In a new interview on Blazing Minds I got a chance to ask the multi talented Jodie Weston a few questions about the how she got into DJ’ing professionally, some of the issues of being a reality star and her new radio show The Dollhouse.
Q. You have proven yourself to be a multifaceted talent, having started off as a reality TV star, you have gone onto become successful DJ and now radio host for your own show entitled ‘The Dollhouse’
Yes, I believe that if you can dream it, you can achieve it. I’m an over-achiever who never stops until my goal is reached. It’s been a long journey for me but I feel that I’m now close to the destination.
Q. As a DJ you have played in some of London’s biggest venues including Mahiki, Embargo Republica and Golden Bee. When did you first know you wanted to be a DJ and how did you get involved in DJ’ing professionally?
I love music and have always been a big fan of the nightlife scene. I wanted to become a DJ because I have a strong passion for music and enrolled with a DJ academy 3 years ago to learn the basics and from then on, it was practising and honing my craft, whilst taking every opportunity that came my way.
Q. With your background as a reality star, did you find it difficult initially for people to take your seriously as a DJ?
Yes – not just that I have to deal with being labelled a reality star but I’m also constantly stereotyped as a blonde princess who couldn’t possibly be serious about a career in DJ’ing. Because I’m on the radio, it lets my talent speak for me and people don’t know what I look like until they check out my socials or recognise my name, but by that point they already like the music, so misconceptions become irrelevant.
Q. How would you describe your musical style as a DJ and who are some of your biggest influences?
I specialise in playing all types of house music and am a huge fan of the house music scene. I really like Maya Jane Coles and Nora En Pure who are producers of deep house. I have seen how well artists like MK have done for themselves and I want a slice of the pie.
Q. You now use some of your experiences as a DJ in your own radio show ‘The Dollhouse’ on Flex FM. How did the concept for the show come about and was radio something you always wanted to get into?
I always wanted to get into radio but didn’t know how to get my foot in the door. I thought it would be a great way of combining my outgoing personality with my love of house music. The Dollhouse show is a bit tongue in cheek – I’m always told I look like a doll and I play the best house music out there.
Q. Dollhouse is also the name of your brand which you have founded with a mantra of “Everyone is welcome at the Dollhouse”. Can you tell me a bit more about your brand and what it represents?
Dollhouse by Jodie Weston is a brand that represents inclusivity. The club scene can sometimes be seen as snobby or elitist, excluding people who might not represent the norm. I like to celebrate being different and welcome everyone into the Dollhouse.
Q. You are also the new celebrity ambassador for a top London hair & beauty salon. How did the opportunity come about and how much involvement do you have?
I have a huge passion for the hair and beauty industry. I spent several years working within it and the opportunity came about because Muse of London thought I was a great fit for the brand image and would be a good poster girl for them.
Q. Going back to your time as a reality star, you are constantly in the public eye and under the scrutiny of the media. How does the constant attention effect you and how do you deal with it?
I surround myself with supportive genuine friends and real people to keep myself grounded. People who who want the best for me and whom I value their opinions. I’ve had a lot of knocks in my life and have learnt from those experiences and that has prepared me for this industry. I also constantly remind myself that what people say, is more about them and how they feel about themselves, rather than me.
Q. Reality shows are often edited to portray both you and the events in a very different way. Looking back at some of the shows you have been involved in, are there any which you now regret doing and would you consider doing more in the future?
I don’t believe in regrets, as I believe there’s something to learn from every experience but there’s often more to the truth than what’s portrayed on the screen. Rich Kids Go Skint is a perfect example of this and there was far more going on off-screen than was portrayed on camera and the show wasn’t a true reflection of the actual experience. I think if people saw the truth they wouldn’t have been so quick to defend the girl I was staying with. I would definitely consider doing more shows in the future and am much better prepared to deal with the trolls and negative publicity that can sometimes come about.
Q. As with many celebrities and especially reality stars, you have been a victim of online trolling. Can you tell me a little bit about your experiences with trolling and how it has affected you?
I’ve had some really nasty comments. Some of which include:
“Why do I pose like that when I have a flat iron board ass”
I get told by some people that “I don’t even look rich” And then the opposite by others “That I am stuck up and live in a fairy tale bubble”
You can never win because some people will insult you for “A” and then others will insult you for “B” which would be the complete opposite. It’s just never ending nastiness. Some would say “oh You sound like a chav” and others will say “oh you’re too posh you sound like a toff.”
It’s difficult and I would say this industry is only for the strong and thick skinned, I also feel like they shouldn’t let anyone younger than 23 on a mainstream reality show because I don’t think anyone younger than that is emotionally mature enough to deal with trolling and the pressures of the spotlight.
Q. The bad experiences however are not just online, and I hear you have also experienced some disastrous dates. Can you tell me a little bit more about them?
I once had this guy take me to an awful bar in Shoreditch that was covered in exposed bare concrete. He was very sleazy and within 10 minutes he was leaning all the way off his chair and put his hands on my legs. He leaned a little bit too far and ended up falling off his chair head first and all the bar staff came running over offering first aid. There was no second date!
But in general I just seem to attract all the nutters and players, I think I was born without a “picker.” One of my ex boyfriends I first found out he has cheated on me because a girl was taking selfies of herself in his bedroom and he still tried to deny anything had happened.
Q. You have continued to prove yourself to be a multifaceted talent who is able to reinvent yourself. Do you have any new projects which you are working on at the moment and what can we expect from you in the future?
I want to expand my “Dollhouse By Jodie Weston” brand and look at bringing an alcoholic drink out in the next year.
I also have a song called “Give A Little Love” coming out in the next month as well
Q. If someone was looking to do a reality TV show which may launch them into celebrity stardom, what advice would you give them to deal with the sudden fame and media attention?
I would say it’s not all roses and butterflies, this industry really is difficult to get into and even if you get your “15 minutes of fame” from a reality show, to be able to keep it going for longer than that is a huge challenge! It is very difficult to stay relevant and keep getting casted in things or keep having new opportunities come up. A lot of tv companies prefer to cast “fresh faces” rather than people who have been on other shows which is another challenge.
I would say also to try and ignore the trolls and haters as best you can and not to respond to their messages, just delete them.
You can keep up to date with Jodie Weston on the following social media
Instagram: @missjodieweston
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/missjodieweston/
Website: https://www.jodieweston.com
YouTube – Jodie Weston: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Ii4exwlQ-jE
Flex FM: https://flexfm.co.uk/podcast/jodie-weston/
Check Jodie in action: https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?v=295193708383109
Published in various websites, Philip is a reviewer who is best known for his interviews and media coverage of independent projects including; films, books, theatre and live events. Always on the lookout for something different to cover!
