Latest / Serious Lady Business / Detroit Series: The DJ Is the CEO and What Creative Women Learn About Leadership with DJ Nicole Myint

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Detroit Series: The DJ Is the CEO and What Creative Women Learn About Leadership with DJ Nicole Myint · Serious Lady Business

• Leslie Youngblood (00:01.144) Welcome back to Serious Lady Business. Today we are talking the DJ is the CEO and what creative women learn about leadership with DJ Mint. I am so honored to have you join us today. I've been such a fan of yours for so long. Seen you in magazines, seen you on the social, seeing you, you know, explode and succeed in this incredible industry that you're in. You've built such a long respected career in music. And I would love to hear how you were able to do that, a little bit about your mindset and how you were able to do that because we know it's not easy. NICOLE MYINT (00:42.208) Yeah, it's been a crazy journey, I always say, in the best way possible. I think the greatest part was getting into this wasn't anything about money or... trying to be someone in the business that's higher than anyone. It was just really purely passion. I got into music because I loved it. And I changed my career at a very, you know, an age that a lot of people don't think it's possible, but I did turn over my career at age 30, at 32. So I pursued going into DJing. purely for passion, how much I loved music, how much it helped me in life. And I just saw that in other people. Like it really just changes you. It helps your days. It helps your workforce. purely just wanted to make people happy. So I got into it because I knew it had great effects on the human nature, their brains and... It became a success. And I think solely because I put my heart into it without anything else as a factor. I think when we put a lot of factors of, we doing things right? Am I going to make money? That wasn't even a question to my mind, which I think I encourage a lot of people to take those other elements out and pursue what you love and enjoy and see where it goes from there. Because I think success can really come off of the heart more so Leslie Youngblood (02:23.182) Yeah, they say the money always comes, which I feel like can be frustrating because it sounds trite or like, but I need to pay my bills. But, you know, you can explore that and do that without quitting a job as well. But I would also just like to say 32 is not old, Nicole, and 32 is very young. And I think that can be a trap, though, whether you're 32, 42, 52, 22. NICOLE MYINT (02:31.854) Mm-hmm. NICOLE MYINT (02:42.06) No. Yeah. Leslie Youngblood (02:50.966) you know, and you're changing your major or you went to college and got a degree in something that you realize you hate. I think that is so brave and important to know that you can change your mind. You can change your mind. And especially when it is on your heart like that and something that you are so connected to and know that it brings joy to others to be able to make that choice and follow that path. NICOLE MYINT (03:04.724) So, yeah. Leslie Youngblood (03:17.08) Were you always musical? Did you play instruments growing up? Tell us a little bit about that. NICOLE MYINT (03:23.342) Yeah, so I thank my parents today. My mom is no longer with us, bless her heart, but my parents at a very young age, they loved music. So I grew up with putting vinyl on the record player as a child. That was like very, you know, they embraced that to me very young. So music was just always, always playing in the house. I was the child when my parents had guests over, I wanted to put the vinyl on. and welcome them with a good vibe. So it started very young. started playing guitar. Saxophone was a middle school instrument I chose, but I didn't go to music school. I didn't go so deep into it like that, but like I said, it was something I surely enjoyed as a child. that when high school came, was the person burning CDs for everyone. yeah. Leslie Youngblood (04:22.702) Love it. We all had that one. I had, I remember who it was when I was in high school. I love it. I love that. NICOLE MYINT (04:27.918) My friends from my school have the mixed CDs I've made them. So, you know, it was it was always like a pattern of my life that music was just a huge part of it. And I'm really glad that I was able to just pursue that. Leslie Youngblood (04:34.414) amazing. NICOLE MYINT (04:48.34) not be scared because it is scary and I don't say that I wasn't scared but I always encourage that yeah do what you love it can change your life in so many ways and it can change other people's lives so Leslie Youngblood (05:03.886) Totally. my goodness and do it scared, right? I mean, I don't think I've talked to a single entrepreneur on here or in life that was like, yeah, I knew it was gonna work or you know, it's rare. Yeah, I know it's gonna work. It's gonna be great. There's always a little bit of fear, but I feel like also too, when you feel that way, that's a good sign because you know, you're doing something important and special. NICOLE MYINT (05:16.258) Yeah. Leslie Youngblood (05:27.75) And so to lean into that fear, but it's not easy. And especially, I would imagine, you know, a music career, career in music, that is very much an industry that can burn people out, that can be very difficult. What has helped you stay in the industry when others have burned out or walked away? NICOLE MYINT (05:32.781) Yeah. NICOLE MYINT (05:52.086) Yeah, I can say I was super consistent about everything I did and I was persistent. Starting out, think in anything you do, you really have to experience everything. Even if that venue or that type of genre might not be your niche, especially as a DJ, you really need to step into everything. Leslie Youngblood (06:01.552) Mmm. Mm-hmm. NICOLE MYINT (06:20.386) Because if you don't really trial every experience, then you really don't know what is fulfilling to you and what you do want or what do you want. I think I was saying yes to everything. So when I started DJing in my hometown, Ann Arbor, I started at Frida's and I had a residency there, Frida Beditos. And after that, just, everyone was starting to call me like. Leslie Youngblood (06:29.485) night. Leslie Youngblood (06:42.766) amazing. NICOLE MYINT (06:49.39) And then I started with U of M. And at that point, you know, I was doing sports. Then I had a residency at the only gay bar in Ann Arbor. And that was just my first year of DJing. Yeah, and after that, it was like, yes, yes, yes. Like, I'm gonna say yes. My grind and my heart. Leslie Youngblood (06:51.79) Mm-hmm. Leslie Youngblood (06:59.182) Love it. Wow. NICOLE MYINT (07:10.862) I feel like I have a lot of grit of how I was built to pursue this and it wasn't easy. And I know that being a full-time DJ is very, it's rare. A lot of people have to have other jobs and that's fine. I think. just keep with what you love, but you got to experience everything. And till this day, I can say I have DJed every kind of party, every kind of venue. I started basements, doing Halloween parties, and I loved it. And now today, my time is valuable, but... Leslie Youngblood (07:42.04) Yeah. love it. Yeah. NICOLE MYINT (07:53.172) You have to say yes and you've got to do it. You got to do the job. You got to show up. And when people realize you are doing a job that's nonstop, they see your grind. know, like it's not just a one time a week thing for me. I was DJing seven times a week. Sometimes I was doing multiple headers in a Saturday and then, you know, it's been nonstop. Leslie Youngblood (08:06.296) Mm-hmm. Leslie Youngblood (08:09.838) Right. Mhm. Wow. NICOLE MYINT (08:20.086) I definitely worked hard and I think working hard is a huge part of whatever you do. Whether you see that you're working hard, the outside, the people are gonna see it. They know the people that do things just because or... Leslie Youngblood (08:33.922) Yeah. NICOLE MYINT (08:39.374) they really, really have an impact on what they do. So, and saying yes to people was my thing. And yeah, you know, I... Leslie Youngblood (08:43.479) Yeah. Leslie Youngblood (08:51.032) That's amazing. think there's so much. What I love so much, especially about that is it DJing in the music industry is this very shiny, glamorous industry. But so much of it comes down to whether you're in music or in just business, a retail store or a service based business. It's consistency. Consistency, you said that was the key and that. people could see you weren't just a one and done for the week type of DJ. They saw you like boom, boom, boom. And that consistency created the momentum. And I wrote down from basements to the big house. And that's how you got from those basements to the big house because, you know, all those things compounded and so much of the time we want a magic pill or we want a viral post or this or that, but so the majority of us win. by just showing up and being that consistent and showing that passion that you have for your craft, much like you did. And I think, you know, it has to be really magical when you see that work coming together and you can see people relate to it. And music is such a magical platform. It's the universal language for everybody, right? And it affects us on such a different level than just talking and to be able to give people and contribute to an incredible, memorable time, that also contributes to it, right? Because I think anybody listening to you can remember a bad DJ experience or a party that they went to that had a bad DJ, and I'm sure that makes you crazy. NICOLE MYINT (10:25.646) Oh yeah, I hear it all the time. I hear it from people that go to events and they're at weddings, you know, they clone you and yeah, I mean, it's a different kind of craft. I mean, it's not just a press play that I know we're gonna get into and another question, but you know. Leslie Youngblood (10:48.268) Yeah, yeah, yeah. NICOLE MYINT (10:49.678) There's a lot more to it and yeah, I've actually been asked to go up to DJs during weddings. Can you save the wedding? you know, you're on the... Leslie Youngblood (10:58.605) Mmm. NICOLE MYINT (11:02.196) and it was a moment that, you know, was like, okay, but yeah, it was pretty bad. Leslie Youngblood (11:08.69) Yeah, you know it's bad if you're there. Well, I mean, again, it's like, man, do I want this person or do I want DJ Mint? Obviously DJ Mint. But, you know, that has to be hard because you recognize it doesn't have to suck. Or like, you know what it takes to be good and it's not, you know, and to deliver that's so important. I'm sure that was at an important event for somebody in your life too. And that's just very disappointing. The soundtrack to their lives and our lives here, you know, it's a NICOLE MYINT (11:25.294) All Leslie Youngblood (11:38.114) Big deal. NICOLE MYINT (11:38.391) that I feel, yeah, don't, you know, that's the one thing I personally think is, you know, there's like three things I think are very important on a wedding. say not even being a DJ is why I'm saying it. It's the music. really, it sets your vibe from the moment people walk in and we're the last to leave. So, you know, every song matters. I mean, even if you're not into music, and I hear that a lot from clients, like we're not really into music. We don't know much, but at the end of the day, we do know a lot about music. Even if not into it, like it really sets the vibe of any day, any event. So. Leslie Youngblood (11:53.749) Mm-hmm. Leslie Youngblood (12:19.406) Just think, yeah, on a bad day. go ahead, sorry. NICOLE MYINT (12:19.918) Make sure you get a good, oh no, I was just saying, just get a good DJ and you'll be in good hands. Leslie Youngblood (12:27.278) Yeah, well, I mean, and even think about when you're having a bad day, what do 99 % of the people do? Listen to a song that makes them feel better or when you're bummed out and you want to just dive into radiohead or whatever, you know, gets you in your mood and you just want to be mad for a while or depressed for a while, which is totally fine. It gets you in your feelings. Could there be a better medium than music to do that? And so, you know, I think that just makes so much sense. And I would love to even further Is there something that people assume about DJs, Nicole, or even creatives that couldn't be further from the truth? NICOLE MYINT (13:03.886) I thought this question was great. Wow. Yeah, I think there's a lot. I would say I'm sure we're always assumed that we party and that's all we do is party and maybe some are untrusting, you know, like the relationships, it's hard to have relationship with a DJ. Those are a lot of sound issues. Leslie Youngblood (13:25.102) Yeah, a romantic relationship. Yeah, I mean, I'm sure it's difficult sometimes, right? Because you do have different hours than a nine to five than somebody, but they're still good people. NICOLE MYINT (13:36.61) Yeah, exactly. I mean, you know, I see the different, you know, it can happen anywhere, right? Leslie Youngblood (13:44.78) Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm. NICOLE MYINT (13:48.206) I think it's really just how you hold yourself and handle yourself. Especially, I think my partner is, she's so wonderful to understand and dating me and now married to me, she sees it. She understands like it is a different kind of job. All eyes are on you. You have to talk to everyone. You have to be in the scene and it can be difficult. I praise her for the understanding. Leslie Youngblood (14:14.254) Mmm. NICOLE MYINT (14:18.16) and knowing my craft and what I do and how long I've been doing this and you know just being trustworthy. think that's the thing is just being humble and always grateful for what you do but never disrespect people especially your people, your family, your friends but when you're out there it's... Leslie Youngblood (14:34.84) Mm-hmm. Yeah. NICOLE MYINT (14:42.24) you're just being a people person. You never cross the line, especially when you're drinking at events. mean, you really have to like, you know, that's one thing as well. Like I don't choose to drink liquor anymore, especially when DJing. Leslie Youngblood (14:48.034) Mm-hmm. NICOLE MYINT (14:58.51) we get caught up, you know, it is a party. We are entertaining people. Especially if I'm at events like seven days a week that have bars and they're like, come drink, you know, it's, you gotta control that. just being professional and, you know, know your craft, do it right and don't cross the line. So. Leslie Youngblood (15:00.568) Yeah. Leslie Youngblood (15:09.986) I'm Leslie Youngblood (15:21.846) Yeah, well, and you're navigating, it is your job and they know it's your job, but you're a public figure on top of that. And so there's a lot of additional pieces that come with being a public figure yourself and then being with a partner or that partner who is the partner of a public figure because people want your attention or you're that public figure and whatnot. And so it has to be difficult to navigate. But like you said, when you are honest and communicate with that with that person and and and you know any type of relationship you have to be honest and communicate i mean there's you don't have be a dj to cross the line with somebody at work you know it happens every single day it's just right and so but to be in a party situation yes there are a lot of things that could be going on and i know that is a misconception and you know probably speaks to also your maturity level too where you looked up and that you looked upon this as a job not as a an opportunity to party seven days a week. This wasn't like, I want to party more and I love music. I'll be a DJ. It was your craft. It was your profession and you built it and operate and carry yourself as such. Yeah. Yeah. I love that. And so, okay. So I can't wait to dive into some of these like male dominated space questions with you, Nicole, because that, you mentioned male DJs, right? Bad reputation as you know, you know, you don't want to. NICOLE MYINT (16:32.844) Yes, absolutely. You said it. NICOLE MYINT (16:42.484) yes. Leslie Youngblood (16:48.82) most the time go there. And then in these male-dominated work environments, sports arenas, large venues where women are still underrepresented, how do you walk into those rooms grounded instead of intimidated or even overcompensating maybe? NICOLE MYINT (16:50.892) Yeah. NICOLE MYINT (17:09.794) Yeah, it's been, I've dealt with a lot of crap, I'll be real. Like I've dealt with a lot of, yeah, very mildly. Maybe we'll do an episode on that. But you know, I think it was, it wasn't something I actually thought of when I first got into this. And then I realized how many Leslie Youngblood (17:18.068) putting it mildly putting it mildly yeah yeah mm-hmm yeah NICOLE MYINT (17:38.766) children, females that were like, oh wow, you're a DJ. You know, like not even young girls today thought that was possible because it is a very male dominated career and it still is. I love that more women are coming out to being DJs or getting into the music industry. But I think I stay grounded because well, my parents really taught me how to just be fearless. Leslie Youngblood (17:51.084) Mm-hmm. Leslie Youngblood (18:07.598) Mmm. NICOLE MYINT (18:08.75) I started when I was young, I played women's sports. I played with girls sports teams, but I started playing baseball like in middle school. So it was a fast pitcher. I played on a premier team. Yeah. And I have an older brother. So I think that really helped with like, I didn't really see competition and being a female. Like I just went out there and I would play with the boys. But then when I got older, you know, Leslie Youngblood (18:18.998) Oof. Love it! Leslie Youngblood (18:30.094) you NICOLE MYINT (18:38.328) high school and college, you see it more. The world's a little bit divided with that. I think being fearless and just stepping into something really can show how much you can do something no matter what you are, male or female, or however you represent yourself. Yeah. Leslie Youngblood (18:58.979) Mwah. Mm-hmm. NICOLE MYINT (19:04.526) It's been hard, but I am really happy to have come into this industry and kind of just show this path for other women that music and DJing and producing, it can be done by anyone. yeah, no competition here. I'm not competing with the men. But I think a lot of people think everything is competition today. Leslie Youngblood (19:22.594) Yes, yes. I mean, if I there's. Leslie Youngblood (19:33.038) huh. NICOLE MYINT (19:34.53) which I try to stay in my own lane. I am cool with lot of producers and DJs here, but I think a lot of people compare themselves. They're always competing, maybe with a post or a reel or whatever they're doing today. And even if you aren't doing seven gigs a day, that's okay. Just keep in your lane, focus on you. But yeah, I... It's been hard. I'm not going to say it hasn't been hard, but I'm very grateful for how much my time in these jobs have gotten me where I'm at. And I'm thankful for all my bosses that, you know, there are people out there today that maybe won't hire a woman DJ. Maybe they won't hire a man DJ. But the fact like I started with U of M 11 years ago, and I'm still with them today. I'm very grateful for those opportunities that they alone didn't say, she's a girl. And yeah, and those doors opened up for me, which will open up for everyone else that's a female. I think even DJs today don't even know that sports DJing is a job and it's a career. That's something I try to amped up that, yeah, this is a whole niche out there. Leslie Youngblood (20:35.758) They wanted a good DJ. Leslie Youngblood (20:49.921) I Leslie Youngblood (20:56.493) Yes. NICOLE MYINT (20:57.826) But yeah, male or female, go do your thing. Leslie Youngblood (21:00.77) Yeah, well, just like you said, where sports DJing, again, so many kids and boys and girls growing up, if you can't see it, you can't be it. And so they love music and they wanna be a DJ. you have to work from eight till four in the morning or five in the morning to be a DJ. Now there's this other avenue that's really important and you can make a living off of. And how important is that to show? And I think also too, and I would love to get your take on this because NICOLE MYINT (21:26.295) Yeah. Leslie Youngblood (21:29.964) You've come up as social media has come up and really taken on a life of its own. And whether, you know, no matter what you're doing, it can be really hard. We all go on TikTok and see the people that we think have it all or doing the thing. And if you really know, you know, it's probably a bunch of BS and just a facade, but it can be tricky to, like you said, stay in your lane and keep your blinders on. It's just a distraction to doing the thing that you want to do. How has social media factored in to building your business and your enterprise, Nicole. NICOLE MYINT (22:03.232) Yeah, it's helped gratefully. I honestly, I didn't get a website built probably like five years ago. I was slowly doing all my clients by myself emails. I wasn't promoting anything. Leslie Youngblood (22:17.069) Wow. NICOLE MYINT (22:18.452) never did ads, you know, it was all word of mouth. And that's another thing going back to one of the questions. like that experience of saying yes to everything. You are, I think exposure when you're DJing is more important than anything. Leslie Youngblood (22:35.31) Mmm. NICOLE MYINT (22:37.224) you have to with social media. like I personally can't post everything I do. I haven't. I have so much content. There's a lot of time and you know I have left on some of that stuff but I try to share as much as I can because it is important to show people like what you're doing. Like you said the consistency is very important to people. If you DJ once a year like Leslie Youngblood (22:45.185) Sure. NICOLE MYINT (23:04.842) No offense, but like, you know, that's a different kind of art than someone that is really passionately doing it every day. social media is great. It really has, I feel like a lot of the teams have seen me on social media. Leslie Youngblood (23:08.142) Mm-hmm. Leslie Youngblood (23:20.898) Mmm, yeah. NICOLE MYINT (23:22.958) I started doing social media when I started in Michigan and my video dates back to when Instagram started of being a sports DJ and then like the COVID era. All that stuff is very important. Not everyone has social media, but you know, I encourage it, especially today, like collabing. know, a lot of people still today are like, oh, I don't want, you know, I don't want collab with you. Like, I don't want your name on my thing, but. Leslie Youngblood (23:26.114) Mm-hmm. Leslie Youngblood (23:31.842) Yeah. Yeah. Leslie Youngblood (23:45.23) Yeah. NICOLE MYINT (23:51.276) And that's not me personally, that's like, just people talk about that, you know, like, collabing is such a huge open window to people now that Leslie Youngblood (23:55.054) Sure. NICOLE MYINT (24:01.482) If someone posts, that can be seen by another thousand. Like, it won't hurt you. At the end of the day, like, you have to show your work. People want to see it. And with the abilities that we have today with video and, you know, the different types of ways we can videotape ourselves. Leslie Youngblood (24:05.206) Right. Leslie Youngblood (24:21.624) Mm-hmm. NICOLE MYINT (24:22.986) important. I think it's in, you know, a lot of people see the time I put into it, but they know it's very beneficial. It's a of work and time to put your content together, as you know, and like I said, it comes back to you. It's more important than buying ads or buying whatever. Just be natural about what you put out there and it'll come back. It's really important. Yeah. Leslie Youngblood (24:30.786) Mm-hmm. Leslie Youngblood (24:35.032) Mm-hmm. Leslie Youngblood (24:48.174) and be consistent. Yeah, yeah, definitely. And those, doesn't cost, I mean, I think that is my favorite thing about the rise of social media. Obviously as with anything, there's always gonna be a negative, but it has allowed creators and small businesses to connect with audiences that they would have had to pay millions of dollars for. Really leveled the playing field in a way where whether you have a small beverage, brand and you can compete with a Coca-Cola that's on shelves and get in front of people in their homes, where they live, how they're living. And, you know, and I think that when we use it for good, it is good. And like you said, with your line of work and man, I think back to my wedding and I mean, like maybe there was Facebook, but I don't even think it was like we use Facebook in the way we use social media now. And to be able to NICOLE MYINT (25:21.485) Yeah. Leslie Youngblood (25:41.123) connect with you as an artist on a platform like that too. And that enables you to get additional jobs for people to share. you need a DJ for this. You should check them out and not just personally, but with the sports teams. think again, because social media has become so important for professional teams because they want to go viral with the poster. I see all sorts of content and brilliant content from professional sports teams now, which is so great. And so, and So you know their teams are on social media and if they come across something from you or have a cross connection or this or that. And so anybody listening that kind of may feel, I know we all can feel, social media and it's a big to do, but it can reap boundless rewards for you if you continue to put the work in with it and are consistent with it. NICOLE MYINT (26:31.276) Yeah, absolutely. And I just want to say one thing about that is during COVID, social media was one of the hottest things because we couldn't do anything. So since I couldn't DJ, I was doing Instagram Live to just to show people like, we all still need music. Leslie Youngblood (26:49.795) Love it. Leslie Youngblood (26:56.994) You're funny. NICOLE MYINT (26:58.506) want to stop DJing, know, let's keep this going together. So I was doing like COVID Instagram live shows like every weekend, you know, and it was pretty awesome. Eventually, I'm going to switch but like, yeah, it's very beneficial to everyone. So Leslie Youngblood (27:10.894) Yeah. Leslie Youngblood (27:16.332) Yeah, I love that. Now, Nicole, what advice would you give to women entering a male-dominated creative field who maybe feel like they have to overperform or who are nervous or maybe questioning themselves? What would you say to them? NICOLE MYINT (27:33.516) Yeah, I would say just be you. Don't change. Being a female is a beautiful thing. think there's a lot of stuff you have to prepare for in this kind of industry, but just walk in there with no fear. Leslie Youngblood (27:40.323) I mean. NICOLE MYINT (27:59.586) Being a female is actually can be beneficial too as a DJ. You know, there's a lot of events if you're like, I want a woman, I want a male and that's okay. Everyone wants something different, especially with what kind of event it is. But just go in there with all your heart. That's the only thing I can say is, you know, it doesn't matter. Leslie Youngblood (28:22.862) great advice. I love that. NICOLE MYINT (28:24.256) Yeah, it doesn't matter. mean, yeah, yeah, it's a hard it's a different industry. So I mean, there's there's pressure to prove yourself always no matter what the career may be. But yeah, just show your your art and do it. Yeah. Leslie Youngblood (28:44.782) Yes, I, know, something that I always think about is that in the creative space, whether you are a singer, maybe you're a DJ, everybody wants, or, you know, there's some successful person that's X, right? And so they want to follow and be just like that person, right? And then, but then you really don't because then the person that breaks is somebody totally unique and different, and that is totally themselves. NICOLE MYINT (29:06.766) Yeah. Leslie Youngblood (29:13.762) because people can smell inauthenticity or spell authenticity and they love people that let their freak out and are themselves and don't apologize for it. And that I think is something that is difficult for so many of us to remember that the people that we love to listen to, that we love to go and see, you know, the athletes that we look up to. are unabashedly themselves and not like anybody else. And so remember that for you too, you are just as unique and special as well. And don't try to be like that person or that person, be your unique self because that is your superpower. NICOLE MYINT (29:51.852) Yeah, absolutely. And I think like, it's always protect your morals too. Like I think what I've experienced through this career, people do try to change you and they will come into you. They will give you lies of how they can get you somewhere. Leslie Youngblood (29:57.454) Yeah. Leslie Youngblood (30:01.454) Mmm. NICOLE MYINT (30:12.428) And these are, and I'm not saying I'm against men, this isn't anything like that, but they've all been men. And I think it's been a battle of just like, we've seen this with other artists, like celebrities, you know, now it's being more talked about of how the industry is. But I think it's really, really important to hold your standards to what you are and don't ever change. Leslie Youngblood (30:21.144) Hello? NICOLE MYINT (30:41.634) because someone else is telling you, need to do this or you need to wear this or you need to make this type of music to go far. Like I've heard it all. Today, I will never change for anyone. My mom always said, be yourself, always treat others with respect and carry yourself with love. So it is so important and I can tell you like, There's people that can really try to wheel and deal you, at the end of the day, nothing is more important than your morals that you hold in your heart, in your conscience. Do everything. Leslie Youngblood (31:14.303) Mm-hmm. NICOLE MYINT (31:27.01) with love, but do it right. Like there's no shortcuts. Like I will just always, everyone's got to remember that. I never had any shortcuts. People think if you are at a level, you knew someone and it's not really, yeah, knowing people is very important, but. just always be a good person because that one switch can really hurt you. And I think there's some things that I've done, not done, but even being around certain people can even lead you into a different path of how people pursue you because you're talking to other people in this industry. And so, you know, today I am, I don't even want to labels. I'm solely working with myself. I am learning how to produce by myself with another teacher. But I'm trying to just do the things the right way. Because it's important as a female, we get caught up in a lot of stuff that, you know. It can be a dirty, dirty way, but like, you know, like we gotta just stay, stay in your lane and be good. Yeah. Be good. good. Leslie Youngblood (32:38.766) Mm-hmm. Leslie Youngblood (32:43.286) Yeah, well, I was just talking with a friend of mine this morning and we're like, it's not all men, but it's always men. So listen, mean, just let that be said, but I think that is when true change happens and when it needs to happen is you recognize something from the outside because you how, how to like say, I mean, we've all and anybody listening, know myself personally have been in situations professionally and you're like, this, this is not. This is it. This is not with my morals. This is not vibing with my soul like something. This is not right for me. I need to get out because you are the company you keep, whether that is professional company or personal life company. Right. And only you have the power to get yourself out of it. And that's the trick. And that's as hard and as easy as it is. And so then to take that experience and say, I still. you know, but they still do something that I want to do, but I can't be part of that. I'm going to build it myself. I'm going to build my own damn table and, and I'll be damned if anybody else is going to do it. I guess it's going to be me and I'm going to do it. And I think that is so important and it's not easy, right? Because you're like, well, can't somebody, can somebody else please do this? So it doesn't have to suck so much. NICOLE MYINT (34:09.514) Yeah. Right. Leslie Youngblood (34:12.224) I guess it's gotta be me. But then I think you know inside you have been called to do that as well. And it's just giving in to that calling that will not leave you alone until you give in to it as well. Yes, yes. my goodness. 100%. Now I'd love to pivot to some questions about Detroit because this is our Detroit series and you are such a beacon of talent here in this city. And this is a city with a deep musical legacy. NICOLE MYINT (34:22.914) Yes, yes, protecting standards for sure. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. NICOLE MYINT (34:32.909) All Leslie Youngblood (34:42.25) Motown, techno, hip hop. How has being rooted in growing up here shaped your sound, your work ethic, and even your career philosophy, Nicole? NICOLE MYINT (34:54.062) Oh gosh, in so many ways. Like I said, my parents loved Motown. So I knew every Motown artist before I was like 10. know, like, and today, you know, like 10 years ago when I was DJing, people were like, how do know these music? You're so young. It's like, I look younger than I am, but thankfully to my parents, Leslie Youngblood (35:12.814) Never a bad thing. NICOLE MYINT (35:15.854) You know, like I was introduced to the true good music that was created in the 50s and the 60s that, till that, you know, today it's really not done like it used to be. and no disrespect to music today, but like, you know, back then it was, it was raw as you can be, you know, where they recorded at Motown. Motown museum is one of my favorite places to go. Leslie Youngblood (35:29.995) No. Leslie Youngblood (35:35.992) Mm-hmm. NICOLE MYINT (35:42.09) It's so nostalgic to see how these artists worked, where they worked, and what they created. I think it's me emotion. It's taught me a grit. It's taught me innovation all at the same time. I think the culture here is beautiful. the artists, they really respect their craft here. And I think the Detroit roots have been something I'm so proud of. to carry it wherever I travel in the world. I love to educate people about Detroit, especially our music scene because you know still today people are like, techno was created in Berlin and it's like, no. But that's okay. You know, I love educating people. If they don't know, that's okay. Like that's educate, that's teach people how special Detroit is, the Detroit music scene. But yeah, I think Being raised here, I got the ability to know a lot about the music and all the artists here at a very young age. And I think that's what really sparked me on really loving music. The 50s and 60s music was the first type of music I think I was introduced to as a child. And I loved it. And I still love it today. And I love all music. So that's a great part about it. But I think... that the mindset shaped my work ethic and my philosophy of staying authentic. Because Detroit is just real as it can be. We know that. We like to keep it real and versatile and just, you know. Leslie Youngblood (37:17.71) Mmm. Leslie Youngblood (37:32.654) Yeah, sure. NICOLE MYINT (37:32.908) very consistent in their passion. I think the music scene is beautiful. Always has been and grateful for Stevie Wonder and Aretha Franklin and all these musicians. The list goes on and I'm very, very proud to be from Michigan, from Ann Arbor and live in Detroit now. So yeah, it's an honor. Leslie Youngblood (37:41.422) Diana Ross. Leslie Youngblood (37:56.323) Yeah, heck yeah. I would be hard pressed and this is what kills me too. And I would love to hear what you've experienced outside the city of what people don't understand or maybe don't realize. Name me one other city or part of the world that legends have, as many legends have come out of music legends as Michigan and Detroit. I'm like, tell me where, nobody is from St. Louis, Los Angeles, maybe New York, maybe, but then. NICOLE MYINT (38:24.973) Yeah. Leslie Youngblood (38:25.654) Maybe? But I mean, there's a lot of goings, but it's just. NICOLE MYINT (38:30.008) There's sports, yeah, even Canada. know, like we got Justin Bieber. Leslie Youngblood (38:34.711) Yeah, right! Alanis Morissette, Avril Lefeune. NICOLE MYINT (38:39.918) I'm really proud of the Detroit music scene really has, it's so cool. I love that people come here too to like, not just check out all the other amazing things about Detroit, but I think the culture of music is really what brings people here too. So I encourage everyone to go check out the Motown Museum and go see all these cool things that are. existence anywhere else. Yeah. Yeah. Leslie Youngblood (39:08.524) Yeah, it's a special place. Motel Museum's incredible. I swear, Detroit is this fertile ground for independent creators and creatives, even without, again, that infrastructure like New York or LA. Why do you think that is? What is it about here, Nicole? it because we're nice? Is it because we have it in our DNA? What is it in your opinion? NICOLE MYINT (39:34.102) Yeah, well you know I think a lot of people see Detroit as a struggle and they don't see like the unity and the pride behind the creativity here. I think we really do have a different world here. Michiganders, we're known to being very nice. But very real. I think the opposite, like I said in the back question, last question, the Detroit creative community isn't like, it's just, it's so talented. And I think we do, we do things with a little bit more rawness and a little bit more heart, but not to say other cities don't, but I think that's what like makes us a little different. It's the culture here, you know? Yeah. Leslie Youngblood (40:21.435) Yeah. Mm-hmm. Yeah. NICOLE MYINT (40:24.942) Built on culture, I think it's just so important in the world. So, yeah. Leslie Youngblood (40:28.3) Yeah, for sure. It trickles in right to your DNA and everything you do. And we spoke about community and how that can be a differentiator. How has your network sustained you through career highs as well as lows, Nicole? NICOLE MYINT (40:35.033) Yeah. NICOLE MYINT (40:46.426) I've had such a great network. you know, I, I feel like my network has always been very strong and that's always, I per se say that because I think people see like, I am a real person. I'm not, I'm not out here to flaunt. I'm not here to like compete or show anyone down. You know, I, it's more about just aspiring people. And I think, A lot of people tell me my social media brings them this different view on life. They understand me, they know I am very humble. They read my... When I post, it's not just a post. I try to leave something that can give people... hope or motivation or bring people together. So I get lot of compliments on my posts on social media that people are like, that post really just changed my day. So I think my network sees that I'm a DJ, I'm an entrepreneur, but I'm also just a real human that's just living day by day as a DJ and doing other things. It's connecting with everyone and my network has been so wonderful. You know, when I lost my mom, like that was a huge part of my life that, you know, people were very supportive. and you know, I still had to go to work that day and like, still did stuff and I didn't, you people are like, why are you going to the Red Wings today? Like, and it was, it was tough, but The only reason I did that was because I knew my mom wanted me to. So my network has been just so wonderful with the ups and downs of just life and the highs of my career that. NICOLE MYINT (42:46.156) Honestly, I haven't really taken all of it in because everything happens so fast for me like all the shows all the stadiums to the Grand Prix Everything is so back-to-back that you know today I always encourage people take it all in now because Man, like I really didn't take it all in as I wanted to but that was like I mean, I think that's the fast life fast lean of this career is You know once you are consistent with all Leslie Youngblood (42:57.71) Yeah. Leslie Youngblood (43:05.901) I'm not. NICOLE MYINT (43:16.1) these jobs, like you are DJing non-stop. And that's a choice, but again, that's what led me here. So I'm thankful for my network. I think it's so important that we have these people behind us that support us in the highs, but also in the lows, because we are people at the end of the day and we all go through, you know, pain, suffering and happiness. So everything needs to be supported and celebrated. Leslie Youngblood (43:18.84) Mm-hmm. Leslie Youngblood (43:40.834) Mm-hmm. NICOLE MYINT (43:44.992) Yeah, and it's been important to me. So I think everyone that has been supportive since the start and all the new fans and friends today. Leslie Youngblood (43:54.349) Yeah, that's awesome. And you're so encouraging and inclusive of kids. And you you are always letting kids get on the decks to inspire them, which I just think is so cool because again, you could be changing their life from there. And tell us a little bit about that. And if you could go back and talk to maybe your younger self, what would you, what would you tell her? What would you tell little Nicole? NICOLE MYINT (44:20.046) Oh, yeah. My connection with kids, I love kids. I used to coach travel soccer. I was doing that actually when I started DJing, but I couldn't balance both careers. DJing late at night and then driving two hours in a travel soccer tournament. I loved it, but now I'm able to... Leslie Youngblood (44:28.942) cool! Leslie Youngblood (44:38.21) Mm-hmm. Leslie Youngblood (44:41.805) Mm-hmm. NICOLE MYINT (44:49.154) just give kids that ability and chance to try it out, which I never got that. And I think it's so cool and important for any child to like... touch a turntable, especially if they like music. There's so many parents that come up to me that, you know, like their kids, they're not here for the game. They want to see DJ Mint first. And that's like one of the best feelings ever. I have a huge fan club of children and from all the stadiums to even, you know, the bat mitzvahs I do, it's... Leslie Youngblood (45:12.462) amazing. Leslie Youngblood (45:18.167) I love it! NICOLE MYINT (45:27.84) It's such a great part of my job. love, I love dancing with the kids and showing them how to DJ. And like I said, it's, so important for them to be inspired and inspired to know this is an opportunity for them if they want to do it. because I didn't know that I was never taught that at school. And we still aren't taught that in school that this DJing is a career, producing is a career. so yeah. It's, I would tell my, you know, if I was younger, yeah, this is a career. It's pretty cool. Go do it. You know, I think for me, it was something I had to figure out on my own and just pursue it in the event business. And I never saw a female DJ. I was professionally doing project managing events all over the country before I was a DJ as well. And I think that's another thing that was like, I never saw a female DJ. So it really encouraged me to like, also step into this world that a female could do this, you know? So, yeah. Yeah. Leslie Youngblood (46:37.292) Yes. Hell yes. And probably better than a lot of the guys out there. And I also love with kids, like you know, kids don't lie. Kids don't lie. And so you know that if you got kids respect and they like you, you know you're doing something right because they are unfiltered. NICOLE MYINT (46:50.55) Right. No later. NICOLE MYINT (46:59.436) Yeah. Leslie Youngblood (47:01.42) don't know, don't know how, not even like, and I think that is what is so, and they're so joyful, right? And like, and they love music and that, know, and hopefully they haven't had like, you know, the self-awareness, the self-consciousness that so many of us grownups play into now. And it must be so fun to see that and to know that, you know, you're making an impact on them because again, it's just a ripple effect of. NICOLE MYINT (47:20.896) yeah. Leslie Youngblood (47:27.726) You know, you're doing this job, but you are reaching so many people and changing their lives for the better. so, Nicole, I would love to know what does success look like to you now versus compared to earlier in your career when you were just starting out? NICOLE MYINT (47:33.614) Yeah. NICOLE MYINT (47:45.006) Oh wow. It's different. I would say, like I said, like I said yes to everything and I still today try to do as much as I can but today, you know, I have different goals. Leslie Youngblood (47:48.728) Alright. NICOLE MYINT (48:06.582) especially for how long I've been DJing. Producing has been on my radar for the last four years that I wanted to make my own music. But my career was so crazy that I never even really had time to do it. And that was a decision on my own. Me saying yes and doing all these events. And I don't regret it, but today my success is now like... I am deciding if this event is something I do want to do. Now I filter yes or no I can do this event. Even if I am available, it might not be the type of event I want to be a part of anymore. Time is more valuable to me. especially with family, but production. So now it's filtering out what my next schools are. It's still DJing, still doing that full throttle. But it's now I take production classes every week. I don't really talk about but yeah, just working on music. I released my first single last September. So now it's just mint making more music and still DJing, but trying to balance everything and then also time with family. think that's the other thing is people don't, you know, we all have things outside of our careers and, you know, losing my mom was a huge like reminder that you don't get life back. So time is like very valuable to me today. So yeah. Leslie Youngblood (49:45.282) Yeah. NICOLE MYINT (49:50.53) But I still love doing all the events I do. But now it's just making sure that I have time to put music out to the world to also change everyone. I want everyone to feel good. All the music that I'm going to make is really just more motivational to people of feeling happy as we need that in this world today. Leslie Youngblood (50:12.768) Mm-hmm, mm-hmm. Heck yeah, we need it more than ever in this world today. Nicole, what is next for you? You're doing all these things, DJing, still producing, learning. What's ahead for DJ Mint? NICOLE MYINT (50:27.662) Yeah, so I will be creating a little bit of a clothing line this year. So I'm hoping to get some of that stuff out. Yep. And then also, you know, lot of entrepreneurial projects that I have in my bag to release. But and then also my EP, I hope to release my EP this year as well. So they're working on that. Yeah. Leslie Youngblood (50:37.294) I'm so mad! NICOLE MYINT (50:56.704) and then just performing at all the stadiums and weddings here and there, know, so doing it all. But those are the big things, yeah. And traveling. Yeah. Leslie Youngblood (51:05.976) I love it. amazing. Nothing but up and up, up and up. I mean, this is just the beginning, I feel like even but I think that is so true when you find something that you love and you master and you kind of want to continue spinning up and doing more. And what's the next thing and you're creative and so fashion line amazing makes perfect sense and your own EP and learn to produce and still doing the games and all of that contributes to a rich creative life and a fully functioning good person too. And so I think that's really exciting. I cannot wait for all of those things and more from you, Nicole. And as we wrap up today, I would love for you to share where our listeners can connect with you, follow you, and we'll also make sure to drop these links in the show notes as well. NICOLE MYINT (51:56.652) Yeah, definitely. Instagram, pretty much all socials are DJ Mint, M-Y-I-N-T. And then DJMint.com is my website. And then my artist name is Mint. So my production name is only Mint. So you can find my music pretty much on all platforms, capital and all caps for the Mint. So yeah. Leslie Youngblood (52:24.742) We'll definitely make sure to link those in the show notes. Nicole, thank you so much for joining us today. What an incredible career, incredible impact you are making throughout Michigan with music. We appreciate you joining us to chat some Serious Lady business. NICOLE MYINT (52:39.918) Appreciate you. I love this podcast channel, so keep doing you. Proud of you. Yeah. Thank you. Cheers. Leslie Youngblood (52:43.311) Thank you. Thank you, Nicole. Cheers.