Nottinghamshire &amp; Derbyshire


<p>Yearn to quit the 9-5 for something bigger and bolder? Muddy’s here with the inspo. Janelle Brown, 30, has made waves in the male-dominated world of DJing, transforming her life and career in just a few years. An events manager from Nottingham, Janelle was frustrated at the lack of female DJs in the local scene and took a bold leap into music, quitting her office job to DJ full-time.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/09/Janelle-DJ-main.jpg" alt="DJ Janelle Brown from Nottingham" class="wp-image-15040" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/09/Janelle-DJ-main.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/09/Janelle-DJ-main-300x300.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/09/Janelle-DJ-main-150x150.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/09/Janelle-DJ-main-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/09/Janelle-DJ-main-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Since then, she’s played for top global brands like&nbsp;<em>Skechers</em>,&nbsp;<em>Harrods</em>,&nbsp;<em>New Look</em>, and&nbsp;<em>Oliver Bonas</em>, and performed at landmark events like the Women’s Euros in front of 20,000 people. Today Janelle enjoys the kind of career freedom that wasn’t possible in her old 9-5, travelling the world working with major brands. She chats to Muddy about how she took the leap &#8211; and spills the tea on her favourite local haunts.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-did-you-become-a-dj">How did you become a DJ?</h2>



<p>‘I used to work a 9–5 for Nottingham City Council as an Events Manager and ran club nights on the side. After about a year, I realised the line-ups in Nottingham were always male-dominated and thought, ‘hang on… I could be doing this too’. I’ve always loved music; at every party, I was the ‘YouTube DJ’. So, I booked lessons at 44 DJ Academy in Nottingham, trained for four months, then quit my job and flew to Ibiza to give it a real shot.’</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-were-you-scouted-and-what-happened-next">How were you scouted and what happened next?</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/09/janell-dj-shop.jpg" alt="janelle brown dj " class="wp-image-15074" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/09/janell-dj-shop.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/09/janell-dj-shop-300x300.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/09/janell-dj-shop-150x150.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/09/janell-dj-shop-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/09/janell-dj-shop-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/janelleciara_/?hl=en">@janelleciara_</a></figcaption></figure>



<p>‘I was scouted through Instagram. I’d just come back from Ibiza, where I’d hoped to break through that summer, but things didn’t go to plan. Then in October, I got a message from China L’One, the Founder of <a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.gqh-2BaxUzlo7XKIuSly0rC1UvpriRPaFsrBwHrbScrQn39V2Ak6G-2Bczgvkn5fJnQ1kkbg_SPepmuwpbmUTTZmkZxrUJMs30GQ0m-2FTtD-2BX8GVkn94k5htRgV04BcTz2ajO8ebMxBz7pvvNKWnD8iE6GOPok3FbZCeKIyt1pX2EuA238FMs8r1lPHtLLGtr8d19SBdjxDcqFPS31sRaTwrwUD2SRwY6NMsm9G8lZZTKZu-2Bv7QeF4R99jtOI6nTeOE3XE2InFD97dFnEY2MUUFN5xuReiIFKwtlc9F-2FUaVnKXb1MNMQpkwpQ1oqOqR4qFvF3rpGN-2B8sSss1lJSbX3cHwdpUGDiQana5hl4Fxsu0QFXqsFX-2Bk45GRQD2wpYViZI-2FdsnEk6pBwq-2Bl4zu6zuJGy-2BnjygkxWXi-2Bf5lLtK2nYpWwFyVMQ-3D" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">We Run The World Female DJ Agency</a>. She asked if I’d play at the Morphe store opening in Nottingham, and that turned into a regular gig. I became their resident DJ until lockdown in 2020, played at the Skechers store opening in Derby, and did a few private events before the pandemic hit.’</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-was-the-trigger-moment-that-made-you-leave-your-9-to-5">What was the trigger moment that made you leave your 9 to 5?</h2>



<p>‘I’ve always known I wanted to work for myself. I love travelling and wanted more freedom. I’d asked for time off and it got rejected. I just thought, enough is enough. I didn’t have a plan B, but I trusted that I’d figure it out. If it didn’t work, I knew I could always find another job, but I couldn’t live with the regret of not trying.’</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-did-it-feel-to-take-the-plunge">How did it feel to take the plunge?</h2>



<p>‘It was scary and exciting all at once! I was 23 and I’ve always been someone who takes risks. I reminded myself that I could always go back if I needed to, but I owed it to myself to try.’</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-were-the-highs-and-lows-of-your-first-year">What were the highs and lows of your first year?</h2>



<p>&#8216;One of the biggest highs was being signed by <a href="https://femaledjagency.co.uk/">We Run The World</a>. I earned more in one day than I used to make in a week, which completely shifted my mindset around money and success. I also remember being one of the only women on mostly male line-ups, so I started calling it out. Back in 2019, that wasn’t really happening, but now you can see more awareness and balance at events.</p>



<p>There were lows too. Some people didn’t take me seriously, which made me doubt myself. I also had times where I wasn’t paid or had to wait ages to get paid. It was frustrating, but those experiences taught me so much about boundaries and how I run my business now. China’s mentorship also taught me how to overcome these hurdles, and we’ve created a space where female DJs are finally celebrated.’</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-thing-you-ve-been-asked-to-do-as-a-dj">Best thing you’ve been asked to do as a DJ?</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/09/Janelle-skechers-1.jpg" alt="janelle brown dj at skechers event" class="wp-image-15073" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/09/Janelle-skechers-1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/09/Janelle-skechers-1-300x300.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/09/Janelle-skechers-1-150x150.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/09/Janelle-skechers-1-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/09/Janelle-skechers-1-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>&#8216;Being flown to Belgium by Skechers by We Run The World Female DJ Agency was a real moment. I’d already DJed for them at their UK store openings, but this time they chose to fly me out. They could have picked someone local, but they wanted me, and that felt amazing.’</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-and-the-worst">And the worst?</h2>



<p>‘Definitely being asked to wear something tight and revealing by a male promoter. It was the day before the event in London, and I was shocked by the message. I didn’t respond directly, just asked for payment upfront. Once paid, I turned up in a tracksuit and had a conversation with him at the venue about why that kind of attitude isn’t acceptable.&#8217;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-any-mistakes-or-regrets">Any mistakes or regrets?</h2>



<p>‘At the beginning, I didn’t film any content when I played. It sounds silly now, but at the time I didn’t realise how important social media was for building your reputation as a DJ. People want to see you doing it. Even if you’re talented, if there’s no visual proof online, you’ll get overlooked. I’ve learned now to treat content as part of the job.</p>



<p>&#8216;I’m lucky to be signed to We Run The World so most of my bookings come through them, but when I reach out to venues abroad, they always check socials. Whether we like it or not, people judge based on your Instagram. It’s your online CV.’</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-advice-would-you-give-someone-wanting-to-follow-your-path">What advice would you give someone wanting to follow your path?</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/09/Janelle-DJ-3.jpg" alt="Janelle Brown DJ from Nottingham" class="wp-image-15043" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/09/Janelle-DJ-3.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/09/Janelle-DJ-3-300x300.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/09/Janelle-DJ-3-150x150.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/09/Janelle-DJ-3-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/09/Janelle-DJ-3-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>‘Start before you’re ready &#8211; you don’t need all the answers to begin. If there’s something you feel pulled to do, take the first step. You can figure it out as you go. Be consistent, be visible, and most of all, believe you deserve to be in the room.’</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-when-you-re-back-in-nottingham-what-s-your-idea-of-a-great-night-out">When you’re back in Nottingham, what’s your idea of a great night out?</h2>



<p>‘I usually go wherever my DJ friends are playing, that’s always when I have the best nights. I say follow your favourite DJs, not the venues. For food, <a href="https://www.yamas.co.uk/">Yamas</a> is one of my favourite spots &#8211; I love Greek food. <a href="https://www.gigglingsquid.com/restaurant/west-bridgford/">Giggling Squi</a>d is another fave for Thai. I usually start the night at Slug &amp; Lettuce for the two-for-one cocktails (plus one of my friends often plays there). <a href="https://www.instagram.com/themixologistnottingham/?hl=en">Mixologist</a> is another great vibe if you’re looking for events.’</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-favourite-spot-for-a-coffee-in-nottingham">Favourite spot for a coffee in Nottingham?</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="801" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/09/ugly-bread-bakery-1024x801.jpg" alt="ugly bread bakery nottingham" class="wp-image-15076" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/09/ugly-bread-bakery-1024x801.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/09/ugly-bread-bakery-300x235.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/09/ugly-bread-bakery-768x601.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/09/ugly-bread-bakery.jpg 1125w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">@uglybreadbakery</figcaption></figure>



<p>‘I don’t drink coffee, but I love <a href="https://www.uglybreadbakery.co.uk/">Ugly Bread Baker</a>y. It’s a cute little spot, and they do the best bakery bits.’</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-anywhere-you-miss-when-you-re-abroad">Anywhere you miss when you’re abroad?</h2>



<p>‘The food, always the food. <a href="https://www.tipoorestaurant.co.uk/">Tipoo</a>, a local Turkish restaurant, is one of my favourites. I really miss <a href="https://nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk/">Nottingham Playhouse</a> too, I’m a big fan of live theatre.’</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-else-are-you-up-to-while-you-re-home-and-what-s-next">What else are you up to while you’re home, and what’s next?</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/09/Janelle-beach.jpg" alt="dj janelle brown by the beach" class="wp-image-15079" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/09/Janelle-beach.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/09/Janelle-beach-300x300.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/09/Janelle-beach-150x150.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/09/Janelle-beach-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/09/Janelle-beach-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>‘Right now, I’m catching up with family and friends. I’m also playing at the Women’s Rugby World Cup, which is such a proud moment for me. After that, I’m moving to Dubai. I’ve got big plans, and playing music on the beach in the sunshine is exactly the energy I’m stepping into.’</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-and-finally-what-tracks-would-be-on-your-must-play-mixtape">And finally, what tracks would be on your must-play mixtape?</h2>



<p>‘It would be a multi-genre mixtape for sure &#8211; I love blending old-school, soulful, and dance tracks. A few of my favourites would be:</p>



<p>● Black Coffee &#8211; Superman</p>



<p>● Teedra Moses &#8211; Be Your Girl</p>



<p>● Cleo Sol &#8211; Know That You Are Loved (Supa D Remix)</p>



<p>● Dennis Ferrer &#8211; Heard You Say</p>



<p>● Missy Elliott &#8211; Work It’</p>



<p><strong>IN THE MOOD FOR MORE?</strong></p>



<p><a href="https://nottsderbyshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/life/people/morning-routines-of-happy-women-derby/">Morning routines of happy women: The optometrist</a></p>



<p><a href="https://nottsderbyshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/life/my-favourite-places-author-ali-foxon-nottinghamshire-derbyshire/">My Favourite Places: Peak District author Ali Foxon</a></p>


Queen of the decks: The Nottingham DJ shaking things up

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