Teen DJ turns classroom assignment into thriving business in Shreveport

The idea for her business began during her ninth-grade year when students were assigned to create a business plan as part of an end-of-year project.

"For our final grade, we had a business project to do, and it was all about making a business in Shreveport," Coleman said. "It brought me to my hobby, and I said, 'I really enjoy music, and I would like to have people enjoy it too and learn more about it.'"

Former Captain Shreve teacher Candice Washington said the project was designed to help students see how their passions could become careers.

"And her mother circled back to me like a year later," Washington said. "She said, 'Let me tell you something. My daughter created this business because of that business plan that you had her do.'"

Washington said she wanted students to understand that their ideas could be monetized and used as tools for their future beyond the classroom.

Coleman took that lesson to heart. Within two years of launching her business, she became the official DJ for Captain Shreve's basketball team and has performed at numerous events throughout the Shreveport area.

Her growing reputation has even made her a recognizable figure among her classmates.

"This year I attended prom as a junior," Coleman said. "Kids were shocked to see me just being there as a participant. Some of them were a little disappointed that I wasn't the DJ. I told them, 'Guys, I have to enjoy these special moments too.'"

Behind the scenes, Coleman credits her parents for helping her build the business. Her mother, Shondale Coleman, serves as her "momager," while her father, Nathaniel Coleman Jr., handles technical support.

"A lot of people think it's me, but it's clearly not," Nathaniel Coleman Jr. said. "All I know how to do is set it up. The music selection and everything else is all her."

Shondale Coleman said supporting her daughter's dream was an easy decision.

"When it came to doing her job as a DJ, I said, 'Well, if you like music, we've got to get you the tools,'" she said. "One Christmas, Santa Claus came and there was a DJ mixing board."

As a rising senior, Coleman balances her business with school activities. She serves as captain of the Captain Shreve band and plays both the baritone and euphonium.

She said her love of music continues to fuel her entrepreneurial ambitions.

While Coleman is still deciding what comes next after high school, she is certain music will remain a part of her future.