Today we’d like to introduce you to Drew Isabell.
Hi Drew, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My story began with a love for drumming and alternative music. Music had always been a major part of my life, but I did not initially know where that passion would lead me.
In 2012, everything changed after I returned home from spring break in Cancun, Mexico. During that trip, I had the opportunity to speak with DJs, watch them control the energy of a crowd, and experience firsthand the atmosphere they helped create. I was immediately drawn to the connection between the music, the people, and the moment. That experience inspired me to begin my own journey as a DJ.
I started by performing at college parties. From there, opportunities continued to grow through word of mouth and the relationships I built along the way. College parties evolved into alumni basketball games, graduation celebrations, proms, school events, weddings, and corporate functions.
As the business grew, I wanted the name to represent more than entertainment. I wanted it to carry a piece of my story and honor the people who helped shape me. The “333” in Black Sh33p 3ntertainment LLC is deeply personal. It represents my grandmother and my uncle, two people who played an important role in raising me and helping me become the person I am today.
My grandmother, especially, was a major source of love, strength, and support throughout my life. Including “333” in the company name allows me to carry her memory with me through every event, every accomplishment, and every new chapter of the business. It is a reminder of where I come from and of the people whose sacrifices helped make my journey possible.
What began as an interest in music eventually became a career and a business built around creating unforgettable experiences. Every stage of the journey taught me something different from reading a crowd and adapting in real time to understanding the importance of preparation, professionalism, and personal connection.
Today, I am proud to have turned that original spark from 2012 into a career that allows me to bring people together through music and celebration. Black Sh33p 3ntertainment is more than a company to me. It is a reflection of my passion, my family, my journey, and the legacy I hope to continue building.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road has definitely not been smooth. There have been several moments throughout my journey that could have caused me to give up, but each challenge ultimately helped shape the person and business owner I am today.
Along the way, I experienced the loss of jobs and the uncertainty that comes with not knowing what your next step will be. Those experiences were difficult, but they also pushed me to bet on myself, become more independent, and take my passion for music and entertainment more seriously. What initially felt like rejection and instability eventually became motivation to build something of my own.
One of the biggest challenges I have faced was being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Receiving that diagnosis changed my perspective on life. It forced me to become more aware of my health, my limitations, and the importance of making the most of every opportunity. There are days when managing MS adds another layer of difficulty to an already demanding schedule, but I refuse to allow the diagnosis to define me or determine what I am capable of accomplishing.
I have also experienced the loss of loved ones who played a major role in my life, including my grandmother and uncle. Losing people who helped raise and shape me created a pain that never completely disappears. However, their influence continues to live through me and through Black Sh33p 3ntertainment. The “333” in the company name represents them and serves as a reminder that they are still part of every accomplishment and every new chapter.
Through all of that loss came one of the greatest blessings of my life: the birth of my son. Becoming a father gave me an entirely new sense of purpose. He became another reason to keep going, work harder, and create something meaningful that can one day become part of his legacy.
Every obstacle has taught me resilience. Losing jobs taught me to create my own opportunities. My MS diagnosis taught me not to take life or my abilities for granted. Losing loved ones taught me the importance of honoring where I come from, and the birth of my son showed me exactly who I am building the future for.
The challenges have not made the journey easy, but they have made it meaningful. They are part of my story, and without them, I would not have the same drive, gratitude, or determination that I carry with me today.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Black Sh33p 3ntertainment LLC is a full-service entertainment company built around creating memorable, personalized, and professionally executed events. While DJ and MC services are at the heart of what we do, our brand has grown into much more than simply providing music.
We specialize primarily in weddings, but we also serve corporate events, school functions, private celebrations, bars, and community events. Our services include DJ and MC entertainment, ceremony audio, dance-floor lighting, uplighting, photo booths, 360 video booths, video confessionals, monograms, cold sparks, photography, videography, and other customized enhancements.
What we are best known for is our ability to combine high-energy entertainment with detailed planning and personal service. I believe a great DJ does much more than press play. We help guide the flow of the entire event, communicate with vendors, manage transitions, read the room, protect the timeline, and make adjustments in real time when necessary.
One of the biggest things that sets Black Sh33p 3ntertainment apart is the level of access and attention our clients receive. Couples are not treated like another date on the calendar. They work directly with me throughout the planning process, from the initial consultation through the final song of the night. We provide planning tools, scheduled meetings, detailed timelines, vendor coordination, music guidance, and ongoing support so our clients feel prepared and confident.
My background has also given me a unique perspective. In addition to years of DJ experience, I previously worked as a banquet hall manager and had the opportunity to observe and assist with hundreds of weddings. That experience taught me how every part of an event works together. It helped me understand the responsibilities of the venue, planner, photographer, caterer, entertainment team, and other vendors. Because of that, I approach each event with the mindset of an experienced event professional, not only a DJ.
Brand-wise, I am most proud that Black Sh33p 3ntertainment represents family, resilience, individuality, and legacy. The “333” within the name honors my grandmother and uncle, who helped raise me and had a major influence on the person I became. Their memory is built into the identity of the company, which makes every accomplishment feel personal.
I am also proud that the brand has grown primarily through relationships, referrals, and the experiences we provide. Many of our clients have seen us at another wedding, attended one of our events, or were referred by a past couple or trusted vendor. That means a great deal because it shows that people remember not only the music, but also how we made them feel.
Our goal is to offer an experience that feels elevated and professional without losing the personal, family-oriented approach that the business was built on. We want every client to feel heard, valued, and represented. No two events should feel exactly the same because no two couples, families, or organizations are the same.
What I want readers to know most is that Black Sh33p 3ntertainment is more than an entertainment company. It is a brand built from passion, sacrifice, family, and years of experience. We are committed to creating celebrations that feel authentic, run smoothly, and leave people with memories they will carry long after the event is over.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
My advice to anyone just starting out is to trust the process, even when the path does not make sense yet. Success rarely happens overnight, and growth does not always look the way you expect it to. Some opportunities may feel small or unrelated to your ultimate goal, but every experience can teach you something that helps prepare you for the next level.
Networking is also extremely important. Get out there, introduce yourself, build genuine relationships, and allow people to see your work ethic and personality. Many of the opportunities I have received came from word of mouth, referrals, and relationships I developed over time. Sometimes, the person you meet today may not have an opportunity for you immediately, but they may remember your name years later when the right opportunity becomes available.
I also wish I understood earlier that even a job that seems unrelated to your dream can provide valuable takeaways. Every position can teach you something—customer service, communication, organization, leadership, patience, problem-solving, or how to work under pressure. My experiences outside of entertainment helped me become a stronger DJ, event professional, and business owner.
Do not become discouraged because your beginning does not look like someone else’s success. Focus on improving your craft, remain consistent, treat people well, and keep showing up. Be willing to learn from every room you enter, even when you do not fully understand how that experience fits into your bigger picture.
Most importantly, believe in what you are building before everyone else does. Trust the process, stay open to learning, and remember that no experience is wasted when you are intentional about taking something valuable from it.
