Meet DJ Lissa Monet: The Visionary Behind the Vibes
Image courtesy of DJ Lissa Monet
To describe DJ Lissa Monet in one word is to call her a “visionary.” From DJing for global icon Beyoncé to founding her own agency and sharing her love for music across continents, this six-time award-winning DJ has built a career that transcends borders and breaks barriers. A musical pioneer and entrepreneur, DJ Lissa Monet embodies what it means to pursue passion with purpose. We had the chance to learn about her journey, her challenges, and her advice for young women aspiring to create their own path.
From Toronto to the World
Born and raised in Toronto, DJ Lissa Monet’s roots stretch across the city. “I grew up in Flemingdon Park, lived in North York, moved to Scarborough for a while, then downtown, and eventually back to Scarborough. Now I reside in Markham,” she shared. But her story doesn’t stop at Toronto’s borders. “I’ve been blessed to work and live in other incredible cities like Accra and Dubai. I love traveling and learning from different cultures, which definitely influences my style as a DJ.”
Her journey into DJing began in her late teens, fueled by an obsession with discovering and sharing new music. “I realized how much I wanted to curate experiences for others through music,” she said. Inspired by conversations with local DJs and an early love for creating moments, she learned the craft from 4Korners, the official DJ for the Toronto Raptors. “I started with small gigs, but my love for music and determination helped me build something bigger.”
LuxeLife Sound: Empowering Women Through Music
Lissa’s drive for creating impact led her to co-found LUXELIFE SOUND, an all-female DJ boutique agency. “I started LUXELIFE SOUND because I saw a gap in the industry for female DJs, particularly in getting fair opportunities and treatment. The journey hasn’t been easy—there have been growing pains and a lot of trial and error—but it’s been incredibly rewarding,” she explained. With a roster of talented women across Canada and the U.S., the agency provides luxury experiences while advocating for gender equity in the music industry.
“There were times I’d be double or triple booked, and I couldn’t take on all the gigs,” she shared. “I started passing those bookings onto other female DJs, negotiating their pay, and ensuring they got the recognition they deserved. Seeing women thrive and supporting them is a big part of why I started this and why I keep pushing forward.”
Image courtesy of DJ Lissa Monet
DJing for Beyoncé: A Career Highlight
Among her many accomplishments, DJing for Beyoncé stands out as a defining moment. “She’s such an icon, and working on an event where she was involved was surreal,” Lissa recalled. For Beyoncé’s Formation World Tour in Toronto, Lissa provided the music for the VIP party. “The energy, the professionalism, the entire vibe—it was on another level. To know she trusted me to set the mood for her space is something I’ll never forget.”
The “Why” Behind the Music
At the heart of DJ Lissa Monet’s career is her love for connection. “My ‘why’ is all about connection and engagement. Music has the power to bring people together in ways that words sometimes can’t. Whether it’s an R&B slow jam that reminds you of a moment in your life or a track that makes you want to dance like nobody’s watching, I love being the bridge between people and those emotions.”
This passion inspired her to create THAT SLOW JAM PARTY, an event series dedicated to R&B classics. “It started in Toronto and has expanded to cities like Dubai, Bermuda, and Detroit. It’s all about creating a vibe where people can connect, dance, and really enjoy the music many of us grew up loving. It’s become a community of people who share a deep love for this genre.”
Overcoming Challenges in a Male-Dominated Industry
As a woman in a predominantly male field, DJ Lissa Monet has faced her share of challenges. “Unfortunately, sexism is still very present in the industry. I’ve had moments where people questioned my technical abilities just because I’m a woman,” she said. “One experience that stands out is when someone assumed I was the assistant or the ‘groupie’ instead of the DJ. Instead of letting it get to me, I let my work speak for itself.”
Balancing the creative and business aspects of her career has also been a learning curve. “When you’re your own boss, you wear all the hats, from negotiating contracts to marketing yourself and delivering the service. The hardest part has been learning to set boundaries and prioritize self-care. It’s easy to burn out in a field where there’s pressure to always be ‘on.’”
Advice for Aspiring Creatives
For young women looking to forge their own paths, DJ Lissa Monet has this advice: “Stay authentic and resilient. You’re going to face challenges and people who doubt you, but don’t let that stop you. Believe in yourself, continue to learn, and surround yourself with people who lift you up. Most importantly, take up space—don’t wait for permission or validation to do what you love.”
Image courtesy of DJ Lissa Monet
What’s Next for DJ Lissa Monet?
The international vibe curator shows no signs of slowing down. “You can expect more curated experiences, whether through events or collaborations. I’m also working on expanding THAT SLOW JAM PARTY into new cities and taking LUXELIFE SOUND to the next level. And, of course, there will be lots of new mixes—I’m always looking to explore new sounds and ways to connect with my audience.”
DJ Lissa Monet’s love for music, connection, and empowerment has cemented her as a force in the industry. Whether you’re catching her set at an exclusive event or vibing at THAT SLOW JAM PARTY, one thing’s for sure - she’s just getting started.