting a point of being burnt out and overwhelmed. The best thing to do is take self care very seriously. Take the next couple days easy, eat well, get good sleep, think about what you’re thankful for, sit in a quite space and think. Come up with a strategy on how you’re going to come back strong and get back to work. If you’re really in deep hole, I recommend taking a vacation. Leaving your world for a day or two gets you away from the microscope. They say distance makes the heart grow fonder and it’s also true for your life. Being able to take a step out and look in is highly valuable.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
All images taken by Ryan Smith

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