Today we’d like to introduce you to Donna Hruz.
Hi Donna , so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I have had a love of music for as long as I can remember. My father brought me up on classic rock, playing the guitar and the piano and taught me how to play keyboards as well. My parents enrolled me in Fine Arts programs throughout my schooling years, which included, dance, drama, voice and musical instrument lessons. In the year 2018, I was at loose ends for employment and my partner at the time, Jack A., suggested I might enjoy the DJ business. Coming from a musical background it seemed a perfect fit! Having been a DJ himself for many years, he trained me and set me loose. My first time out to provide entertainment services for a local establishment I was asked by the owner what my DJ name was so that he could introduce me. I was at a complete loss. I had no idea I had to have an official name! However, my son Aaron was with me and said the following: “Duh Mom, your name is Donna, you are a blonde, you are a DJ, that ’70s show… DJ Hot Donna!” So the owner introduced me as such and my career as DJ Hot Donna of Blonde Entertainment began!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Being a DJ has been a rather Pleasant and rewarding undertaking, but not without some very difficult times. Specifically, the most devastating occurrence in my life happened October 9, 2018, only 11 days after beginning my career. My son Aaron, my biggest supporter and the one who, as I mentioned, gave me my DJ name, extinguished his life that day, shattering my heart and life as I knew it. Although I felt my world was ending, the rest of the world kept going on and I realized I had to continue with it. Navigating this new life after losing my child has been far from easy. However, from the tragedy came focus and inspiration. My eyes were opened to the plight of people suffering with mental illness, which led me to doing a great deal of charity work to support programs for suicide prevention and awareness. I personally fund and host benefits twice a year to collect contributions to donate to a fund in my son’s name for programs that are sadly underfunded. Additionally, I donate my musical entertainment services to many events hosted by other charitable organizations to help those in need such as; Wounded Warrior Project, Andrea Torres Memorial Fund, Reach Out Project, numerous events sponsored by local motorcycle clubs and associations to benefit children in need and I assist my best friend who is also a DJ in her efforts towards anti-bullying. I have been very honored to be able to take part in all of these functions and hope that somehow I am making a difference.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I have been the owner/operator of DJ Hot Donna of Blonde Entertainment for 7 years now. I provide musical entertainment services such as DJ (disc jockey- playing of music selections), KJ (karaoke jockey- providing audience with singing opportunities). Emcee (vocal hosting for events) and assistance with planning social events.. My business provides these services for all types of events, for professional, personal and charitable entities. I do large corporate parties as well as small company luncheons. My performances include events such as weddings, graduations, birthday parties, quinceanera, backyard barbecues or if you just want to get back at your irritating neighbor by playing loud music all night long- I’m your huckleberry! There have been many interesting locations that I have performed at including, churches, event halls, stadiums, beaches, parking lots, bars or other drinking establishments, Business board rooms and so many others! I have been given great honor of participating not only in worthwhile charity events but also small intimate family gatherings that hold so much meaning. I strive to give everything a personal and perfect touch, but mostly to bring people Joy and beautiful memories through music! Also, most important to me is trying to promote hope for those in despair by sharing the words from my son Aaron Joseph Hruz, which I have included a screenshot of- the yellow picture with black text. Hold on to your light!
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
How do I feel about risk-taking? Well to begin with, starting a business is a huge risk itself. It’s an incredibly daunting task! Imagine throwing every penny you have straight up in the air and hoping you can run around quickly enough to catch at least some of it so you can pay for your next meal. Every time I go to give another performance is a huge risk as well. I work with the general public. You go in blind not knowing how people may behave. Will some drunk individual spill something on my electrical equipment and ruin everything? When you are self-employed and provide all of your own equipment, it’s incredibly nerve-racking to know that at any moment your entire business can be destroyed by the carelessness of just one person. Not to mention the fact that you are performing to an audience and if they are not satisfied with your performance, your business can suffer greatly through word of mouth. The music industry itself is very fickle and small, self owned businesses like mine are at a huge risk of failure, which is a very scary prospect! But for me, the risk is worth the reward. I am rewarded every time I see a Wallflower in a bar Blossom as her voice soars and the audience applauds when she sings a karaoke song, when newlyweds gaze into each other’s eyes with such love as they dance their first dance, when underprivileged children get to open a bunch of Christmas gifts because I provided a fun time which led to many donations to the charity holding an event to purchase gifts for them, when someone comes to me and says- “I wanted it all to end but I heard your story and listen to the words you shared from your son and I have hope now”, at one of the events I host in honor of my son’s memory for suicide awareness and prevention. It’s all of those moments and so many more that make the risk worth it!
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