Meet Toryn Lankford | Founder & DJ

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

Hi Toryn, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Starting my own business and being a successful entrepreneur had always been a goal and dream of mine from an early age. From an early age, I had always had some sort of idea of a Service based business that I’d like to start. As a teen it was Mowing Yards and Yard Work, later it was Cleaning services and finally after College, some life experiences and a love of Music, it became Mobile DJ Entertainment. When it came to Entertainment, the thought process has always been to offer our clients an experience; not just on the dance-floor, but throughout the process, from the 1st inquiry until the wrap up of the event. My goal with my business is to give our clients ease of mind, while of course helping them to create memories that they’ll have forever.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Exquisite Sounds Entertainment was founded in 2011 and has become one of Atlanta’s most requested Private Event Entertainment options. We offer options for DJ / Lighting and Photobooth Entertainment, with new options added every year. Our approach, services and delivery is what sets us apart, not being part of the “status quo” but instead, looking to create options that are unique to each of our clients, no matter if it’s Corporate, Social or Wedding. We’re approaching 10 years in business with a slow and steady growth plan, but it hasn’t been exactly easy, we’ve gone from a Part Time / Hobby Business to a full fledged 24/7 Full Time Entertainment company and we’re still growing and changing. At Exquisite Sounds, our goals isn’t just to secure a client, it’s actually to bring on a partner, and together, we create the soundtrack for the event. It’s a collaborative effort between entertainment and client to create the environment that will allow their guests to create memories that last forever.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
The best time in Atlanta for us / me involve, people, music, food and culture….with a week long stay in Atlanta, we’d have to do the following: Breakfast at La Petite in Edgewood, The Breakfast Club near Centennial Park, and The Beautiful Restaurant Shopping / People watching at Lenox and Phipps Plaza, a quick trip to the outlets at Ga. 400 and a stop by Avalon for more shopping and people watching. We’d have to check out some art at The High Museum, everything The Ga. Aquarium has to offer and a trip to the MLK Museum. For Lunch & Dinner we’d have to check out options Busy Bee Cafe, Rathburn Steak, Mix’d Up Burgers and of course Fox Brothers BBQ And to close out our evenings, we’d have to take in the Atlanta culture going to shows and clubs around the city!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Along the way to where we’re at now, there’s been a few instrumental people, processes and thoughts that have helped us to get here. Family and friends have been beyond helpful…from working TradeShows, assisting with setup at events, even helping to generate leads and bring in potential clients…the Support has been amazing. I’ve also had some strong mentorship from peers in and outside of the industry that have helped as well. From personal coaching and development to books and seminars, I’ve definitely picked up knowledge along the way in all of these resources. The ability to have resources to ask questions, or pitch ideas to for feedback has key to planning next steps along the way.

Website: www.exquisitesoundsent.com | www.djtorynl.com
Instagram: @exquisitesoundsent | @djtorynl
Facebook: @exquisitesoundsent
Youtube: youtube.com/ExquisiteSoundsEnt
Other: Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1121954 (The Exquisite Sounds Podcast)

Image Credits
Cain’s Camera Rocheal Photography Craig Obrist Photography LaJoy Photography