We recently connected with Tammi Norman Pretty Tammi the DJ and have shared our conversation below.
Tammi Norman, we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?
Believe it or not, I wasn’t always the bold, outgoing woman people see today. In high school, I was shy, painfully shy. I often felt inadequate, overlooked, even unworthy at times. But that version of me? She evolved. She blossomed. She did the work and most importantly, she survived.
My confidence and self-esteem were developed over time, through a powerful journey of growth, healing, and self-discovery. It didn’t happen overnight. It came through lived experience, through prayer, through loss, through faith, and through the undeniable grace of God. Every time I doubted myself, God whispered louder. Every time life tried to knock me down, He gave me new mercies, fresh strength, and just enough light to take the next step.
I didn’t choose the trials, but I chose what I did with them. Losing my only brother and both of my parents before the age of 48 cracked me open, but it also awakened a depth of resilience and purpose I never knew existed within me. I realized that life is too short not to show up as the fullest, most fearless version of yourself.
So, I stopped playing small. I stopped shrinking. I began to recognize the power of my voice, the weight of my gifts, and the beauty of my uniqueness. I leaned into my creativity, my calling, and my passion for inspiring others through music, education, and purpose-driven work. And every time I’ve had the opportunity to pour into others, whether it’s behind a microphone, a set of turntables, in the classroom, or on a stage, I’ve been reminded that confidence isn’t about perfection. It’s about presence. It’s about showing up, scars and all, knowing that you still belong in the room.
Today, my self-esteem is anchored in faith, fortified by experience, and fueled by purpose. I stand tall not because I’ve never fallen, but because I kept getting up. And every day I rise, I walk with gratitude, boldness, and the unwavering belief that I was created for this. I’ve always teased myself saying, “Shy girls grow up and rock stages. Ask me how I know!” lol
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 love to share my story, because it’s one rooted in reinvention & resilience, I like to say. I love inspiring people because they stay inspiring ME!
Professionally, I’m known as Pretty Tammi the DJ, a nationally recognized DJ, radio personality, educator, and former background vocalist with a career that has taken me from classrooms to concert stages, from corporate galas to campaign rallies. I’ve had the honor of DJing for events featuring Vice President Kamala Harris, President Joe Biden, Mercedes-Benz USA, and a long list of political, nonprofit, and entertainment powerhouses.
But my journey began long before the turntables. I started as a background vocalist, lending my voice to incredible artists like Fred Hammond, Johnny Gill, Kindred the Family Soul, Ludacris, and Sunshine Anderson. I’ve toured internationally, performed across Europe, the Caribbean, and Asia, and learned early on how to move a crowd, whether through harmony or spinnin’.
What excites me most about my work today is that it’s never just about music. It’s about impact. Whether I’m curating a vibe for a high-energy event, hosting on-air for OG 97.9 FM in Atlanta, mentoring students, or spinning at a soul-filled celebration, I bring purpose, joy, and presence to every space I enter. My brand blends professionalism, personality, and passion with a deep commitment to culture, community, and creativity.
I launched Pretty Tammi the DJ Events & Entertainment in 2015, and since then, I’ve built a brand that’s not only in-demand, but also deeply respected. My events are known for their energy, intention, and excellence. People don’t just attend my events, they remember them.
Currently, I’m focused on expanding my brand in exciting ways. I’m preparing for the Ms. Senior World Pageant, where I proudly represent Georgia in the 50s age category as Ms. Georgia Hospitality World. It’s a full-circle moment that allows me to empower women to embrace every season of life with confidence, beauty, and boldness.
And as always, I’m pouring into the next generation through school partnerships, career day appearances, and special event programming.
If there’s one thing I’d want people to know about my brand, it’s this: I don’t just play music. I create moments. I curate memories. I build bridges between people, passion, and purpose, with every beat, every mic drop, every room I walk into.
This is not just a career, it’s a calling. And I’m just getting started. I LOVE MY LITTLE LIFE!!! Grateful cannot fully describe how I feel on the DAILY!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
The three most important qualities, skills, and areas of knowledge that shaped my journey, looking back, I’d say resilience, versatility, and self-awareness hit the nail on the head personally, for me.
Resilience
Life doesn’t always go according to plan. I’ve faced personal loss, career pivots, and moments where I questioned everything, yet I kept going. Resilience is what allowed me to bounce back, to shift, to grow through what I went through. It’s a muscle you build by showing up, even when it’s hard. My advice: don’t run from adversity. Let it teach you. Let it shape you. Every challenge is preparing you for the next level. #pivot
Versatility
I’ve worn many hats, singer, educator, DJ, radio host, mentor, and each role taught me how to adapt. The entertainment industry is unpredictable, so being able to pivot and bring value in multiple ways has kept me booked and evolving. My advice: diversify your skills. Stay curious. Take that class, learn that software, shadow someone who’s doing what you admire. Your versatility will open doors when the path gets uncertain. #shadow
Self-Awareness
Confidence doesn’t come from being the loudest, it comes from knowing who you are, what you bring to the table, and where you’re still growing. I spent years doing the work to become aligned with my purpose, and that’s where the magic happens. My advice: take time to learn you. What drives you? What drains you? What are your natural gifts? The more self-aware you are, the more intentional, and unstoppable you become. #unstoppable
For anyone early in their journey, I’d say this: be a student and a sponge. Listen more than you speak. Stay teachable. Build your character as much as your brand. And never underestimate the power of consistency and kindness—they go further than you think. You don’t have to have it all figured out. Just be committed to the ambition energy that keeps you up at night. #committed
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
As I continue to evolve both personally and professionally, I carry with me a deep passion, a focused purpose, and an unshakable commitment to growth. I have dreams and definite aspirations of recording an EP, because yes, I can shole nuff saaaaang, and the time has come to tell my story, with my voice, through music that’s real, soul-stirring, and unapologetically mine.
I also play drums a little bit, a gift I’ve nurtured privately, but now I’m ready to bring it forward. Music lives in me in ways I’ve only scratched the surface of sharing. Whether behind the mic or behind the kit, I’m here to create art that moves people, emotionally and spiritually. Immo GET on them drums, Sir & Ma’am! lol
Beyond the stage, I have a calling to inspire, uplift, and lead, especially when it comes to young people. As an educator and mentor, I’ve seen firsthand how a single voice of encouragement can spark transformation. That’s why I’m also pursuing the next chapter in my academic journey: completing my Master’s Degree. Education changed my life, and my HBCU experience literally shaped me into the woman I am today. I want to continue pouring back into others through knowledge, service, and shared experiences.
So yes—I’m actively seeking the right collaborations. I’m looking to connect with:
🎙️ Producers, writers, and musicians who value dreams, creativity, and excellence. Let’s build something that speaks to people and stays with them.
🎧 Youth programs, schools, and educational leaders who want someone who can speak to students’ hearts—through music, motivation, and real-life perspective.
🤝 Purpose-driven brands, media outlets, and mission-aligned businesses who understand the power of community, culture, and representation—and want to do work that actually matters.
My collaborations are rooted in alignment, integrity, and shared vision. I don’t just show up to entertain, I show up to shift the atmosphere and leave people better than I found them. If I don’t, then I did NOT accomplish what I came to do.
📩 To connect with me directly:
Email: [email protected]
Instagram: @prettytammithedj
Tiktok: @prettytammithedj
I’m not here for surface-level. I’m here to PENETRATE THE PEOPLE’S HEARTS. I want you to feel something AFTER I’ve left the room. Remember how I made you feel. I desire to use every gift I’ve been given, musically, educationally, and spiritually, to create something lasting and impactful. So, not just I, but we still have work to do, family!
If you feel that too… then, THROW YO HANDS UP!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.prettytammithedj.com
- Instagram: @prettytammithedj
- Facebook: Tammi Norman or Pretty Tammi the DJ Events & Entertainment
- Linkedin: Pretty Tammi the DJ
- Twitter: Pretty Tammi
Image Credits
Antionne Duane Jones
