We are talking this week to Claire O’Shea, a former finance broker who made a major career shift and started her own venture as an international DJ. As a DJ, she has been around the world holding events alongside major artists. Back home, the entrepreneur opened House of FADJ Entertainment, a DJ agency, and the DJane School, providing an inclusive and safe space for women who are looking to enter and thrive in the industry and provide them with the support they need to succeed.
ISB: How did your interest in becoming a DJ first start?
COS: My love for music goes way back, shaped by core memories of concerts my parents took me to as a child – Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, Elton John! Music was always a big part of our lives; my dad was a drummer, and both my parents, who had demanding careers in law, used music as their own creative release. I started DJing while studying finance when my boyfriend at the time got a set of turntables. Mixing tracks together on vinyl became a creative outlet, which was a great balance for me as a finance broker.
ISB: What gave you the push to leave your role as a finance broker to fully pursue a career as a DJ?
COS: The real turning point came after I had my second daughter. One night, completely sleep-deprived at two AM while feeding her, I had a light bulb moment – I needed to do something for myself, something meaningful enough to be away from my daughters. I knew it wasn’t finance. I missed DJing, so I focused on early evening gigs like fashion and corporate parties that fit in with family life. In Perth, I’d created a niche as an event DJ – there weren’t others doing it at the time, especially female DJs – and that opened doors I hadn’t anticipated!
ISB: What was the most challenging aspect of making that shift and how did you overcome it?
COS: One of the biggest challenges was overcoming self-doubt. When I started getting paid gigs, I was constantly worried about what people thought and if they’d enjoy my music. But over time, I stopped caring so much and focused on enjoying myself, remembering why I’d been booked and why I started DJing in the first place. That shift helped my confidence soar, and I finally started believing in myself. Embracing the joy of DJing and doing sone that I truly love made a huge difference.
ISB: How important is it for you to be able to mentor other women who are interested in becoming DJs as well?
COS: Mentoring other women has become one of the most rewarding parts of my DJing journey. When I started, there weren’t many resources or support networks – especially for women in such a male-dominated space – and I was often too afraid to ask questions. That’s why I created DJane School, to offer a space where women can learn without judgement. Watching my students build confidence and rediscover their creativity is incredible. DJing is not just about pressing play; it’s about empowering women to step into something new and feel capable, seen, and supported in a place they truly belong
ISB: How do you envision your growth as a DJ and mentor in the next couple of years?
COS: In the next few years, I’m excited to keep challenging myself as a DJ. I’ve loved travelling for gigs this year, especially playing at events like the F1 in Singapore, the Birdcage over Melbourne Cup week, and curating the music and DJing for large-scale events like Diner En Blanc. I’d love to expand on that, travelling more and playing at big events where I can bring my creative vision to life. As a mentor, I’m moving into the corporate space with DJ workshops for team-building, where creative outlets like DJing are proven to boost productivity. I’ll also focus on teaching DJs the business side – how to land gigs, promote themselves, and build a professional career, drawing on my experience as both an owner of an entertainment agency and from my past finance roles.
ISB: What is the most important advice you can give to someone who is looking to make a change in their career but is afraid of taking such a huge risk?
COS: The most important advice I can give is to just go for it – take the first step without the pressure of needing instant success. Don’t feel like you need to leave your current career behind right away; keep that stability as you explore your passion in small, actionable steps. It took me 10 years to reach gigs like the Taylor Swift concert in Singapore! Reach out to venues or brands you admire, even offer to work for free at the start. Saying “yes” before you feel ready was key for me – it opened doors I never imagined. Each step builds momentum, and with persistence, you’ll find your own path…just like I did!
