By Her Own Rules had the pleasure of speaking with ‘Ready to Love’ reality star DJ Stormy. And while you may have gotten familiar with the beauty, and career-driven woman on the OWN reality series, Stormy is not new to the entertainment industry. As her name implies, the disk jockey is focused on building her legacy as one of the best female DJ’s in the ATL (and the world) while looking for the right man to stand by her side.
Stormy shares her journey on finding love while remaining steadfast in her career.
On ‘Ready to Love’ and Life After
How did the opportunity to be a cast member on ‘Ready for Love’ come about?
DJ Stormy – The casting department actually found me on Instagram, I thought it was a hoax at first to be honest. But it definitely turned out to be the real deal. I’ve been asked to be part of a number of shows, even some shows that are on television now; but it just didn’t work for my brand. I had previously been casted in a couple of other pilots but with the logistics behind the scenes it kind of turned me off from being part of any reality television. So when they approached me I was a little hesitant because I didn’t want to be a part of just any show that would have me projected in any negative light or have drama attached to it. I decided to go through the process and was eventually picked, it wasn’t until almost the end did I learn that it was an OWN Network and Will Packer Production. After learning that I was pretty confident that it would project myself as well as my brand in the best light.
What’s the current state of your love life since leaving the show? Are you single? Involved, etc?
DJS – The current state of my love life is pretty interesting. I am currently dating, but to the millennial generation that would probably constitute as single. I guess these days until you’re married, you’re single. So I think that’s how I would classify my status as single and dating. I would say since the show there has been an increase in interest but because of my schedule sometimes it gets a little hard, and I’m very selective. But I’m excited about the dating scene and being the best woman that I can be while in it.
Have you kept in touch with anyone from the show?
DJS – Absolutely, I’ve kept in touch with almost everyone from the show. Myself, Courtney, and Shatava travel a lot together. I’m actually in Courtney’s upcoming wedding. Also a lot of the cast members have gotten in serious relationships since the show or were in serious relationships during the show, and just did it (the show) to be on TV! But I’m not going to go there!
What about Aaron Cotteral (whom Stormy had the most connection with but ultimately left due to Aaron’s games)? Have you seen him since making an exit on the show?
DJS – So I have seen Aaron a couple of times at events where all the cast members were in attendance. I have no ill will or hard feelings against Aaron. He’s actually in a relationship now and I think his girlfriend is a beautiful person, so I wish him all the best. I just think that the show sometimes put him in binds or different situations where he was forced to grow. But over all I think he’s a great guy, I un-followed him on social media at first but we’re back to small conversations.
On Love
What’s your ideal man?
DJS – I honestly think my ideal man has evolved so much, even from the show. I am really looking for a best friend. I’m looking for someone I can have a great time with, laugh hysterically, and be that shoulder to cry on when I need it and just confide in at all times. So that best friend that will turn into a life partner, and eventually turn into a husband one day. I’m not putting any more perimeters out there like he has to be dark skin, light skin, 6’3, size 13, none of that! I think at this point I have faith in God that he will send the right person my way, or if the right person is already in my life he will open those doors. I can say that I’ve gotten more aggressive to where if I see something I like I will definitely let him know.
What would be the perfect date?
DJS – A date where he can actually ask me questions and get to know me. A date where he can get to know all about me, where I’m from, what I like, who I really am, what my goals are in life, and if I want to have children or a family. It doesn’t have to be anything extravagant, it can be over pizza; just really laid back. As long as the individual is very purposeful in getting to know me, that would be ideal.
On Career
What inspired you to become a disk jockey? Who were/are your mentors?
DJS – My inspiration to become a DJ, really came from my love of music from all genres. But honestly, becoming a DJ wasn’t in my plan, I’ve always been an entertainer and worked in entertainment in some form. I’ve been a manager, worked as a promoter with clubs and different artist. But the act of becoming a DJ didn’t actually transpire until 2016; I had all this DJ equipment around the house and used to play around at family events. The idea really sat in after I dropped my ep, Venom Kisses (available on all streaming platforms).
As an EDM artist/producer one of the next steps is DJ, so I thought about it and saw that it just happened to go with my brand and I loved it. It’s now been about 2 ½ years since I’ve been doing it professionally, and I’m making my way to the top and it feels great. While it was never my intent to be a DJ but sometimes you just have to grab the bull by the horns and give it a try. My motto is to always go against the grain and go bold, and that was definitely one of the boldest thing’s I did in my entertainment career was to take that step.
One of my biggest mentors is Darryl Padget (DeeJay the DJ), while everyone was so busy he actually took the time and taught me. But I’ve known a couple of big name DJ’s here in the Atlanta area for some time; DJ Baby Drew, DJ E-Class, DJ Mars and a lot of other great DJ’s that I learned from along the way.
What challenges have you’ve faced in the industry as a woman?
DJS – Honestly, I face issues in the industry everyday. I can honestly say the most common one is simply holding my own. From a knowledge, technical, and professional standpoint as a DJ it can be hard. Even as a female and looking beautiful or sexy but still demanding the respect of men in this industry. I’ve never expected anyone to give me an opportunity based on how I look and sometimes I think that people in this industry expect that of women and try to take advantage of it. I really pride myself on never asking for favors or waiting for things to be handed, so I find myself working almost 3 times harder than most DJ’s, especially men. I can say that working that hard and proving myself has allowed for things to come my way based on my work ethic, based on everything that I put in.
What’s improved since your career got started?
DJS – The visibility of female DJ’s has drastically changed for the better. I know I personally embrace and encourage all new female DJ’s when I meet them. Some are shocked because of me being so nice and loving but I truly know that there is enough money and enough opportunities out here for all of us. There are so many different lanes to where there should be no competition.
What still needs to change?
DJS – The biggest change that needs to take place would definitely be the pay scale and actually knowing the worth of the female DJs. We should get paid just the same as the males in the industry. But with that being said we have to make sure that us as female DJ’s are knowledgeable about everything that goes into DJ’ing, from the tricks of spinning to the newest equipment. We have to evolve and grow in our craft and know that every time we get an opportunity we need to show out and prove our worth in this industry.
Does you work prevent or enhance your ability to meet men/date? Work/life balance?
DJS – I think it’s a little bit of both. In the sense of enhancement it helped me by providing a platform and kind of increasing my visibility to those who may be interested. The prevention comes in with not being too sure who is really there for me, or who is out there for Stormy the person on that platform. I really want to make sure people date me for who I am vs what they might see. I understand that the entertainment world is my job and a part of me but I really want someone to get to know the real me.
On Giving Back
Why is your work with the Boys and Girls Club in Atlanta so important?
DJS – The youth overall is very important to me. I grew up on the Westbank of New Orleans, it’s not a very affluent area and I remember those challenges as a kid, so for me, giving back to the youth is where it starts. We always provide help for adults but the most influential and impressionable individuals are the kids. When I speak to or work with kids they are so talented, receptive, and intelligent; even more than some of the adults I run across. These ages are the time that we can mold them and help them find their way. Assigning them mentors, allowing them to find out what they want to do in life, or what makes them happy will ultimately contribute to them changing our lives and our whole lineage as a society and a culture.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
DJS – I would say only focus and go after things that you constantly think about and want to invest in. I inherited my fear of taking risks from my father but when I started to take those jumps, things happened. I had to learn how to weigh the risks and I certainly made some mistakes along the way but cutting down the time to wonder and second-guess myself would be the best advice.
What’s next for DJ Stormy?
DJS – I’m always continuing to build my brand through bookings and appearances. I’m incorporating so much more into my shows now such as dancers and other creative aspects. I’m working on a residency; also plan on releasing another single as a DJ. Acting and being part of couple of television and movie opportunities as well as personal creative project that I will be announcing soon!
For all DJ Stormy exclusives follow the handles below:
Twitter and Instagram: @StormyATL
Facebook: Stormy Monroe
