By Asia Nail
The Truth Reporter
Have you ever felt a spark inside you, like a tiny fire waiting to grow? That’s how Moni Featchurs felt when he discovered his love for music as a child. Imagine being surrounded by friends and family who come over to unwind after a long week. The air is heavy with stress, but then you press play on a favorite song and, suddenly, everything changes. People start smiling, tapping their feet, and even dancing. This magical transformation is what led Featchurs to believe in the power of music—and it sparked a lifelong journey of following his passion.
The Power of Music
Featchur’s story starts at home, where music was like a superhero, swooping in to save the day. “Music is powerful,” he says. It has the ability to lift spirits, bring people together, and even heal. Have you ever noticed how your mood changes when you hear your favorite song? That’s the magic Featchurs experienced growing up.
Donned with the moniker DJ M.P.R.E.S.S., anyone that has listened knows Moni truly embodies his stage name’s acronym “mixes popular records ever so smoothly.”
After high school, Featchurs went to college in Georgia, where he helped the school start a radio station. This was his first taste of sharing music with the world. It wasn’t just about playing songs; it was about creating an atmosphere where people felt alive and connected. Can you think of a time when a song made you feel excited or happy? That’s what Moni wanted to create everywhere he went.
From DJing to Entrepreneurship
Featchurs’ path took an interesting turn when he began DJing. He remembers playing basketball with a club owner who encouraged him to try DJing at their venue. “Being a DJ taught me how to read a crowd,” he explains. Imagine being a detective, but instead of solving crimes, you’re figuring out what makes people want to dance or stay for a while. That’s what DJing is all about.
The former Jackson’s Lounge & Grill, owned by Jim Jackson, a celebrated former NBA star and local hero, served as the launching pad for Moni Featchurs’ DJ career. Known for its vibrant atmosphere and diverse crowd, Jackson’s became a hub for music and entertainment in the Toledo community
DJ M.P.R.E.S.S.’s debut as the venue’s first House DJ allowed Moni to hone and fine tune his skills, while blending various genres and keeping the energy high. Do you think you could handle being the life of the party? Moni made it his mission. The restaurant’s lively environment provided the perfect backdrop for him to connect with people through music, setting the stage for Featchurs future success in business.
A New Adventure: Premiere Screenings
Moni’s DJing career opened doors he never expected. While performing in Atlanta, he saw a massive inflatable screen set up for a movie night. This idea lit a new fire in him! He thought, “What if I brought this fun experience to Toledo?” Thus, Premiere Screenings was born.
Have you ever had a moment where you felt you had to choose between safety and pursuing something you love? That’s exactly what Featchurs faced. At the time, he was working a corporate job. But when that job was eliminated, he realized it was time to take a leap of faith. “I wasn’t working for anyone else,” he says. With his business partner, Tracy Haynes, they launched Premiere Screenings.
Starting Your Own Journey
Featchurs has a crucial piece of advice for anyone thinking about starting their own business: “Just START.” If you wait until everything feels perfect, you might miss out on amazing opportunities. Every business journey is filled with ups and downs. Think of it like riding a roller coaster—there are twists, turns, and sometimes scary drops. But those moments teach you valuable lessons.
He emphasizes the importance of having mentors. Who do you look up to? Do you have someone in your life who inspires you to do better? “You never want to be the smartest person in the room,” he advises. Surrounding yourself with people who have more experience can help you grow faster and avoid pitfalls.
Aside from djing, Featchurs is a serial entrepreneur. Owner of several business: Premier Screenings, LLC, PLAY (Positive Learning Activities for Youth) Youth & Mental Health Program (in partnership with Revitalized Behavioral Health), Nu M1Y Custom Apparel, and a sound and recording studio, Featchurs believes in giving back and supporting the city where he was born and raised.
Embracing Failure
One of the biggest lessons Featchurs learned is that failure is a part of success. “Failure is inevitable. Failing is winning,” he says. That might sound surprising, right? Think of failure as a stepping stone—each misstep is a chance to learn and improve. If everything always went perfectly, we might never push ourselves to grow.
He also reminds us, “Nothing is ever as bad or good as you think it is.”
This perspective helps keep things in balance. How do you handle setbacks? When faced with challenges, remember that they won’t last forever. Learning to view them as opportunities can change your whole outlook.
Finding Your Passion
Featchurs encourages everyone to find what they love to do. “If you find things that you love, the money will come,” he believes. It’s like planting a garden; when you nurture your passions, they’ll eventually bloom and bear fruit. Imagine waking up every day excited about your work. That’s the kind of life he aims to create for himself and others.
As part of his commitment to the community, Moni also founded a program called P.L.A.Y. (Positive Learning Activities for Youth). This initiative provides kids ages nine-14 with opportunities to explore different activities, like music, arts, and video games. “I noticed that many playgrounds cater only to athletes, and I wanted to ensure that all kids have a chance to shine,” explains Featchurs.
Building a Strong Community
Featchurs sits on several boards including Assets Toledo where he also serves as the President of the Alumni.
Assets Toledo is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering small business owners through comprehensive self-employment training and support. “We offer practical, experience-based training at Assets Toledo, helping individuals start or expand their businesses,” says Featchurs.
Through his work with Assets Toledo, Featchurs helps aspiring business owners gain the training and support they need, empowering individuals to take charge of their economic futures. He believes that entrepreneurship can create stronger families and neighborhoods. Imagine if everyone in your community had the tools they needed to succeed. What kind of difference would that make?
Moni’s journey from a young boy who loved music to a successful entrepreneur is a testament to the power of following your passion. Whether you dream of being an artist, a scientist, or starting your own business, remember: the most important step is to START NOW. Don’t let fear hold you back. With hard work, determination, and a little help from your mentors, you can achieve amazing things.
Embracing Your Dreams
Reflecting on Moni Featchurs’ remarkable journey can inspire you to pursue your own passions with determination and courage. Think about your own dreams. What are you passionate about? What steps can you take today to move closer to those dreams? Remember, the road may be bumpy, but every twist and turn brings you closer to your destination.
So, are you ready to ignite your spark and start your adventure? Embrace the journey ahead, and remember that every small step can lead to extraordinary possibilities. “The world is waiting for your unique talents and ideas,” says Moni, “You have the power to change lives—starting with your own.”