Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jay Della Valle, owner of Spinners Entertainment, located in Wyckoff, NJ, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My business is Spinners Entertainment, and we specialize in MC/DJs, DJ/Band Hybrids, and what we call "One of a kind" Acoustic Acts. Our customers are mostly engaged couples looking for something different and exciting for their wedding entertainment. Simply put, we offer signature combinations of DJ and Live music for couples that want BOTH in a cool way! For instance, our most popular DJ/Band Hybrid is Owls & Lions, a charming Indie-Folk styled guitar/violin duo for Ceremony/Cocktail hour that can expand into a stylish & dynamic 3-7 piece full band and/or DJ (with live instrument accompaniment,) depending on a client's preferences or budget. Our unique approach to DJ/Band Hybrid allows a client to choose "how much Band" vs. "how much DJ" they may want at their reception. For clients who seek more of a DJ-centric entertainment experience, all of our MC/DJs are full-time professionals with 10-20 years of experience in the wedding industry. Our vibe is very personal and boutique vs. corporate. We believe we attract what we are, and that's why our clientele goes from handshakes to hugs!
Tell us about yourself
I started my business at the ripe young age of 17 years old. I grew up in the wedding business. My father was a well-known wedding entertainer, and my parents owned/managed one of the biggest wedding band agencies in New Jersey throughout my childhood. I assisted DJs, bands, video guys, and photographers at weddings as young as 15. I worked in the family business throughout my teenage and young adult years, helping in any way I could. When it came time to go to college, I decided to attend New York University so I could continue building my DJ business on the weekends. By the time I got out of college, I was very busy, and my business was quickly turning into something substantial. Over the years, I transformed what was once a little one-person DJ business into a full-scale events company specializing in music entertainment services, but also anything else related to events. I love curating and being a part of what makes a party great. I enjoy working with engaged couples to make their wedding dreams a reality. I consider it a privilege to be chosen to have this responsibility. Each day I am motivated to reach and connect with more people who may want to merge their vision with our particular brand of awesomeness. It gives us excitement to give you peace of mind in your decision to work with us.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I have been in business for 25 years at this point. That's a big accomplishment in and of itself! We are very lucky to be a recommended vendor at over 25 of the most prestigious wedding venues in NJ/NY and to also work closely with some amazing & established wedding/event planners. We are also proud to say we have accumulated over 350 5+ online reviews between Google/Wedding Wire/The Knot/Yelp. Although NJ/NY is our beloved home base, we have been hired to provide music & entertainment in some cool cities/countries around the world, including London, Turcs & Caicos, Jamaica, Aruba, Los Angeles, Vermont & Miami.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
There are so many things to manage these days to maintain a business, especially in our industry. When you're the owner, it's often hard to balance business and personal/family, especially when you are also a performer who needs to stay sharp and always be prepared to perform at your best. The more successful you get, and the more robust your family life gets, the more challenging it is to keep everything in balance. Time and energy management is obviously key, but easier said than done. Plus, you have to consistently be nurturing business relationships, marketing, accounting, and talent acquisition, in addition to servicing multiple events every week. It will consume you if you don't have solid systems and a healthy relationship with your work and staff. The hardest thing might be weathering the months when things are not as busy, and you have to keep figuring out ways to drum up more business so you don't go into the red that month. But alas, these are some of the challenges that come with running your own business. We are the choices that we make.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Be clear about your goals. Vague is the plague. Don't try to be "everything for everyone" Be exclusive and offer niche services to drive focus to what you do best, then market and upsell the rest once you establish trust. Invest in your greatness. Today you have to pay to play. Budget for the right advertising, diversify and invest in yourself. Constantly create alliances and plant seeds for relationships, meet the people you need to meet, and stay on their radar throughout the year. This is an art! Most importantly, plan and strive to be consistent!! Maintain a comfortable yet constant vibration with your marketing/social media/website. Make sure everything is high quality, integrated, optimized, and current. Leverage all outlets to represent who and what you are. You are only as strong as your weakest link. Everything you put out there should reflect the standards of greatness you want to be known for.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://spinnersent.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spinnersent/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spinners_entertainment/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jay-della-valle-115187b/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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