Today we’d like to introduce you to Lucy Musielak-Stevanovic.
Lucy, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I graduated from college in 2008 with a bachelors degree in Criminal Justice and Anthropology from SIU and years of experience as a graphic designer.
As hard as I tried, I just couldn’t find a decent job. I worked a few small jobs as a Handylady and home renovator while working full-time at a gas station when my cousin and her friend decided to start their own DJ/Karaoke company. My cousin asked if I wanted to give it a shot and try my hand at being a Karaoke host or DJ. I said sure why not! I can’t really sing but I can work a crowd with my wit and have never had a problem talking to anyone or making friends, so a job as a KJ sounded perfect! Within my first few gigs working at local bars, I was HOOKED! I just loved it!
I worked as an independent contractor for my cousin’s DJ company for about 5 years till she had to move out of state. She and her friend decided to close shop with their DJ company. I was devastated to not only see my cousin move but I would be losing the one job I’ve ever loved in my life! So I cashed in all my savings and managed to scrape together just enough money to buy some DJ equipment, karaoke, and DJ music and start up my own company.
In January of 2014, I was officially in business as my own boss of Loud Lucy, with zero savings but the drive to succeed! It was the best decision I have ever made!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
For the most part, my business progress has been on a smooth and steady increase. Each year I see that I am booking more gigs than the previous year, I’m absolutely making more contacts in the business and just getting my name and my style out there. I did struggle a little in the beginning with putting all I had into getting Loud Lucy off the ground, but my amazing friends and family were there to support me and help me along the way.
One time, in particular, I was sick and not feeling well at all, but I knew I had my weekly karaoke gig at the bar that I just couldn’t cancel on. So I pushed through and made it to my gig. About an hour or so into my show, my very sweet friend, Laura, pulled me to the side and said ‘you know if you ever need help with anything, I’m here for you.. We had a talk and a few days later she became my first trainee! Now I call her my grasshopper and she is there to fill in for me at gigs when I need a night off, to help me with a big event or to just let me take a quick break at a gig.
As independent as I want to be, I know that I can’t do it all on my own and I am forever grateful for everyone in my life who helped me to get where I am today.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Loud Lucy story. Tell us more about the business.
Loud Lucy is a full-service Karaoke, DJ and Bar Trivia company. I specialize in Karaoke for bars or private parties and have my own customized Bar Trivia Brand. I also DJ weddings and special events, providing everything from a customized playlist, ceremony and reception personalization with announcements and different lighting packages, including dance floor lighting and mood/uplighting.
One thing I think that sets me apart from other KJ’s or DJ’s is my ability to read a crowd and select the best music to enhance the situation. I LOVE talking to and working with people and making them feel comfortable at their own parties or events by getting to know them personally and not letting them worry about the flow of the event as a whole. I like to get to know my clients to give them a very personalized experience rather than take an uptight ‘business only’ approach. I feel that is the ideal way for me to provide the best possible service I can, to make a lasting impression on my clients and their guests.
I feel most proud of my business when I get repeat customers or I get a call from someone who was a guest at one of my events and wants to hire me as well, or even running into someone who recognizes me from a previous event. The feeling of getting recognized from a previous event is indescribable and makes all my hard work worth it! I do very little advertising, as I feel word of mouth and recommendations are the best form of advertising a small business owner can have!
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I guess you can say I got lucky and fell into this career and independent business ownership. I went to college thinking my life would end up one way and through hard times it took a sharp turn into the most fulfilling career I could have ever imagined!
I’ve always just been my best self and let my personality shine, which I think makes me stand out as a DJ by putting that personal touch on my interactions with everyone I meet at my gigs. I get to be my own boss and as I say, I’m getting paid to party and meet new people! I have met some of the most amazing people along the way and made some long-lasting friendships though doing what I love.
Pricing:
- Standard private party DJ and/or KJ starting at $300 for up to 5 hours
- Full wedding package with lighting options up to 2 locations starting at $775
- Weekly Karaoke gig in a public space starting at $150
Contact Info:
- Phone: 708-638-1067
- Email: LoudLucyInc@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loudlucyinc/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LoudLucyInc/
Image Credit:
Laura Rogas, Elizabeth Hall, Aleksandar Stevanovic, Heather Junkunc
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
