Introducing Jason Johnson, Owner of Eagle Feather Entertainment
Since founding Eagle Feather Entertainment in 2018, Jason Johnson has transformed his entrepreneurial spirit and love for music into a successful business offering mobile DJ and photobooth services. Known for its quality and affordability, Jason’s company makes events memorable without extra financial strain. Despite challenges, including the pandemic, his resilience has kept the business thriving. By incorporating Indigenous practices, Eagle Feather Entertainment not only supports but also celebrates this community, making it a cherished part of Calgary’s event scene.
Tell us about yourself. What inspired you to start your business?
My name is Jason Johnson. I live in Calgary, Alberta, with my wife and our three daughters. We’ve been here since 2008 when we moved here for work. I am from the Piikani Nation in Southern Alberta. We are part of the Blackfoot Confederacy here in Treaty 7 territory.
I am the owner of Eagle Feather Entertainment, offering mobile DJ and photobooth services. I started my company back in 2018, primarily out of financial necessity but also to flex my entrepreneurial spirit. I left my profession of 30 years and needed to make some money for my family, but I also dreamed of owning my own small business. After considering many options, I ultimately decided on Eagle Feather Entertainment.
What products or services do you offer, and what sets your business apart?
We have many service options for all occasions. We offer mobile DJ services, three different photobooth options, and we just started offering karaoke.
What sets Eagle Feather Entertainment apart from other businesses is our high quality and excellent affordability. In these tough financial times, we believe the last thing you need to make your special day truly memorable is extra expenses. That’s why we haven’t raised our rates in over three years and why we have value-added services like MC and day-of coordinator at no extra cost. We don’t let our affordable rates affect our quality. Whether it’s a large event or small, we bring the energy, musical hits, and charisma.
How does your business reflect or incorporate Indigenous cultures and practices?
The primary Indigenous offering we provide is the traditional land acknowledgement. This has been well-received by many individuals, couples, and organizations. We also offer special rates for Indigenous individuals, families, groups, and organizations.
How does your business support or enhance Indigenous communities?
We help to promote Indigenous appreciation through our Traditional Land Acknowledgement. We have also hosted several Indigenous events at special rates.
What unique challenges have you experienced growing your business? How have you overcome them?
I worked on growing Eagle Feather Entertainment and was building momentum, but when the pandemic started in 2020, I quickly lost that momentum. During the pandemic, I lost 95% of my booked contracts and wasn’t able to secure new ones. By the end of 2021, I honestly thought my DJ and photobooth days were over. However, I overcame these challenges by persevering. As they say, no one ever won by quitting. With a lot of effort, I began booking contracts again. Slowly, I started to make a comeback.
How do you stay competitive in your market, especially with larger companies around?
As simple as it sounds, these days it’s all about finances. Couples want to have a memorable ceremony and reception, schools want to have fun dances, and individuals want to have their milestone birthday celebrations without breaking the bank. Eagle Feather Entertainment is a small business; therefore, we don’t have a lot of overhead. This allows us to pass on those savings to our clients.
How did Business Link support your small business?
When I wanted to expand my business in 2024, my first inclination was to get professional advice. I reached out to a Business Strategist at Business Link and had two sessions. Their input and advice made all the difference.
What impact do you think our services had on your business?
Professional advice is a game-changer. I shared recently at a conference that, when it comes to building your business, you don’t have to reinvent the wheel and you’re not alone. Having professional advice, like that from Business Link, represents both those points.
What are your future goals for your business?
My plans for the coming year include hiring DJs, purchasing new equipment, and breaking into venues and areas we haven’t before. One of our really exciting ventures is creating augmented realities for people using our 360 Photobooth!
What advice would you give to aspiring Indigenous entrepreneurs?
The way forward will be tough, but worth it. You will bring honor to yourself and all your relations if you chase your dreams and create a rewarding life for yourself and those around you. You have support, both personal and professional, who will help you make your dreams a reality, so lean on them and let them help you. Lastly, remember this: what one person can do, another can do. If someone else has achieved it, then you can too. Never forget that!
Jason Johnson
Owner, Eagle Feather Entertainment
