Meet DJ Big Reeks | Entrepreneur | Event Consultant | Vinyl Enthusiast

We had the good fortune of connecting with DJ Big Reeks and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi DJ Big Reeks, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
The work life balance has definitely been a progression. You start out believing that you are doing enough for your business but then the results come in and you realize there is more to be done. In the beginning I was team no sleep and whatever it takes, but I slowly realized that proper planning can help you maintain a steady pace with better results. This also also allows you to have a schedule that includes exercise, proper eating, leisure activities, and a decent bedtime. Don’t get me wrong though, I still have a few all nighters if w project is pressing.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As a deejay it’s sometimes hard to separate yourself from other deejays. Your style can determine if you can become popular or in demand. For me, I returned to spinning vinyl as my niche and I haven’t looked back since. I am proud of the fact that I’ve been doing this for 10+ years and we just celebrated our anniversary in April. I’ve been deejaying for about 22 years, but the last 10 have been as a professional. I was laid off from my job as a civil engineer in 2013 and I had formed my company The Waxaholics in 2012. After about 6 months I decided to put all my energy into my company and it was the best decision I ever made.. The biggest challenge for me was learning to be a better businessman. I didn’t know anything about running a business or managing a team. A lot of ups and downs and still 10 years later I am not the best but getting better and learning new things everyday. Being consistent is the best way to overcome and thoughts of failure. By continuing to do what you love at a high level, there is no way you can fail. An idea can be developed into a full time job. And branding can push your idea to a higher level. The Waxaholics was birthed from an idea that I wanted to play my records again. From there we’ve developed a logo, a clothing brand, a few themed parties, a vinyl dinner, candles, and the interest from companies, restaurants, and clubs that want that old school hip hop feel. We stayed consistent with our mission.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Well no houston trip is complete without visiting my favorite beach town Galveston Island. I would recommend staying on the sea wall and enjoying the ocean views and gulf coast air. Blvd Seafood is one of my favorite restaurants for dinner, and Mosquito Cafe is great for breakfast and lunchtime. Don’t forget to visit their bakery right next door for some sweet treats. While the beach is great, I love to get the full ocean experience. I would call on Captain Ron’s Fishing Charters for a full day fishing trip exploring the gulf or the bay. You’re bound to see some amazing aquatic animal life while catching some cool gulf coast fish. Heading back to houston I would say to stop by Trez Bistro and Wine bar for some wine and entertainment on a Friday or Saturday night. If you’re an early bird I’d suggest swinging by on Sunday for brunch. The museum district is always fun to explore while learning a lot of cool history about the city and more. I think the parks and the zoo is the most fun though. The botanical gardens and feeding the ducks is always a fun trip. On a personal note we would have to take a bike ride through Terry Hershey park. My favorite park to ride, hike, and walk. Afterwards we could swing by my favorite ramen spot Ramen Jin for a big bow of tonkatsu ramen.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are probably a few peopleI would like to shout-out. First would be my Buddhist teacher Shi De Shan, his teachings and meditations have helped me be more centered and focused. Not to mention understanding my body and how it functions in tight situations. You have to be able to calm down and give yourself time before making drastic decisions. The second would be Tiffany Smith. Although she has passed on, I still remember her encouraging words to me daily. She had belief in me when i couldn’t see it at all. And I made a promise to her that I will keep until I am unable.

Website: www.thewaxaholics.com

Instagram: instagram.com/djbigreeks

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ricanmcgusty

Twitter: twitter.com/djbigreeks

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/djbigreeks

Youtube: www.youtube.com/thewaxaholics

Image Credits
Fola Lawson Tim Cho