Claire O'Shea

MUM | WIFE | DJ | TALENT & BUSINESS MANAGER | RUNNER

The mortgage broker turned DJ whilst being a mother of two is breaking through traditional music industry barriers now launching a talent agency to represent and promote other female DJ’s in Perth……. A ‘Modern Day’ musical wonderwoman…….

We’re here today to talk about “The Modern Day Woman Movement” and allowing women to embrace their multiple identities, what are yours? 

Yes indeed I do have multiple personalities, I mean identities!!  I’m a DJ, a mother of two beautiful crazy girls, a wife to an unbelievably supportive (and patient) husband, a book keeper and I’ve just recently started my boutique DJ agency, specialising in female DJs.

Have you always loved music?

Yes always, from a very young age.  I come from a very musical family - my Dad is a drummer, my Mum played the guitar.  I remember when I was really young going to pubs with my parents to watch Dad play in his band.  I think I went through every single musical instrument possible in school, I was even in the Pipe Band which I absolutely loved!  Then after leaving school, I was always the one who was asked to play the music at friends' house parties.  DJing came about when I was living in London early 2000, I had friends who were DJs, back then everyone was playing on turntables and carrying crates of vinyl and it just absolutely fascinated me how you could mix two songs together on turntables.  So I would get on my friends decks and start mixing music myself…and that’s how I started DJing.  Music gives me such a rush.  I love how a song can remind you of a particular point in your life, whether it be when you finished year 12 and you got your first taste of freedom or when you had your heart broken for the first time, to your first dance with your husband on your wedding night.  It’s pretty powerful how a song can transport you back to that exact moment and evoke so much emotion…I absolutely love that!

 What was your defining moment that inspired you start your second business?

I am all about equal opportunity, whether it be racial or marriage equality (yay to majority of Australia voting yes!).  Female equality and empowerment is something I have always felt strongly about.  I’ve worked primarily in male dominated industries (I was a stockbroker and finance broker in my former life!) and DJing is no different.  When I started DJing for corporate events I realised there was a genuine demand for female DJs who not only played great music (which is the most important element) but also has a great personality and is well presented - essentially they're the whole package.  But there wasn’t really anyone in Perth representing these kind of DJs.  Finding new talent is also something that I get a rush out of.  So to bring this amazing pool of DJ talent to a corporate platform and providing other DJs (especially female DJs) the opportunities to play at amazing events like I have…that was my defining moment to start my agency.  That’s not to say I won’t have male DJs on my books, I’ve got some great male DJs…..it’s equal opportunity right?!

How do you balance being a Mum and running your businesses?

To be honest I don’t think I’ve got that balancing act right yet! There is a lot of juggling, co-ordinating and scheduling involved and I honestly could not do what I do and DJ in the evenings and on the weekends if I didn’t have my amazing husband and parents to help look after the girls.  It takes a village….and that village is my saviour! 

 What is your secret to staying focused? 

Finding something that I’m genuinely interested in and love to do is what keeps me focused.  Also, finding time in the day to do something just for yourself (which is for me exercising or meditating) I think is really important to staying focused.  Not enough hours in the day also drives me to stay focused!

What is your advice for other women who are contemplating starting a new pursuit?

I found my new pursuit after having my kids.  If I was to be away from my family I wanted to do something that I really loved, that was DJing and through my DJing that has led me to start my DJ agency….I started that at 38 years old.  You’re never too young or too old to start a new pursuit or take a different direction in your career.  I think everyone’s dream in life is to find something that they absolutely love to do.  If you find that and can make a career out of it….then that is the ultimate….go for it!