We recently had the chance to connect with Shaina Brown and have shared our conversation below.
Shaina, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Outside of work I’ve been recently enjoyed playing animal crossing on the Nintendo Switch 2. Getting back into my gamer girl scene has been quite refreshing to take a break from the intense planning and work of DJing every week. And pin trading by Having adult Disney days with my boyfriend.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
DJ Lady Shay was born in Delray Beach, FL. She is a 1st generation Jamaican decent from both her parents. She is a DJ and Emcee with a career spanning over 20 years. Her brand is known as the #KITTYGANG. DJ Lady Shay the female DJ that also performs in these signature Kitty Headphones. She is Currently located in Tampa, Florida. She is known for her diverse music selection, vibrant personality, and ability to entertain at various events. Lady Shay has gained recognition for her work in the Tampa Bay area, including residencies at popular venues and collaborations with major brands. DJ Lady Shay is a graduate of the University of Central Florida Major in Interpersonal/ Organizational Communications with a minor in Sociology. Her musical talents are influenced by her Jamaican heritage and her father, who was also a vinyl DJ at home.
She was the opening act for a Mary J. Blige concert in Tampa in 2018 & Comedian Ali Siddiq in Gainsville, FL in 2025.
Regional Finalist in DJ Competition: She was a regional finalist and the only female competitor in the DMC World DJ Championship in Tampa in 2019.
Turn the tables with Pretty Lou: She was the final female DJ that made it in the finals for the first season of Turn The Tables DJ Battle in 2023.
Official DJ for XFL Team: She served as the official DJ for the XFL Tampa Bay Vipers in 2020.
Corporate Clients: She has worked with major brands like Carnival Entertainment, Ford, Nike, Guess, Nordstrom, FIFA World Cup, ESPN Events, Under Armour, Victoria’s Secret, Dillard’s, and MORE!
DJ Lady Shay can been seen at multiple locations nationwide. She is currently working with Carnival Entertainment for DJ Expo in Atlantic City, NJ in Aug 11-15, 2025.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who taught you the most about work?
Who taught me the most about is my parents. During my childhood, I witness the dedication and sacrifice my parents did to provide for myself and my siblings. My mother would work the night-shift at the hospital as my father worked as a truck driver in the day-time. They both worked non-stop and even when we were home they both worked on their side hustles. My mother would bake, sew custom wedding dresses, create all kind of floral arrangements. My late father would take care of his rental properties with repairs, lawn care & maintenance. Honored to see how both of my parents would make sure they have everything they can to provide for our family as well as our extended family (aunts, uncles & cousins) helping them transition to be American citizens. Taught me how you can work for yourself and love what you do!
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
The deepest wound of my life was my divorce. My marriage ended last year and we got divorced. He was my college sweetheart so that wound was deep. However I had to move forward and keep my head held high. I’m currently healing by still attending therapy. It really do help to just sit down and discuss everything that is happening in your life with a therapist. I pray everyday and do mediation in my home garden. I learn to heal by forgiving myself and rebuilding myself to love ME again. Then love found ME again currently been happy with my boyfriend. Lastly I’m healing thru my 1st love ……music. Something about getting on my turntables and digging in my vinyl crates & my late father’s vinyl brings so much peace & joy in my heart.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes it is!!! I LOVE my KITTY GANG family! My fans really supported me in the dark times and the happy times. Which gives me so much pleasure to show my true self. Literally an open book lol but yes the public will cry, smile, laugh & dance with me. Honored to be in a space where I can show my true self and be happy with my life.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
I would stop doubting myself and push thru to do whatever it takes for my life. Sometimes we can be our own blocking to our blessing. I’ve currently dealt with self doubt & anxiety. The stress of the unknown and how will I survive to make it to the next chapter in life. So LIVE in the NOW tomorrow is not promised.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.djladyshay.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/djladyshay
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/djladyshay/
- Twitter: https://x.com/djladyshay
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/djladyshayfans
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/djladyshay
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@djladyshay
