Masha/DJ Desirez is on the Move!

Name: Masha /DJ Desirez

Age: 28

Occupation: General Manager of 1.FM Jamz, DJ & Graphic Designer (DesireMe Gfx)

Where are you from? The home of the BEST wings on the planet- Buffalo, NY

Did you go to college? Where? I went to Canisius College in Buffalo.

What did you study?
I started off with History but ended up studying Adolescent Education and English. I am starting grad school this year and getting my MBA in Entertainment Business.

Where do you work?
I run 1.FM Jamz, I DJ and I am a graphic designer among all the other hats I hold…and they are a LOT of hats.

Why did you pick this career? I love music. Point-blank, period.

What are your future plans for your career?
I plan on starting a nonprofit organization in the future geared towards music. I am still in the proposal and planning stage. I want to help urban youths looking to become a part of this industry because it can be unforgiving and harsh.

How did you get involved in this career?
I ran the radio station at my college for three years and was an on air personality. During that time, I was offered an internship with 1.FM Jamz. In April of 2008, I was offered the position of General Manager. As far as being a DJ, I have been doing that since I was 16. Graphic design fell in my lap. I’m a creative person.

How did you prepare yourself for this career?
I think life helped me prepare. I have always been surrounded by music, traveled in choirs and more. In college, I worked and ran the radio station (WCCG-The Wire) successfully for three years.

And if you just happened to land in this career what made you stay?
The thing that makes me stay is the fact that I have a passion for music and I love being able to help break new music and artists.

What are the downsides to this profession?
The only downside is when people think they can take advantage of you or take your kindness for weakness. I am a nice person but like anyone, I have a side that you don’t want to see.

What is a typical workday for you?
Well I have the advantage of having a home office and studio so I just go to my office, check emails (my inbox is usually crazy!), work on graphic designs, conduct conference calls, program music and radio shows, listen to new music, practice deejaying, and try to get “me time” to work out and eat between it all.

How might this job be a stepping stone to other professions?
Through all that I am doing, I am looking to work with major networks and artists in the future. I also want to start an after school, non for profit foundation dedicated to music and business.

What is the single-most important piece of advice you can offer a person pursuing this career?
Stay humble and be yourself. If you change, change for the better, don’t change for the worst.

What steps do you recommend to someone who is planning to pursue this career?
I would say go to a two- to four-year school for graphic design or communication. A degree will take you far. Also be dedicated to your craft. You only get better if you practice and work at it.

What’s a funny memory from your college or high school days you are legally allowed to share?
Legally? LOL. So I thought I was being cute in High School and wanted to relax my hair myself instead of waiting on my mom to take me to the salon. I just was so determined that I knew what I was doing and no one could tell me what to do. Needless to say I burned my forehead in the process. My pastor (who is my uncle) kept teasing me and said it look like I went bobbing for french fries. My cousins still tease me about that to this day!

Where can we stalk you online?
Facebook Fanpage: DJ-Desirez
Twitter: www.twitter.com/1fmjamz
Other: www.djdesirez.com