Meet Kalauni Dorhan | DJ / Dancer / Bartender

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kalauni Dorhan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kalauni, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
The thought process behind starting my DJ business came during an unexpected pause. As a professionally trained dancer, I was always moving—until I sprained my foot and was out of work for 13 weeks. That forced stillness gave me time to reflect, and I found myself reconnecting with music in a new way. I started exploring DJing, and it lit a fire in me.

I realized I didn’t just love moving to music—I wanted to move people through music. DJing became my new form of expression, blending rhythm, storytelling, and energy. As a Black queer woman, I didn’t always see nightlife spaces that centered us, so I decided to create one. I started small, hosting kickbacks in my apartment called Juicyys Juke Joint—a safe, soulful space where my people could vibe, dance, and feel seen.

Now, my business is about more than just sound—it’s about freedom, joy, and building community on the dance floor.

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.
What sets me apart is my commitment to creating spaces that honor Black queer joy, freedom, and expression. I’m not just a DJ—I’m a storyteller, a connector, and a builder of community. Every time I step behind the decks, I’m thinking about more than just the music; I’m thinking about the energy I’m creating, the space I’m holding for others to feel seen and celebrated. It’s about creating moments where people, especially femmes and queer people of color, can fully step into their power and experience the liberation that music brings.

My journey to where I am today hasn’t been linear, nor has it been easy. Along the way, I’ve faced moments of being overlooked, underestimated, and even experiencing a loss that shook me—my first DJ board was stolen, which was a crushing blow. But in that moment of vulnerability, I learned that loss is often the catalyst for reinvention. It taught me the strength of resilience and the power of starting again, no matter how hard it feels.

I also had a season of stillness when I was out of work due to a foot injury, and it was during that time that I reconnected with music in a way I never had before. Those 13 weeks were more than a break from work—they were a spiritual reset. I had the space to listen to my inner voice, to let go of old expectations, and to trust that everything I’d been through was leading me to this moment. Through that reflection, DJing found me, and I found purpose in it.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that challenges don’t define you; they refine you. They push you to deepen your belief in yourself, to evolve into who you are meant to become. I’ve learned to trust my intuition, to keep moving even when the path seems unclear, and to never underestimate the power of resilience.

What I want the world to know about me and my brand is that this is more than a career for me; it’s a calling. My journey is about creating a space where people can find their truth, where they can dance without limits, and where they can be unapologetically themselves. It’s about standing in my own power and creating a legacy of love, liberation, and connection through every beat I play.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend was visiting, I’d take her straight to my hometown—Inglewood, CA. There’s something about showing love to where you’re from that just hits different. First stop would be the Griffith Observatory to take in that iconic view of L.A.—it’s the perfect way to feel connected to the city and dream a little bigger.

Then we’d hit Santee Alley for a shopping day—matching fits, cute accessories, and all the hidden gems you can’t find anywhere else. Once we’re styled up, I’d take her on a scenic drive up PCH to soak in the beaches. If we’re in the mood for something more lowkey and magical, we’re going down to Thousand Steps Beach in Laguna. It’s a bit of a trek but worth every step for the views and vibes.

We’d definitely be outside at night—clubbing in West Hollywood to dance, let loose, and live our best lives. For food, we’re going all in: The Serving Spoon for that soulful brunch, In-N-Out because it’s a California rite of passage, Fyrebird Chicken for a flavorful kick, and Louisiana Chicken on Normandie and Crenshaw—my personal staple. And if I’m feeling fancy? We’re dressing up and heading to Barton G for a full-on dinner experience.

L.A. is more than just landmarks—it’s the energy, the culture, and the people.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to give a big shoutout to my community—specifically the Black queer creatives in Atlanta who constantly inspire me to show up boldly and unapologetically while never letting me give up. From the dancers I’ve trained with, to the friends who pulled up to my first Juicyys Juke Joint kickbacks, to the DJs and artists who shared their knowledge and energy with me—y’all are the reason I found my voice as a DJ.

I also want to shout out my sister, Precious, who instilled my core values and a work ethic in me. She raised me to be fearless and always shoot for my Plan A. Her unwavering belief in herself melted into me and has been a constant source of strength and inspiration, and I’m so grateful for her influence on my journey.

Instagram: https://instagram.com/djjuicyy888

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/djjuicyy888