Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelly Henderson.
Hi Kelly, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Actually, I was unofficial for a few years, leading up to when I created a legitimate, official business out of it. It began as a lifelong hobby of mine, involving photography and curating an extensive music collection. One day, I was called in a frantic search for DJ services for an event planner who needed a DJ and a photographer for an upcoming event. At that time, I had to borrow some equipment that a friend eventually donated to me to help me get started, and I was still DJ’ing with CDs that I burned onto my computer. The photography side of the business developed in much the same way. Funny, but true story, the school that I worked at, the yearbook coordinator quit in the middle of the year, and I had all of these school-based photos on my phone, and they were used to complete the yearbook, and it was one of the most successful yearbook campaigns they had during that era. I always had a knack for it and was helping in other ways, but when the need arose, I often stepped in, not knowing that it would become a side business that has been slowly adding different facets over the years, such as apparel and video capture. I am also thankful to my church for allowing me to be on the media team, as they have state-of-the-art equipment that I would not have had access to otherwise, and opportunities to work alongside professionals who showed me a more advanced side of media. The apparel side began as a response to the need for shirts at the school where I was working. Schools have limited budgets for anything unrelated to direct instruction, but we created a need based on an upcoming school program. It took off from there, and I expanded from vinyl to DTF and embroidery.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Because I have totally approached it as a side business while maintaining a full-time job, it has been somewhat smooth. I have not been as pressured to consider rapid expansion or scaling to become full-time in the work. During the global pandemic of 2020, I saw numerous opportunities to provide virtual services, including a few virtual DJ gigs, online weddings, and outdoor photo shoot opportunities, as people navigated how to maneuver in common spaces. It was also the year that Digable Media & Design entered the apparel design space with the purchase of a commercial embroidery machine, which has become a vital part of the business. I have been able to thrive through referrals and word of mouth, and I have the flexibility to pick and choose the events I want to participate in. One of the best pieces of advice is not to pigeonhole yourself into one specific area or genre. As a result, I have had a steady clientele that is diverse and wide-ranging, and clear about their expectations. I am confident that if the need arose for me to become full-time, I could pivot and succeed. I stand by the mantra of “under-promise and over-deliver,” which has kept the type of business I welcome flowing. I fill and service a need when it arises, and I get joy out of the response when I deliver the goods or service.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Digable Media & Design was named after the 1990s hip-hop supergroup “The Digable Planets.” It was one of my favorite songs, and their seminal hit “The Rebirth of Slick, ‘Cool Like Dat'”, was one of my favorite songs…I always used to use the phrase “Dig That! or Can you Dig It?” when talking to friends, so it just stuck when someone asked me what I wanted to name my business. I specialize in digital media products, including DJ/Event Music and Facilitation, Small venue sound setup, Event/informal portrait photography (note that I no longer do weddings personally), small-batch apparel creation, Direct-to-Film (DTF), and Embroidery. What sets me apart brand-wise is my eye for detail, and I am most proud of the fact that I have been blessed with a referral and word-of-mouth base for the business, all while keeping it separate from my primary job as an education professional and consultant. I currently offer Event Photography (Still Shots, group photos, and important documentation (insurance, will, real estate/estate planning, etc.). My DJ Services (events, weddings, small church services, cocktail/events, and retail/fashion shows). Apparel and embroidery are available for groups and organizations. I used to have a catchphrase slogan, “If’ it’s Digable, it’s Doable, Ya Dig?” but no longer have that out front. Prices vary for each service but I am open to discuss it with the client just email at digablemedia@gmail.com or call at 901-522-5357 state your name and it the virtual receptionist will route you to me.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
I’m not the type to jump just to say I jumped; I take calculated risks. I weigh out the options, think through the possible outcomes, and ask myself, “If this doesn’t work out, what’s the worst that can happen, and can I recover from that?” That helps me move forward with confidence instead of fear.
One example that comes to mind is when I bought some high-end equipment sight unseen. It wasn’t cheap, and I didn’t have a huge safety net at the time. But I asked the right questions, did my homework, and ultimately bet on myself. That decision opened up doors for higher-level gigs, opportunities, and more creative freedom.
I’ve also taken risks on people. There have been moments when I’ve brought someone on to a project based on their passion or potential, rather than just their résumé. Sometimes that works out beautifully, sometimes it doesn’t. But I’d rather take that risk than miss out on building something special with someone who just needed a shot. I’m a cultivator of people both professionally and in business, and they work together to get results for me. My Wife, Cheryl has been very instrumental in helping me to build and work the business, and our sons, Denham & Aiden have all developed skills in the area of media and production and even YouTube page curation.
Like Les Brown says, “If you’re not willing to risk, you can’t grow.” That doesn’t mean being reckless — it means being ready. I don’t move on emotion. I move when the preparation meets opportunity, even if there’s still a little unknown on the other side.
Pricing:
- DJ Services Available (Please Call/Emai for Pricing Inquiries)
- Event Photography (Please Call/Email for Pricing Inquiries)
- Apparel Design & Embroidery (Please Call/Email for Pricing Inquiries)
- Event Streaming/Podcast Recording (Coming Soon)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://digablemedia.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DigableMedia
