Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelsie Johnson.
Kelsie, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Well, I actually got into the DJ business completely by accident. About 5 years ago, I had just come back from New York City, where I’d been studying acting, and I desperately needed extra money. I was so broke at the time I could barely rub two dimes together…….literally.
One night, I went to a friend’s karaoke show in Lee’s Summit, and out of nowhere he asked if I wanted to try being a DJ. I immediately said no because my heart was set on becoming a serious actor. Then he offered me $200 to work just one show… and suddenly the answer became yes. Sometimes money really does talk.
I spent the next year working alongside him, learning everything I could about sound, hosting, and how to run a board properly. But more importantly, I learned a lot about myself and what I truly wanted as an entertainer. For the longest time, I thought theatre was my calling, but the more I DJed, the more I fell in love with it.
I loved the connection with people. I loved the excitement of seeing someone sing karaoke for the very first time. Watching someone build confidence on stage felt almost like a proud parent watching their kid score their first goal. There’s just something really special about creating an atmosphere where people can let loose, have fun, and make memories.
So you could say I fell in love not only with the business, but with the people in it too.
About three years ago, I decided to branch out on my own and start DJ Rosie-J. It definitely wasn’t easy. There were plenty of moments where I wanted to give up, but I’m so grateful that I didn’t. Since then, I’ve been honored to win Best Local DJ in Lee’s Summit three years in a row, and this year I was also voted Best Wedding DJ and Best Entertainer in Lee’s Summit.
I feel incredibly blessed and thankful for every single person who has supported me along the way. I truly would not be where I am today without them.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Not at all. Starting a business is about as smooth as riding the Timber Wolf at Worlds of Fun……..and if you know that ride, then you know exactly what I mean.
That first year was incredibly tough. Honestly, trying to book gigs was probably the hardest part. Nobody knew who I was, and nobody was really willing to give me a chance. I would go from place to place practically begging venues to let me come in and prove myself for just one night. For a long time, I only had one consistent gig.
To keep the business alive, I was juggling multiple jobs on top of running DJ Rosie-J. I was acting, serving, bartending, personal assisting. Honestly, if you needed a job done, Rosie was your person. That was basically my slogan for a while.
The financial side was another huge challenge. People don’t always realize how expensive the entertainment business can be. There’s so much equipment, maintenance, software, lighting, sound gear. The list never ends. When I worked for my previous employer, all of that equipment was provided. Once I branched out on my own, suddenly every microphone, speaker, cable, and light became my responsibility to invest in.
I was unbelievably broke that first year. Honestly, probably even more broke than when I came back from NYC. But looking back now, every hardship was worth it. I poured so much blood, sweat, and tears into building this business, and seeing what it has become makes all of those struggles feel meaningful.
It took a lot of work, a lot of sacrifice, and a lot of persistence, but in the end, it was absolutely worth it.
I do want to take a moment to give a very heartfelt thank you to the business owner who allowed me to work in her bodega during the very first year of my business. She was incredibly kind, supportive, and believed in me at a time when I was still trying to believe in myself. She actually bought me my very first sound board when I was starting out, and honestly, I don’t know if DJ Rosie-J would exist today without that gesture and her constant encouragement to keep going no matter how hard things got. Thank you Lori O’Malley!
I also owe so much gratitude to my parents, who continuously supported me and reminded me not to give up, even during the moments when I wanted to. Their love, encouragement, and belief in me kept me pushing forward when things felt impossible.
These are the people who helped shape my company from the ground up, and I will forever be grateful for the role they played in helping me build the life and business I have today.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I own an entertainment business that specializes in karaoke, sing-along music bingo, Trivioke, and a variety of other MC-hosted events. While I offer several different types of entertainment, I’m probably best known for my karaoke nights and the high-energy atmosphere that comes with them.
What I love most is helping people find their inner rock star or their inner power ballad singer. Whether someone wants to belt out an arena anthem, sing their favorite country song, or nervously step up to the mic for the very first time, my goal is always the same: to make sure they have an unforgettable experience and feel supported while doing it.
I’m incredibly proud of how much this business has grown because, honestly, I never expected it to. During that first year, I constantly doubted myself. I truly believed I didn’t bring anything special to the table and that eventually the whole thing would fizzle out, leaving me with a pile of expensive equipment and a dream that didn’t work out. Thankfully, I was wrong.
Owning this business has brought me some of the happiest and most fulfilling years of my life.
As for what sets me apart, that’s always a hard question to answer. But if I had to say one thing, I think it’s my ability to meet people where they are. Whether it’s someone’s very first time singing karaoke or their thousandth performance, I want every person who walks into one of my shows to feel welcomed, encouraged, and comfortable. At the end of the day, I want people to know they’ll always find friendship, support, and a safe place to have fun with DJ Rosie-J.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I believe the greatest mentors are often the people already in your life.
The ones who genuinely want to see you succeed. Lean on them during your struggles. Sometimes simply sharing the hard things weighing on your heart can give you the strength and clarity to keep moving forward and continue climbing that big, intimidating mountain.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.djrosiej.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/djrosiej/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552041899626
