More and more, we are beginning to step outside of that cultural box that is often imposed on us, and it’s so refreshing. One woman who is successfully stepping outside of this box is Beejoux.

She is unapologetically following her true calling and living life on her own terms. This American-born beauty was raised in Nigeria till the age of 16, when she moved to the United States for her university education. She attended Oregon State University, where she obtained a degree in Economics.

And now, a couple of regular 9 to 5 jobs later, here she is, fulfilling her dreams of being a full time DJ!

She talks to us about the career transition, ups and downs, as well as lessons learned so far on this path she has chosen to follow.

 Read and be inspired!

Tell us about yourself

I’m a 30-year-old DJ currently in London. My main passions in life are music and travel. And food. I grew up in Nigeria, and left at 16 for university in the US. I’d describe myself as free-spirited, passionate, optimistic, artistic, introspective, and Rihanna’s #1 fan.

Did you always know you wanted to be a DJ?
When I was younger, I think I wanted to be a doctor or something like that. Or maybe a farmer. I really never had the desire to be a DJ or saw myself behind the decks but music was a huge part of my life growing up.

I listened to the radio day and night and started to develop a huge admiration for the presenters and DJs that played the music I loved so much.

When I got to university I discovered there was a campus radio station and immediately signed up and did that for three years. After graduation I moved to New York with a music-shaped hole in my heart. I met a bunch of musicians and I always felt left out when they talked about music and they kind of made fun of me because I called myself a radio DJ but they’d never seen me in action.

In an act of defiance I booked my first gig through a bartender who was a friend of mine and it went very well. I then started playing regularly in Harlem in my spare time and continued to do so even when I changed jobs and moved to the Bay Area.

As time went by my love for music grew even more  and it got to a stage where I just couldn’t resist the call to pursue my passion for music and DJing.  So I decided to give DJing a real go and it all worked out.

What was your family’s reaction when you told them you were trading in 9 to 5 life for a full-time DJing career?

Well, my mother still doesn’t know but my siblings and other extended family are aware. She’s 70 and I can’t be responsible for killing anyone.

Considering what it could have been, the reaction of those who do know was mild. I’ve been independent and basically taking care of myself since I was 17 so I just did it and told them afterwards.

I’d been DJing and doing radio while I was working a 9 to 5 so it wasn’t such a shock to them. I could tell that they were skeptical and still are as they keep asking when I’m going back to work.

So deep was his concern that my uncle offered to pay for me to go to Harvard (like you just walk up to Harvard and claim your admission) for a Master’s degree but my strategy with them is to keep my head down and focused and let my success speak for itself. My favorite thing is to tell them that if I’m not asking them for money they need to chill.

What are some obstacles you have faced on your DJing journey?

The biggest obstacle I’ve faced has been myself. My self-doubt and lack of discipline at times have held me back in certain situations. I’ve found that people tend to have a lot more confidence in me than I have in myself and its only recently that I’ve started to really believe that I can do this even though I’ve been doing it. Now that I’ve been able to get past those two things to some degree I’ve seen my work improve. Confidence in yourself means the ability to take chances and the most beautiful things artistically come from experimentation and being able to put yourself out there.

Any significant milestones in your DJing career that you’d like to share?

I’m really excited about my upcoming New Year’s Eve gig at Soho House in Istanbul. It’s very meaningful to me because it’s an opportunity that came to me strictly on the strength of my music. Usually, how the music world works is that you know someone who knows someone who’s able to help secure a booking but the musical director of Soho House found my mix on Mixcloud somehow and reached out to me via Facebook and that really validated me. It’s also my first international gig where I’m being flown out with all expenses paid and I love that this is how I’ll be bringing in the new year!

What’s next for DJ Beejoux?

It’s a pretty wild time for me right now. I’m in the process of planning a tour of Asia kicking off in February 2018. I’m also launching a weekly playlist on Spotify for those who want to take a little piece of Beejoux on the road.  I’m also working with the Tate Museum to put on a night of vintage and current African music.

What’s your vision for your life in the next 10 years?

First of all, I see myself living on several continents because I’m just not about this Winter life! Djing in the UK/US/wherever in the Spring and Summer then spending Winter and Fall in the Caribbean or even Nigeria where I plan to open up beach bars and music venues. I’m a huge lover of live music (obviously) and it would be my dream to have all of my favorite musicians play for me. Aside from that, I’d like to start some sort of organization that pushes female empowerment in “third world” countries. Feminism has gotten a head start in the West, but I need our young women in countries with lots of inequality to understand their power and develop their potential. So basically in 10 years I’ll be a world renowned DJ, mogul, and philanthropist.

Who are some female African DJs you look up to?

DJ Zinhle is a beast. I’ll confess that I really didn’t follow any African female DJs until you asked me this question and I had to do some research. DJ Soupa Model is also quite good. I love the fact that she produces as well.

What’s your advice to anyone looking to leave “conventional employment” for a career in DJing or the arts in general?

If you’re still thinking about and have been doing so for a while you need to just do it. I started out DJing on the side and saved up some money before making the plunge so I’d recommend that route in order to build up your fan base and see if it’s something that’s actually doable.

It will be difficult, but with the right attitude, hard work, and talent, you can do it. And if it fails, your day job is not going anywhere, as the world will always need accountants, lawyers, etc. so you can always go back but you deserve a chance at fulfillment and happiness.

Has DJing been financially rewarding so far?

Not really. I’ve had to do other things (like Airbnb my apartment) to supplement my income. It has been more about the personal fulfillment and being able to follow my passion. I know people who have been DJing and making music for twenty years but still have side hustles. DJing is not about the money unless you’re lucky enough to be part of that 0.0001% that makes it big.

What’s the price of chasing your dreams against all odds?

Oh my gosh, these past two years have been a rollercoaster of emotions. Sleepless nights filled with doubts and worries, wondering where the next gig will come from then sometimes getting the gig and then screwing up royally due to a lack of experience. Scrolling through Instagram and Facebook where everyone seems to be doing better than you are. I have been taken so very far out my comfort zone, which has actually brought some positives to counterbalance all of the mental distress. I feel like I’ve gained a certain sense of self and realize that I can handle anything. My people skills have also improved 1000-fold.

What is your definition of success?

Basically being able to do what I want, when I want, and having the means to do it. I feel successful already because I’m living the life I want to live, playing the music I love, traveling around the world and meeting good people. I don’t have to deal with any bullshit and my future is entirely in my hands. That is success to me.