Meet JUAN (DJ LS) ZAFRA | JUAN ZAFRA (DJ LS) – BUSINESS OWNER / ENTERTAINER

We had the good fortune of connecting with JUAN (DJ LS) ZAFRA and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi JUAN (DJ LS), how do you think about risk?
Risk can be a scary word for many. For me it has been the main source of decision making. Through my college career and during the process of attaining my Masters degree I learned one very important aspect of business, Risk Assessment. Risk assessment is what businesses learn in order to navigate an industry, unexpected events, and market issues. You learn to understand risk and how to make decisions around risk. That is what I have done throughout my career. I worked in the corporate environment for many years until I finally decided to make the jump and leave for an independent career as a self employed individual. The crazy part about that decision was that I decided to make that jump during the biggest housing crisis in US history in 2008. I left a job where everyone around me was holding on as tight as they could to their employment and looked at me like a crazy person for leaving my job voluntarily. The result of that decision has been a 13 year long career of working for myself doing what I love while learning many hard lessons along the way. I can thank the risk I took at that point in my life for the life I live now. I am a business owner and entertainer with a company that has been open for the last 13 years and is continuously growing.  All that is thanks to the “RISK” I took 13 years ago to bet on myself.

What should our readers know about your business?
I own and operate an events and production company. Rock My Party Entertainment. Through RMP Entertainment I provide services to corporations, clubs, private individuals for weddings, private events and much more. We offer mobile dj, emcee, lighting and sound solutions along with entertainment consultation for venues which provide entertainment programming. We help venues with booking services, agency duties and technical support. We have done hundreds of weddings, themed events and productions and have provided services for several corporations along the way. The most important factor which separates us from our competitors is our understanding of customer service. Clients want someone who is experienced and has knowledge of events who can help offer opinions, suggestions and help make critical decisions which can impact budgets and production. Most importantly, we offer peace of mind. Our motto is “To give you one less thing to worry about!” During my 15 year career, I have been blessed to work in many different settings, environments and events. Thanks to that experience I have been able to help save my clients time, stress and money! What I love about my industry is that, there are no shortcuts available. It takes time and experience to get to a level of expertise. It’s taken me many years to learn many of the skills required to understand the in and outs of the industry. To this day I am still learning and always trying to get better at delivering our services. My goal is not to do all the events and make all the profits. My goal is to help empower other djs, entertainers and professionals by offering work opportunities, learning and support. If others can make money then I will always do my best to help support that. I dream of creating a company that can help others just like me create a career that they can pursue with pride, love and dedication and of course, profit!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
There are so many options in South Florida. Dinner in Brickell at one of the many fine dining establishments available. Then a day in Wynwood experiencing the art, creative concepts and amazing food. Of course you have to let them experience South beach by visiting some of the most iconic areas and venues. One night in South Beach is a must in order to experience some of the booming night life. We would definitely schedule a day in Fort Lauderdale to experience the many restaurants and bars which are famous in that area. Live bands are a must! We would go to Hollywood beach to experience live music and a fun family atmosphere. Lastly, we would do outdoor activities such as mountain biking, hiking, paddle boarding, kayaking and some fun on the beach! This can be done just about anywhere in Florida.  Do all these things and you will have a action packed time!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My career has had many mentors, many people who supported me along the way and many who help me learn the business and industry. One of the first people who helped me learn the art of mixing music and becoming a disc jockey was Orly Aycart. Orly was a dj and a family friend. He guided me, taught me, coached me and supported my journey as I began getting into the industry. Later in my career I met DJ Josh Laria. Josh was a popular dj who always gave me an opportunity to learn and to work with him on several events. He let me borrow equipment, he let me do events with him and he always cheered me on to keep going. He taught me tricks, skills for mixing but best of all was always a great cheerleader for me. He helped me enter the mainstream circuit and nightlife industry. As my career progressed and evolved new opportunities arose. One of those opportunities came when I met Rodd Pratt. He was the entertainment director at the Clevelander hotel in South Beach at the time and he gave me my first opportunity as an emcee and host.  This was an amazing opportunity because it was at one of my first major venues and one of the most iconic locations. He taught me how to host, emcee and be a master of ceremony. He challenged me to step outside of my comfort zone and guided me along the whole way. He ultimately made me his apprentice and eventually I took over as the main host and resident emcee. His trust and faith in my efforts and talent are what helped propel my career to the next level. The residency at the Clevelander afforded me the opportunity to host and perform for TV, stadiums, concerts, festivals, special events with blue chip sponsors such as Pepsi, NFL, MLB, NBC, Miami Heat, Marlins, ESPN and many many more. It also afforded me the chance to land on local radio. Thanks to the influence, connections and network that Rodd provided I was able to build on that and truly evolve as an entertainer and talent.  I owe a lot to Rodd Pratt and will forever hold him in my heart.  Now the most important influence, support and help in my life has come from the most important part of my life, my wife! My wife Shaina Zafra has been with me through almost my entire career, 13 years. We have been together since 2009 and since then she has always been my number one cheerleader. She has cheered me on, supported me, helped me, worked with me but most importantly has always let me be me. She has never tried to make me pick a different career or change my way of making a living. She has been there when I was not confident. She has been there when I have felt like a failure but best of all she has been there for all my wins! Every win has been extra special because she has been witness to the struggle, hard work and dedication. Her support has allowed me to continue forward no matter what the risk. Her love and partnership have made me better, stronger and wiser. She is my biggest shoutout! Shaina Zafra

Website: www.RMPEntertainment.com. / www.DJLSLIVE.com

Instagram: @djlslive @rmpentertainmentlive_