Red Carpet Regulars: Baya Voce, DJ, MTV Real World Alum, Award-Winning Commercial Producer, Relationship Expert & Screenwriter Our Coverage Sponsored by Paul Mayer Attitudes
Baya Voce
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When Peachy Deegan last caught up with Mover and Shaker Baya Voce in 2009, she was DJing her heart out in NYC and looking for suitors along the way. In her search, she watched people attempt to date and fail, never getting past date number one.
Since then she has been studying the psychology of love and has started her own dating company, AmberMay (www.ambermaydate.com), which within its first two years of business has become Salt Lake City's premier matchmaking and dating company.
She specializes in matchmaking and being a "date doctor", giving people lessons on how to make their way through the first stages of dating. "Navigating your way through the beginning of a 'could-be' relationship is extremely hard. This phase is so vulnerable and sensitive that one wrong move could ruin your chance of moving forward", she says. "I pride myself if giving my clients simple steps to make sure they avoid any wrong turns along the way to a happy and (hopefully) lasting relationship".
Although she still DJs, (her most recent notable gig was DJing the 2013 Whitehouse Correspondents kickoff party), she's found that film has become another creative outlet for her to shine as well. Currently finishing a script she wrote loosely based off of life after MTV's The Real World, she is extremely excited about getting the film into production (and looking for funding if anyone wants to hop on the train!). In the last year she has produced an award winning commercial through the Utah Film Commission in conjunction with the Sundance Film Festival and has been the assistant to the producers and production coordinator on films for both Universal and Lifetime. She looks forward to helping people find love and making plenty of movies in 2014. We are thrilled to present the multi-talented Baya Voce as our latest Red Carpet Regular. Peachy Deegan interviewed Baya for Whom You Know.
Peachy Deegan: What are the biggest mistakes people make when dating?
Baya Voce: Talking about themselves and not being inquisitive on dates is huge. My biggest piece of advice is to ask lots questions on a first date. People love talking about themselves - let them!
What indicates compatibility to you?
It all depends on the people. Sometimes it can be because they come from similar backgrounds. Other times it can be that they share the same values. I think what often gets disregarded is whether or not you and the other person have common goals. This can be overlooked with the initial attraction taking over.
What is the hottest music right now that you play as a DJ?
Hhhmmmm.... well I just played a country wedding so the hottest tracks were probably by Garth Brooks! If it's a club, any electro remixes are huge on the west coast, but hip hop and old school remixes is all people want to hear when I DJ out east!
Can you name your top 5 songs of the moment and who the artist is?
Oh boy..... this one is hard!! Let me leave you with this sentiment. A little bird once said "my taste in music ranges from you need to hear this to please don't judge me, but...."
What was it like to DJ the White House Correspendents party?
It was SO much fun! It was a kickoff event thrown by a charity organization trying to get youth more politically involved. Totally star studded and amazing. And my dress was HOTTTT!
What are your best memories of being on MTV's Real World and do you stay in touch with them?
My best memories were probably bonding with all of the girls. I thought going into it that I was going to be the outcast with a bunch of hotties and then... me. Instead, I got cast with the most diverse group of ladies I could have asked for. I'm in touch with all of the girls and want to schedule a reunion for us all asap.
Can you tell us about your script and do you have a website for it?
It's a coming of age story about a girl finding her way (if that doesn't sound familiar, I don't know what does!) It's Girls meets The Graduation.
What should the world know about Salt Lake City and Utah?
We have the most AMAZING hot springs and Sundance to boot.... plus all the rivers, mountains and all the exploring you could want, all in the same state!
What or who has had the most influence on your pursuit of excellence?
I'm propelled by my need to feel significant to myself, in my own little bubble. That is my influence.
What are you proudest of and why?
I'm lucky enough to have a lot to be proud of. Right now I'm most proud of finishing my script and putting it into production.
What would you like to do professionally that you have not yet had the opportunity to do?
WRITE A BOOK! I'm always writing.... one day my chicken scratch will be on shelves :).
What honors and awards have you received in your profession?
Most recently I won a Creative Concept Award for producing a commercial for the Utah Film Commission in conjunction with The Sundance Film Festival.
What one word best describes you and why?
Fierce!
What do you take your sense of identity from?
I have lots of people I pull from. I once read a quote saying you're the average of the 5 people you spend the most time with. I pick and choose carefully and hopefully I've created enough of my own identity to inspire other people too.
What is your favorite place to be in Manhattan?
Lower East Side.... it's where I lived so it has a special place in my heart.
If you could hire anybody who would it be and why?
Lena Dunham. Because that b*tch is hilarious.
What is the funniest thing that has ever happened to you at a cocktail party?
One time I was at this cocktail party with a pole in the middle of the room. People were dancing on it all night and it was a ton of fun. Next thing you know, someone jumps onto it and BAM! the pole comes off the wall and falls onto this really nice piece of art. The art and the person survived, and it's a story my friends all still laugh about today.
What is your favorite restaurant in Manhattan?
Beauty & Essex! I once started a dance party there and got everyone in the restaurant to start dancing. It was such a blast.
What is your favorite Manhattan book or favorite character in Manhattan literature?
Carrie. Because I love her.
Who would you like to be for a day and why?
I would be one of the beatniks... I grew up really influenced by their movement and would love to be in their shoes.
If you could have anything in Manhattan named after you what would it be and why?
A strip club! People would always be like "why do you have a strip club named after you?" and I'd be like "because I'm a boss!!" Or a library.... because to have that happen, I'd really have to be a boss :).
What has been your best Manhattan athletic experience?
Trapeze. I got really into it when I lived there.
What is your favorite thing to do in Manhattan that you can do nowhere else?
The High Line... hands down.
If you could have dinner with any person living or passed, who would it be and why?
Michael Jackson. Because he's been a favorite of mine since I was a kid.
What has been your best Manhattan art or music experience?
Learning to DJ at Angels and Kings has been one of my all time favorite experiences in NYC.
What do you personally do or what have you done to give back to the world?
I sign every petition that comes my way in regards to animal rights and protection. One day it would be a dream to own a sanctuary.
What do you think is most underrated and overrated in Manhattan?
Overrated is Times Square. Barf. Barf. Barf.
Other than Movers and Shakers of course, what is your favorite Whom You Know column and what do you like about it?
Manhattan Tips because everyone deserves to know the underground hotspots they should hit.
Have you tried The Peachy Deegan yet and if not, why not?
I didn't even know there was such thing as a Peachy Deegan, but now that I do - I'm in for a taste test!
What else should Whom You Know readers know about you?
If anyone wants to learn more about the movie I'm making, please feel free to email. I'd love to answer any questions. Plus, we're coming back to NYC to film!
How would you like to be contacted by Whom You Know readers?
You can email me at booking@bayavoce.com!
