We had the good fortune of connecting with DJ Lyris “The Hybrid Specialist” and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi DJ Lyris, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Before starting my own business, I worked for the government for 14.5 years. And in that time the most important lesson I learned was that, happiness can only come from what I make it. And for me no amount of money and status could give me the true joy of doing what I love 24/7. If I’m not working in my passion, I’m just existing in someone else’s agenda. So my thought process was to create an avenue where I could create a brand in doing what I love, which is to create and show others how to step into their purpose.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
First and foremost, I spread love through music. I’m known as DJ Lyris ” The Hybrid Specialist” in which I specialize in music curation, blending genres over a span of multiple decades. In addition, I’m the owner and music director of WLAG Timeless Radio which is an internet radio station dedicated to providing timeless music 24/7. WLAG Timeless Radio is a nostalgic journey of music from the soul, including soul, funk, r&b, hiphop and pop music ranging from the 60s through the early 2000s. Music has always been a part of my life, but it wasn’t until I lost my father back in 2009 that I knew I just didn’t want to work for someone elses’ dreams and die. Through a process of trials, I discovered that most important thing I could do for myself is to understand my purpose and spend my days fulfilling it. Once I locked in on music, I wanted to grow creatively sharing the process and journey; and that’s when the opportunities opened up and new ideas to express my love through the art appeared. I now dj, produce and curate an internet radio station and hope to continue to share my journey. The process is never easy, but every experience is an opportunity to learn and grow from; and that’s how I continue to overcome challenges. The key for me is reading and unlearning unhealthy behaviors and defining life on the terms that align with my soul’s purpose. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned along the way, is not to regret decisions and choices of my past, because those decisions led me to discovery and without those choices I would not have the opportunity to learn from them. What sets me apart from others, is that I understand that my journey is just for me. I know I have a purpose and what is for me, is just that, for me. So there is no need to compare or try to be anything else but myself. And knowing that keeps me focus on my purpose and fulling that purpose. I want my brand to be a reflection of my beliefs, in hopes it inspires others to step out on faith. I want others to know that we all have a divine purpose and your only duty is to discover that purpose and share it with the world. My vessel is music. And my brand is to use music to evoke warmth to your soul, in hopes that it inspires you.

Any great local spots you’d like to shoutout?
Let’s see, I’m an outdoor person, so the first thing I would do is take my friend to the belt line where we could grab some bikes, grab some coffee and ride up to Piedmont park and enjoy the outdoors. Atlanta is filler with black owned businesses, so one of the must go to spots would be Slim & Husky Pizzeria in West Midtown for lunch. Later, we could grab some cocktails at Parlor Den in Castleberry and catch some really dope musical vibes. For dinner, would continue those dope vibes to Rocksteady, which specializes in Afro-Caribbean Cuisine. And it wouldn’t be a complete trip without catching some brunch, so I would definitely take them to Ms. Icey’s Kitchen for some of the best brunch in Atlanta.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First and foremost I would give thanks to God. Creating and defining a relationship with God or the “Most High” is my foundation of faith and belief that anything is possible. Secondly I have to give thanks to my family for their unconditional love, support and encouragement. Through the many transitions in my life my family has always supported and never questioned my dreams.

Website: www.djlyris.com; www.wlagtimelessradio.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/djlyris/ ; https://www.instagram.com/wlag_timelessradio/
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/lyris-greene-381237155
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/djlyris/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMHyk34TqfMGpQZpubukC8g
Other: https://linktr.ee/djlyris

Image Credits
AC Hampton @thehamptonmediagroup