Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris Spence.
Chris, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Thank you for having me! I appreciate this opportunity and hope it inspires others to pursue their passions. As an author, teacher, and edutainer, I have embraced a journey that combines creativity and education. It all began when I was the Program Coordinator at a Reggio-Inspired preschool in Fort Mill, SC, where I unintentionally developed a “radio personality,” now known as DJ Pre-K.
I used to give daily weather reports over the intercom, and I would greet the teachers and students with: “What’s good, party people? It’s your man 100-grand, DJ Pre-K, coming at you all the way live with your daily weather report, so get ready to govern yourselves accordingly.” After a few weeks of conducting weather reports this way and adding humorous segments like “Sho’nuff Shout-outs,” where teachers would call me from their classroom phones and give a shout-out to their peers, many of the students, teachers, and parents began to call me DJ Pre-K.
In 2018, I decided to extend my passion for music and engaging education beyond the preschool setting and founded Bright Kids Edutainment, LLC. My goal was to blend DJ Pre-K’s charisma with my dedication to nurturing young minds through the power of “good, clean music and movement.” Since its establishment in February 2019, Bright Kids Edutainment has been “Gettin’ the Party Started” with children and families across the Carolinas.
Since my journey began in the preschool setting as an administrator where I managed over 40 teachers, I didn’t want to leave early childhood educators and administrators behind with my business. So, I completed coursework to obtain certification as an Early Care and Education trainer through SC DSS. In August, I will obtain my master’s in Educational Leadership from Clemson University and continue to elevate Bright Kids Edutainment by offering tailored Early Childhood training to preschool educators and administrators throughout the Carolinas.
Reflecting on the purpose and mission of Bright Kids Edutainment, I find solace in the words of Matthew 5:16, which speak of the significance of being a light in the world and bringing glory to God by serving others.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Navigating entrepreneurship without prior experience was extremely challenging. The first year, the excitement of securing bookings overshadowed the obstacles that I encountered. I was just happy to be booked. My first gig was in June of 2019, and by the end of 2019, I had provided entertainment for over 20 events, which surpassed the goal I set for myself.
However, when COVID hit in the spring of 2020, all bookings stopped completely. My clients were even cancelling previously scheduled events for the year, which left me feeling the financial weight of being a sole-proprietor with a truckload of new equipment and a dwindling avenue for generating revenue. An article I read about the percentage of small businesses that fail within their first year kept looming over my head and intruding my thoughts.
Fortunately, that summer brought about a welcomed change as some of my clients began to host gatherings while adhering to social distancing protocols. This innovative thinking was my lifeline. It allowed me to continue to accept bookings that would keep my business afloat during the pandemic.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I proudly embrace the title of “Edutainer” because, in my role, I seamlessly blend entertainment with education. Whether it’s breaking down the steps of the “Cha-Cha Slide” or leading interactive dance sessions, my goal is not just to entertain but to also impart valuable lessons.
For instance, when teaching a dance like the “Cha-Cha Slide,” I transform it into an educational experience. Beyond the fun of the dance itself, I integrate lessons on following directions, distinguishing left from right, and counting numbers up to 5—all in real-time engagement.
Another aspect that sets me apart is that I’m intentional about distinguishing myself as a DJ who caters solely to events for children. I often tell parents that I am not a club or wedding DJ who can play clean music at their child’s birthday party, but I’m a Children’s DJ who specializes in playing kid-friendly music and educating children while entertaining them. I’m not just a passive observer behind the turntables. You’ll often find me right on the dance floor, leading line dances and interacting with guests. This hands-on approach sets me apart from other entertainers and DJs in my industry because I prioritize both entertainment and education in every event I host.
Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
Yes! One childhood memory that I often think about and laugh about is the R&B group I formed with my cousins. We called ourselves Emage. It was a playful twist on the word “Image,” but we spelled it with an ‘E’. My “stage name” was Voyce. Like “voice,” but spelled with a ‘y’ instead of an ‘i.’ We felt like spelling them this way would add an extra little razzle-dazzle, ya know. We thought we were so cool! We were fueled by our naivety, youthful enthusiasm, and dreams of becoming famous.
Though our stint as a singing group was short-lived, it was during this time that I honed essential skills that continue to shape my artistic endeavors. Through this experience, I discovered the nuances of hearing melodies, penning songs, and developing choreography.
Those early years of musical experience laid the foundation for my creative journey and influenced my ongoing pursuits in music. I often draw from the melodies and songwriting techniques that were cultivated during those early days, and I am currently channeling these skills into the creation of my upcoming children’s album, “Circle Time with DJ Pre-K,” slated for release next Spring.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.brightkidsedutainment.com
- Instagram: @itsdjprek
- Facebook: @DJ Pre-K
- Youtube: @Bright Kids Edutainment
- Other: https://linqapp.com/DJPreK
Image Credits
Darien Marie Photography and AC Photography
