Founded in 2002, Ladybug Entertainment has evolved from DJing nightclubs and weddings to specialising in weddings, school and corporate events. After moving to Townsville in 2024, Chris Illes brings a passion for top-tier services and a stunning retro photobooth to elevate any event.
Tell us about yourself and Ladybug Entertainment.
I started Ladybug Entertainment back in 2002 where I DJ’d both weddings and nightclubs, a very tiring mix if I did both in one day. The experience lead me to moving away from the club scene and more into weddings, school and corporate events and being very confident in public speaking, providing the MC role to many events and often guiding couples with their wedding preparations.
In March 2024, just around Easter, my wife Stacey and I packed up our family home and made the tough but exciting decision to relocate from Victoria to Townsville.
Why Townsville ? It’s a two-fold answer. I saw an incredible opportunity for my wife to flourish with her Chiropractic business but also, Townsville is the event capital of North Queensland. There are events happening every week, the warm weather is amazing, and it meant that “Wedding Season” didn’t just occur over a 4 month period like Victoria.
But what makes Ladybug Entertainment so different to the other DJ and Photobooth hire businesses in Townsville ? The music we play ? Our lighting setup ? No, any business can provide this. I believe it’s the service provided and the value I add and pride myself by. I provide the MC role for all weddings at no extra cost and meet up with all bookings, whether in person or via phone to discuss their event and their expectations. And, let’s not forget the photobooth. She’s a beauty, an old school retro booth.
What has been the most challenging aspect of owning Ladybug Entertainment?
What could be more challenging than selling your family home and moving over 2000 kilometres away from the state you have known as home for 40 years.
I knew that Townsville already had a few well-known DJ hire businesses. I decided to keep the photobooth as I could see that as being a point of difference for my business, and after being in Townsville for only a week, I took part in the Ideal Bride Wedding Expo to get the Ladybug Entertainment name out there. But that wasn’t enough, and I knew it would take hard work and self-promotion.
I decided to take part in the many networking events that Townsville offers, and promoted myself, which has been extremely rewarding. Townsville works on word of mouth, but getting people talking about my services in a good way takes time, as you need to be seen and heard for people to make that connection. This is why weddings, school events and corporate functions are very important with the volume of people you interact with, but also giving back to my “new” community. I am loving volunteering on local community radio and running Musical Bingo at a local pub. I have enjoyed making new connections and I am excited for the connections I am yet to make.
What is a fun fact about yourself?
My wife Stacey and I have 8 children between us and in 2023 we decided to be crazy and take them all on a Central Australia tour, crossing four states in a whirlwind trip. We travelled all the way to Darwin from regional Victoria, spending almost 3 weeks in the tropics. It was during this time, both Stacey and I fell in love with the climate and what the north of Australia had to offer. Stacey and I travelled back to Townsville twice in late 2023, before committing to relocating at Easter of 2024 with part of our family, the other children have an amazing school holiday destination.
What is the best piece of career or business advice you have ever received?
Don’t under value yourself or your business. Over 20 years of experience has taught me that my time and knowledge is valuable and that I need to be sharing my past experiences with others to ensure their events are memorable for all the right reasons. Having a successful business takes time and a lot of energy and years to grow.
Going forward, what is next on the cards for Ladybug Entertainment?
Honestly, I want the Ladybug Entertainment name to be who people think of first when they are planning an event and are looking for music, an MC or a photobooth. I love public speaking and am very keen to see where the Community Radio role takes me and to hopefully be asked to MC larger events in Townsville.
I have no doubt the next few years are going to be fun! Establishing my name in Townsville by providing my services at multiple events is the best way to make new connections and show myself to Townsville.
Main image – Chris Iles
Images Credits – All images supplied.
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