Who Is James Spence? The Story Behind DJ_3o7 and 3o7 Promotions & Management
When you look at the work of James Spence III — also known as DJ_3o7 — you see more than a DJ, designer, or entrepreneur. You see an individual who built a multi-layered creative career from the ground up, guided by curiosity, consistency, and a vision that started long before college or business ownership.
With a Business Administration degree with concentrations in Marketing and Management Information Systems, James combines creativity with strategy at every level of his work. Today, he is the founder of 3o7 Promotions & Management, LLC, owner of 3o7 Apparel & Merchandise (3o7AM), and a PGCPS-approved vendor. But the journey to get here began much earlier.
Early Entrepreneurship: Middle School Hustles & Early Curiosity
James didn’t wait until adulthood to become an entrepreneur — he started in middle school, restoring and customizing sneakers with his cousins under a small brand they called Grasp Shoes.
The name combined family, creativity, and the desire to “grasp” things that felt just out of reach. Looking back, Grasp Shoes wasn’t just a side hustle — it was James’ first lesson in:
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Innovation
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Customer service
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Design
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Business operations
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Collaboration
Long before launching a company, James learned how to study a market, solve problems, and build something from nothing.
Discovering DJing: A Classroom That Changed Everything
James was first introduced to DJing by his friend DJ YC the summer before senior year. But the real turning point happened inside a classroom.
His teacher, Ms. Anita Jarmon, who DJ’d during her college years, kept her equipment in the back of the classroom. What started as curiosity turned into daily practice. James spent almost every day learning:
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Transitions
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Timing
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Reading a room
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Building a vibe
He played his first two gigs shortly after — the Band Winter Social and a basketball game — and from that moment on, he knew music was part of his life’s purpose.
Then came March 14, 2020, Pi Day — his last gig before COVID forced the world to shut down. Two weeks turned into months and then the rest of the school year.
Most people paused. James practiced.
ECSU: The Birthplace of 3o7 Promotions & Management
When James attended Elizabeth City State University, events were slow due to COVID. Instead of waiting for opportunities, he created them — hosting student events, practicing daily, and building relationships.
After a handful of campus gigs, he made a defining decision:
On December 27, 2021, he officially launched
3o7 Promotions & Management, LLC.
This wasn’t just a business filing — it was the beginning of a brand built on discipline, consistency, and creativity.
From that point forward:
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Event bookings increased
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Partnerships expanded
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James became a go-to campus DJ
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He began DJing for Temple Hills Swim Club
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He curated events for both the school and the community
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He gained recognition beyond ECSU
By senior year, he was known across campus as “the main DJ at ECSU.”
Five Years of 3o7PM: Building an Entertainment Brand
Since 2021, 3o7 Promotions & Management has served clients across:
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The DMV
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North Carolina
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Schools, universities & PGCPS
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Corporate clients
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Private parties
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Festivals
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Clubs
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Weddings
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Homecomings
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Step shows
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Graduations
The company now provides:
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DJ Services
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MC & Hosting
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Event Production
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Sound & Lighting
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Creative Direction
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Brand Consulting
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Content Creation
James has built 3o7PM to be an entertainment company rooted in professionalism, creativity, culture, and community.
Pitch Competitions: Recognition, Awards & National Exposure
As 3o7PM evolved, so did James’ interest in refining his business. He entered several pitch competitions — and excelled in every single one.
🏆 PNC North Carolina HBCU Pitch Competition
James placed Third Place Twice, gaining national recognition.
Link:
https://pnc.mediaroom.com/2024-02-07-PNC-Recognizes-Student-Entrepreneur-Winners-of-2024-PNC-North-Carolina-HBCU-Pitch-Competition
🏅 Better Futures Pitch Competition (Semifinalist)
This competition helped him strengthen the business model for 3o7AM.
🎓 HBCU Founders Initiative — Finalist
James became a finalist in the prestigious HBCU Founders Initiative Pitch Accelerator Program, attending weekly business strategy sessions and earning a fully funded trip to Washington, D.C.
Link:
https://www.hbcufi.org/2024-year-in-review
James’ performance in pitch competitions proved what he already knew — his ideas were bigger than school projects and side hustles. They were worthy of investment, attention, and scale.
3o7AM: The Apparel, Eyewear & Creative Brand
Alongside building 3o7PM, James launched 3o7 Apparel & Merchandise (3o7AM) — a brand born from the desire to create apparel that blends:
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Greek culture
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Streetwear flair
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Personal identity
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Professional versatility
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Cultural pride
3o7AM started as 3o7 Premium Eyewear, inspired by the sunglasses worn at Greek events. It later expanded to apparel, custom designs, and exclusive merchandise.
From t-shirts to bomber jackets, from jerseys to towels, from eyewear to custom pieces — 3o7AM represents creativity with meaning.
DJ_3o7: The Artist, Host & Creative Professional
What I Do:
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DJ & Host
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Producer
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Designer
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Creative Director
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Event Curator
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Brand Creator
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Consultant
When I Started:
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Entrepreneurship began in middle school
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First LLC launched in college
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Second LLC launched senior year
How I Did It:
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Research
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Asking questions
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Studying the industry
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Learning from mentors
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Staying hungry
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Staying curious
Where I’m Headed:
Wherever discipline, creativity, and consistency take me.
I plan to keep working every day until I reach the freedom and future I’m building toward.
Skills That Shape the Work
James Spence is a multi-talented creative with experience in:
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Event Management
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DJing & Live Entertainment
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Marketing
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Creative Direction
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Branding & Visual Identity
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Design
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Audio Production
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Photography & Videography
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Public Speaking
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Business Development
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Leadership
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Content Creation
These are more than skills — they are tools he uses to inspire, build, and serve communities.
Featured Press — Voyage ATL Interview
Read more about James’ creative journey in his official Voyage ATL profile:
🔗 https://voyageatl.com/interview/inspiring-conversations-with-james-spence-of-3o7-promotion-management/
A Message to My 2026 Self
James, you’ve come far — farther than you expected when you started this journey in middle school. But don’t let the progress make you comfortable.
Keep your discipline. Keep your faith. Keep your creativity sharp. Stay the person who asks questions, shows up early, builds relationships, and solves problems.
2026 is another step — not a finish line. Stay motivated. Stay humble. Stay curious. And keep building the legacy that represents your family, your community, and the people who believe in you.
Closing Thoughts: The Legacy in Motion
The story of James Spence III — of DJ_3o7, of 3o7PM, of 3o7AM — is not a story of luck.
It’s a story of:
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Dedication
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Consistency
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Strategy
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Passion
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Community
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Creativity
Five years in, the brand continues to expand. And this is just the beginning.