As I reflect on having recently hosted my 100th wedding, I am filled with a mix of pride and disbelief. It’s been a journey of both immense joy and formidable challenges. Being a female emcee in a predominantly male industry, I’ve navigated through rough waters and emerged stronger. In this blog post, I’ll share the highs and lows of my journey—the good, the bad, and the downright ugly. Let’s start with the bad, because I know y’all like the tea :).lol
The Bad
However, not all that glitters is gold. I’ve encountered my fair share of challenges, including working with less-than-ideal team members.
–Breaking in
Breaking into this industry was tough! I’ve had to—and still have to—prove myself as a female in a male-dominated industry. If you follow me on Instagram, you’ll notice that I post full videos of my work, whereas if you visit a male emcee’s page, you might only find 90 seconds’ worth of footage. Therein lies the difference: I have to prove myself extra hard, while they just have to show up. It’s the hard truth.
–Horrible DJs
The connection between an Emcee and a DJ is of utmost importance. Most clients don’t seem to know this. I’ve had my share of bad DJs to the point where I decided that no amount of money is good enough to compromise my sanity and mental health. I now have a blacklist of DJs that I will NEVER work with. Peace over money, chile. One day I will share my full shocking experience in a separate blog post. For starters, here are some of my preferred DJs in ATL- @djswizz9ja @djkayzie @djolooo_ and @djdaps . If your DJ is outside this list, please check with me before booking me.
–Finding a balance
My home is my first ministry, and as a wife and a mom, I am constantly finding a balance. The first question I ask my clients (especially my wedding clients) is, “Are kids allowed? Is there childcare?” This would mean I could bring my kids along if allowed. Thankfully, my husband often comes with me, but I really hate leaving my kids at home on some weekends with babysitters. Trust and believe, though, that I always make it up to them…this is the balance. This could mean spending extra time with them to make up for a missed weekend, etc. You would sometimes catch me at a movie theatre with them on a Monday evening to make up for being absent on Saturday evening. I also still have my 9-5 job, where I am a senior manager (and almost getting to the C-Suite). So, after my 9-5, when most folks are resting in the evening and on weekends, I am having SeunCompere client calls where we create agendas, proposals, and contracts on weekday evenings(in between all that I am also helping my kids with homework, cooking dinner, being present etc.) or hosting on the weekends. I also have to find balance with family and friends. I have had friends upset at me because of “my busy” schedule as my line of work means I am unavailable most weekends. Thankfully I do have some understanding ones who tell me about events in advance because they know my schedule gets booked.
–Planners
I have had my share of amazing planners but I’ve also encountered some “interesting” planners. Given that their field is female-dominated, you know how us females can be with our “wahala”. Unnecessary beef from total strangers. Some just feeling fresh or some acting like mini gods. A friend once called me to say she was fighting for me to get a wedding gig. I asked her why she needed to “fight”… I mean, I would like to think my work speaks for itself. She said it was because the planner for that wedding does not like me. I was shocked. So, a planner just looks at you and decides they can’t stand you. Based on what exactly??? Although my feelings were hurt, I didn’t let it get to me too much because I know that I work with the God of Logistics who will send me my own clients. dusts shoulders Or is it the female planners actively lobbying for male Emcees? Whatever happened to women supporting women…sigh. Listen…who is for me is for me. End of story! Over time I have learned that every planner or client is NOT for me….and I am okay with that.
–Being mocked and laughed at
Now, this is the downright ugly—facing mockery and laughter has been the ugliest part of my journey. Breaking into and excelling in a male-dominated field has exposed me to skepticism and ridicule. Yet, these moments have only fueled my determination to succeed and prove my critics wrong. Initially (and still today), I was unfollowed and muted on IG stories by some “friends” and “family”. One “friend” even lied that it was her baby who unfollowed me. In following your purpose, know that folks will be irritated and act like you’re doing too much. I was also heavily criticized. There was gossip. You know those ones who have talked bad about you and so they only DM their praises (hence why I blocked DMs on my business page—if you want to cheer me on, write it publicly otherwise keep your compliments respectfully : )). Name it, I’ve seen it all. Did it stop me? I’ve been in the entertainment industry long enough to know that you have to have tough skin. Today, the same people who mocked me in the beginning are the same people sending me referrals today. They are the same ones saying “oh Seun is my girl. I know her personally”…its all good, #weseeeachother ; ).
Could you tell I had or still have some of these challenges? No! I do it all with GRACE and SLAY, baby! Not everyone finds their purpose in life. I am honored that God saw me fit to whisper my purpose to me. Therefore, no scheme of man can pluck it from me. One day, I will talk about the spiritual attacks I have faced for following my purpose. That’s a story for another day.
The Good
The good is actually the best part of the entire story. The best part of my job is the sheer joy of bringing people together. Each wedding or event is unique, and being able to contribute to someone’s happiest day is incredibly fulfilling. Over these 100 weddings, I’ve met amazing people, from supportive vendors to joyful couples, who remind me why I love this work. The applause, the laughter, and the happy tears are the rewards that keep me going. I just love to make people happy…perhaps that is my deeper purpose. It is my ultimate goal to ensure that if anyone walks into my event feeling sad, they leave happy and forget all their troubles and worries (even if it is for that short time).
Conclusion
Hosting my 100th wedding wasn’t just a milestone—it was a testament to my resilience and dedication. Despite the obstacles, I have carved out a space for myself and hope to inspire other women to pursue their dreams fearlessly. This is why I am starting my Emcee masterclass for up and coming female Emcees. The road hasn’t been easy, but it has been incredibly rewarding. Ask any client I have worked with; I have never been about money but always about passion. I even tell most clients to pay me the week of their event. I am not hungry and I am not pressed. Here’s to many more celebrations, challenges, and triumphs. Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this journey. Onwards and upwards!
Call to Action
If you’re looking to hire an emcee who brings both heart and expertise to your special day, or if you just want to follow my journey, connect with me at info@seuncompere.com or @seuncompere on IG. Let’s make your celebration unforgettable.
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