LaDazeja "Mixtress" Charles
In Her Shoes
EMPOWERING BOSS LIFE
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your background?
LaDazeja "Mixtress" Charles: LaDazeja “Mixtress” Charles is a Houston-based Mix Engineer with over 8.9 million streams across music streaming platforms. A graduate of San Jacinto College with an Associate Degree in Audio Engineering, she has worked extensively with independent artists, helping them refine their sound and elevate their music.
Beyond engineering, LaDazeja is a passionate advocate for female representation in the music industry. She has contributed to the field by hosting masterclasses and panels, sharing her expertise, and empowering other women to break into the industry. Most recently, her work played a key role in an album reaching #6 on the iTunes R&B Top 200 chart.
Her dedication to sonic excellence, mentorship, and representation continues to shape the industry, making her a pioneer in the world of audio engineering.
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If you have a business, could you describe it and how you started it?
LaDazeja "Mixtress" Charles: Brave Sound is a service-based brand dedicated to helping both signed and independent artists share their artistry with authenticity and confidence. Our mission is to provide artists with the technical resources, industry guidance, and creative support they need to take their music from concept to reality.
In an industry that is constantly evolving, Brave Sound emphasizes the importance of authenticity and creative freedom. We strive to create an environment where artists feel empowered to develop their sound without compromise—whether they are independent musicians carving their path or signed artists refining their craft.
Our services include vocal production, mixing, and professional industry guidance, all designed to help artists bring their music to the forefront. At the heart of Brave Sound is the belief that music is a powerful tool for storytelling and connection. By helping artists step into the studio with confidence, we are building a culture where artistic integrity and meaningful expression are always the priority.
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What would you do differently if you were starting in your industry now?
LaDazeja "Mixtress" Charles: I would start sharing the knowledge I acquired much sooner. In the beginning, I believed that I needed to reach a certain level of success before I could mentor, teach, or have validity in my insights. However, I now realize that knowledge is valuable at every stage—and sharing it early on could have helped me build a larger community while growing alongside others.
If I could advise my younger self, I’d say: You don’t have to wait to be “established” to make an impact. You can learn from anyone, and just as importantly, others can learn from you.
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What would you say is the #1 key to success in your business?
LaDazeja "Mixtress" Charles: The #1 key to success in my business is consistency. Growth doesn’t happen overnight—it’s built through small, intentional improvements every day.
Lately, I’ve been reading Atomic Habits by James Clear, which emphasizes the power of making 1% improvements each day. This principle applies directly to building a successful career. It’s about continuously learning your craft, refining daily habits, and surrounding yourself with a like-minded community that supports your growth.
Success isn’t about big, overnight wins—it’s about showing up, improving, and staying committed to the process every single day.
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What does a typical day in your week look like?
LaDazeja "Mixtress" Charles: My day starts with checking emails and my calendar for any consultations or booking inquiries to stay organized and on top of my schedule. Before diving into remote projects, I prioritize an ear training warm-up and workout—just like an athlete trains for a sport, I ensure my ears are sharp and ready for critical listening. Once prepped, I begin editing and mixing the projects I’ve received.
At midday, I take a break to eat and work out, followed by posting on social media to promote my brand and business.
In the evening, I travel to the studio for in-person recording sessions, working directly with artists to bring their music to life. Each day is a balance of technical work, creative development, and business growth, ensuring I stay productive and engaged in my craft.
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What have been some of the biggest challenges you've faced as a female entrepreneur in this industry, and how have you overcome them?
LaDazeja "Mixtress" Charles: In Audio Engineering, women make up only 5% of the industry, which means we are often pre-judged before we even have the chance to showcase our expertise. This reality requires many of us to work twice as hard just to be seen and respected as equal professionals.
To overcome this, I have collaborated with colleagues and fellow female engineers to provide masterclasses and host women-led panels, highlighting women who are making strides in the industry. By creating spaces where female engineers can share their experiences and expertise, we not only encourage the next generation of women in audio but also actively work to increase female representation in the field. Through these combined efforts, we continue to push forward, proving that women belong and excel in this space.
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How do you stay creative and innovative in an industry that is constantly evolving and changing?
LaDazeja "Mixtress" Charles: I stay creative and innovative by prioritizing education and collaboration. Learning from others and gaining different perspectives on technology and its applications can shift how I understand and utilize it in my work.
Adaptability is crucial in the audio industry—one of the most exciting aspects of this field is knowing that today’s processes might not be the same tomorrow. As technology advances, it often works to our benefit, providing new tools and techniques that can enhance creativity and efficiency. By staying open to learning and adapting to the industry, I ensure that my skills remain sharp and my approach stays fresh.
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How do you network and build relationships within the industry to further your business goals?
LaDazeja "Mixtress" Charles: I actively join organizations for audio engineers, as well as groups for women and entrepreneurs, to connect with like-minded professionals and expand my network. Attending industry events like audio conventions has also been a great way to meet and collaborate with established and emerging professionals in the field.
Additionally, I leverage social media and online communities to engage with others who are passionate about growing their careers and businesses. These platforms provide valuable opportunities to share insights, exchange knowledge, and build meaningful connections that can lead to future collaborations and business growth. Networking isn’t just about meeting people—it’s about building relationships that support and uplift everyone involved.
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What are your plans and goals for your business, and how do you hope to make an impact in the industry?
LaDazeja "Mixtress" Charles: Through my business, I aim to continue encouraging artists to share their creativity while also inspiring new audio engineers to do the same. I believe the best music is made in welcoming environments where people feel free to express themselves authentically.
My goal is to contribute to the industry by creating spaces where both artists and engineers can thrive, ensuring that creativity is nurtured and innovation is embraced. Ultimately, I look forward to playing a role behind the scenes in some of the best music of our generation, helping shape the sound and storytelling that defines this era.
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What Does Being an Empowering Boss Mean to You, and How Do You Strive to Embody That in Your Everyday Life and Interactions With Others?
LaDazeja "Mixtress" Charles: An Empowering Boss is someone who lifts others, serves as both a leader and an advocate, and creates opportunities for growth within their community. They share their knowledge, lead by example, and strive for excellence while also prioritizing healthy goals, boundaries, and rest.
I embody this by showing others that success doesn’t have to come at the expense of balance. I make it a priority to conduct business with integrity, mentor those around me, and demonstrate that it's possible to thrive while maintaining a well-rounded life. Empowerment is about more than personal success—it’s about creating a path for others to rise alongside you.
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How do you prioritize self-care and maintain a healthy work-life balance? What tips can you offer other busy women?
LaDazeja "Mixtress" Charles: As an entrepreneur, it’s important to recognize where you place your value—if I prioritize rest, relaxation, and recovery, others will respect and honor that as well. Maintaining a healthy work-life balance starts with setting clear boundaries. Establishing dedicated working hours and time off helps create structure and prevents work from consuming personal time. I also make it a point to block off days and vacations in advance, ensuring I have time to fully disconnect and recharge.
Another crucial practice is deciding when to accept calls and messages so that work doesn’t constantly interrupt personal life. Investing in self-care and mental well-being ultimately benefits both personal growth and business success. The time spent recharging and resetting adds more value to a business than running on empty. Self-care is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. A well-rested and balanced individual is more productive, creative, and successful, making it essential to always invest time in yourself.
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How do you stay motivated and inspired, even in the face of adversity?
LaDazeja "Mixtress" Charles: I stay motivated by understanding that adversity is a natural part of the process and a sign of growth. As a professional, I recognize that challenges will come, but what truly matters is how I react to them. Troubleshooting is an essential skill, and learning to embrace adversity early on makes it easier to navigate setbacks with confidence.
I also remind myself that people seek out those who not only solve problems but also approach challenges with an optimistic mindset. Facing difficulties with a solution-oriented perspective not only builds resilience but also strengthens expertise. Additionally, I see failure as an opportunity for learning and refinement—it’s all part of the natural cycle of progress. Every challenge provides valuable lessons, and by embracing them, I continue to grow, improve, and push forward with renewed motivation.
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What new projects or initiatives are you currently working on?
LaDazeja "Mixtress" Charles: Right now, I’m currently working with artists across multiple genres, handling both in-studio and remote mixing projects to help bring their music to life. One of the most exciting developments is that I’ve recently integrated a remote recording software into my setup, which means I can now accept remote recording sessions worldwide. This new addition allows me to collaborate with artists from anywhere, expanding opportunities for musicians who may not have access to professional studios in their area. I’m looking forward to continuing to elevate artists’ sounds and provide high-quality production on a global scale.
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What changes or advancements do you hope to see for women in your industry in the next 5-10 years?
LaDazeja "Mixtress" Charles: I hope to see a significant increase in the percentage of women in the audio industry. Right now, women and nonbinary individuals make up only a small fraction of the field, but even reaching 30% representation would be a major step forward.
I also want to see more women receiving recognition for their contributions to high-achieving projects. Women in audio engineering often play critical roles behind the scenes, yet their work doesn’t always get the credit it deserves. Increased visibility and acknowledgment can help shift the industry’s culture and inspire more women to pursue careers in audio.
By expanding opportunities and fostering inclusion, we can encourage future generations of women to step into this field with confidence, knowing that their talent and expertise are both valued and needed.
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What advice would you give to women who are just starting in your industry?
LaDazeja "Mixtress" Charles: My biggest advice is to seek out and join communities that support women in audio. Organizations like SoundGirls, Women’s Audio Mission, and She Is The Music provide invaluable opportunities, mentorship, and networking to help you grow in the industry.
Don’t be afraid to reach out to experienced women professionals—ask questions, seek guidance, and build relationships. There is so much to learn both inside and outside of the industry, and connecting with others can open doors you never expected.
Most importantly, keep learning, keep growing, and embrace both your successes and failures as part of the journey. There is a community waiting to welcome you with open arms, so step into your passion with confidence and know that your voice and talent belong in this space.
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How have you continued to empower and inspire other women in your industry or community?
LaDazeja "Mixtress" Charles: I have stayed committed to empowering and inspiring the next generation of women in audio by engaging in education, mentorship, and hands-on learning opportunities. I’ve returned to San Jacinto College to provide masterclasses and panels, sharing industry insights and experiences with current students. Additionally, I’ve participated in alumni panels, speaking directly to students preparing to enter the workforce, offering guidance, and helping them navigate their careers with confidence.
Beyond speaking engagements, I also create opportunities for students to shadow and learn in real studio sessions, giving them hands-on experience in a professional environment. By sharing knowledge and opening doors for aspiring audio engineers, I aim to increase representation, build confidence, and create a stronger community of women in the industry.
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Lastly, what message would you like to share with the Empowering Boss Life community and its readers?
LaDazeja "Mixtress" Charles: No matter what industry you are in, you have the power to both teach and learn from others. Growth comes from being open to new knowledge, perspectives, and experiences, so never hesitate to reach out beyond your field—you’d be surprised how much you can gain from learning across industries.
Most importantly, be confident in your abilities at every stage of your journey. Success isn’t just about where you are now but about your commitment to evolving and pushing forward. And to you, the one reading this—you are a boss! Keep showing up, keep learning, and keep believing in your potential.
Website: beacons.ai/djthemixtress