We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful JV. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with J below.

JV, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

I realized my calling to pursue a creative and artistic path professionally after graduating from college. While I had always been passionate about the arts from a young age, it was during this transition period that I truly discovered my path. I initially embarked on a journey of professional dancing and teaching dance, which allowed me to express my creativity and connect with others through movement. As time went on, I found myself gravitating towards the world of styling, where I could use my artistic eye to curate captivating visuals and create impactful looks.

However, my journey didn’t stop there. I soon realized that my true passion lay in creative directing and mentoring aspiring young artists. I wanted to empower them to tap into their unique gifts and talents, guiding them to explore their creative potential. Witnessing their growth and seeing them realize the boundless possibilities available to them as talented artists brings me immense joy and fulfillment.

This realization has fueled my drive to continue pursuing my artistic path, expanding my skills, and embracing new opportunities and endeavors. I believe that creativity knows no limits, and I am dedicated to inspiring others to embrace their creativity and explore the endless possibilities that await them.

JV, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Hello everyone! let me take you on a journey of who I am and what I do as a creative artist with many layers and various gifts from God. My name is Jessenia Velazquez or JV, I’m a 39 year old Afro-Latina from Boston, raised in the Fawndale projects with a deep passion for fashion, artistry, and movement. Learning and growing each day as an entrepreneur and business owner drawing inspiration from life itself on a daily basis.

My journey into the world of dance began at a young age dancing with my dad, but it was at the age of 6 during a pageant called Miss Latin USA, where I represented Puerto Rico, that my passion for dance was ignited. Winning first place and the talent title opened my eyes to the countless possibilities that dance could bring into my life. Dance became my first love, therapy, safe haven, and escape when words failed to express what I felt inside. I trained in various styles such as jazz, tap, ballet, hip hop, and house constantly pushing the boundaries of my creativity. If it wasn’t for dance, God and creative expression my life trajectory would’ve turned out very differently than what it has today.

Throughout my teenage years there was a lot of street life influence. Being that my older brothers were a part of car clubs I enjoyed the culture & that world. I loved drag racing, was exposed to a lot of things that I’m grateful I didn’t engage in. There was even a point in my life that I wanted to be a NASCAR RACER. Although I enjoyed all the car stuff it was short lived I developed an interest in designing and styling. Inspired by my grandmother and my fashion-forward parents, I began creating outfits for my dance group and designing dresses for special occasions like Quinceaneros, and Proms. The world of fashion captivated me, and I knew I wanted to explore it further in which you can see the influence it has had in my work as of today. Loving the expressive outlet that fashion and styling has given me and my clients I don’t take my position as stylist for granted and I thank my clients for trusting me.

Between 2006 and 2010, after graduating Umass Amherst with a BA in PR & Marketing Minor in Spanish and Film studies. I devoted myself to training in New York. New York was the place where I started auditioning but it wasn’t until I auditioned for The Bloc agency and was signed shortly after that was the huge turning point in my career. This opened doors to new opportunities, and although the journey of an artist is filled with uncertainty, valuable lessons, and a mix of rejections and aligning yes’s. New York City filled my soul with its energy, inspiring me in countless ways and instilling in me the resilience needed to thrive in the industry.

After exploring all the creative avenues in Boston and New York, juggling various jobs in the hospital field, freelancing as a Spanish medical interpreter, artistic director at lounges and clubs, go-go dancing, cocktail waitressing and bartending. It was in the midst of all those jobs that JV Creations was Established in the summer of 2008. It served as a hub for creative artists to collaborate, brainstorm concepts, and bring them to life. Now JV Creations, offers a range of services that include styling, coaching, creative directing, and choreography. Whether it’s helping individuals refine their personal style, providing coaching and mentorship to aspiring artists, or bringing a creative vision to life through creative directing and choreography, I am committed to empowering others to unleash their full potential.

The year 2010, was full of life changing experiences. I auditioned for America’s Best Dance Crew Season 5 and made it onto the show as a part of Static Noyze 6. It was an unforgettable experience that introduced me to amazing people and provided valuable lessons to carry on for life. Following the show, we were offered a touring opportunity with Cirque Dreams, which unfortunately turned out to be the worse experience of my 20+ years in the industry to say the least. After the tour, I started thinking of what my next move was and decided to take the leap of faith and move to Los Angeles in October 2010 to fully pursue my dance career. Little did anyone know, except for my sister, my best friend, and now you guys that I only had $60 to my name after unforeseen medical emergency and expense came into the picture before I left. All the odds were up against me but I had a dream, a plan and a hustler’s mentality. Once I landed I hit the ground running. I dropped off my resume to various temp agencies, and with prayers for strength to overcome the trials and tribulations, I persevered. I faced challenges in those early days, feeling lonely and financially restricted, but after five months of hard work I got on my feet. I was able to get an apt, car, started taking dance classes, booking gigs, and networked tirelessly. The journey wasn’t without its struggles, and definitely not made for the weak but I ultimately found my footing and later down the road started teaching at renowned studios like Debbie Reynolds Dance Studio, Millennium Dance Complex, and ML that I once had on my vision board. I also had the honor of working with some of the industry’s biggest names, including Beyoncé, Ariana Grande, Kehlani, Lil’ Kim, Jojo, and Fergie to name a few. As the years went by I continued learning the ropes of the industry and elevating to newer levels for myself. I started choreographing and creative directing my own conceptual videos and in 2016 I got booked as a choreographer for a music video in Brazil. This job in particular inspired me to revive JV Creations and the Just Vibe Movement and since then I’ve never stopped.

Fast forward to 2019 after living in LA working and gaining so much experience and knowledge for 9yrs I decided to move to Florida to be closer to my family, This was right before the Pandemic and boy has it been one of the most difficult transitions of my life. Living in the city all my life to moving to Kissimmee, FL which is country has been a major adjustment. Nonetheless I’ve been figuring it out with every card that I’ve been dealt. Once quarantine happened I saw an opportunity to start my mentorship program online. So I did just that. I learned so much from the process and was so happy for the community that was built at the time when it was needed the most. Once the world opened back up I started teaching my weekly dance class, holding workshops and intensives for aspiring dancers breaking into the industry and a year later I was burnt out. I decided to take a break which allowed me to think of what I truly wanted to offer my community and the world. So many ideas flooded my mind on what to offer and one of those ideas was to connect with more than just the average dancer. I wanted to reach the masses and invite them into the world of healing through movement because it’s always been bigger than just dance. That’s when I created Moving Beyond. An online open level movement therapeutic class for anyone who has been carrying trauma in their body and want to heal through expressive movement. These classes have filled my heart and soul like no other. Also offering a program providing a safe space to underprivileged creative artists to be able to tell their story through artistic expression. Exploring, expanding and experiencing their artistic voice within any of these specialties like: Dance, Creative Directing, Choreographing, & Styling building the future generations of creative artists. Experiencing it firsthand the impact that the arts have had on my life since an early age I’m dedicated to helping others that may not have access but may be interested. I’m in the process of establishing it as a non-profit organization but I’m extremely proud of the work and impact it has already done within the community. I’m currently still raising money through our gofundme page which can be accessed at https://www.gofundme.com/f/the-cad-program-fundraiser to raise funds to provide resources, equipment, educators, workshops and opportunities for the students. If you find in your heart to want to donate to the cause any donation big or small is truly appreciated.

And for my latest endeavor that I’ve been up to has been launching my entertainment company, Ambiance Empire. Which I’m extremely excited to be providing immersive experiences for events, venues and productions aiming to provide unforgettable experiences that showcase the power of creativity, versatility and storytelling with high fashion pieces, performances and an experience to remember. If you’re looking for entertainment please do not hesitate to contact us at jvcreationsllc2021@gmail.com.

I truly believe what sets me apart is my heart and compassion to help others gain back their power and confidence. I want be used as a vessel to help others while I’m here on this earth. One of my proudest achievements is taking the leap of faith and starting my businesses. Believing in myself enough to not listen to those who said I couldn’t and that I should stick to one thing. If it’s one thing about me I will not allow for anyone to put me in box when I know I’m a multidimensional human being with many layers to share with the world. It’s been one hell of a ride but I’m grateful to be learning, growing, and striving to do the best each day I get the opportunity to on God’s timing. There’s a lot in the works that will soon be offered once the website is updated & relaunched in August so please stay tuned for that.

To potential clients, followers, and fans, I want you to know that my work is driven by a genuine passion for uplifting others, embracing diversity, and celebrating the beauty of self-expression. If you are looking for a personal stylist, or a creative mentor I am committed to creating a positive and inclusive space where creativity can flourish, transformational healing can be done, dreams can be realized, and individuals can find the confidence to embrace their unique artistic journey.

Thank you for taking the time to learn about me and my brand. I invite you to join me on this extraordinary adventure, where together we can make a lasting impact, inspiring one another, and redefining the boundaries of artistic expression. Remembering to choose ourselves everyday instead of waiting to be chosen.

Love & Light,

-JV

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

There are so many rewarding aspects of being a creative artist in my opinion. Having the freedom to explore my imagination, emotions, and experiences, translating them into visual art, movement, fashion, writing, or any other form of creative expression tops anything off. The process allows me to connect with my inner self and share my perspective with the world.

Truly the impact that my art has on others is what really fills my heart and brings me so much joy. To know that my art made an impact on someone’s life whether big or small is what means the most to me. Art has the power to evoke emotions, provoke thoughts, challenge norms, and inspire change. Allowing me to connect with audiences on a deeper level, and understanding.

Ultimately Artists have the freedom to choose their own projects, explore their interests, and follow their passions. This autonomy allows for personal growth, experimentation, and the continual refinement of one’s artistic voice.
Overall, while the rewards of being an artist or creative may vary from person to person, the ability to express oneself, impact others, and find fulfillment in the creative process are often cited as deeply satisfying aspects of pursuing a creative path.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

Some ways that society can support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem is by challenging and changing the negative narrative surrounding creative careers, encourage a more inclusive and supportive society that recognizes and values our contributions of artists and creatives. Advocating to preserve and prioritize the arts education in schools, to make sure that it is not the first area to be cut during budget cuts. Making it a point for arts education in schools and universities to nurture creativity from a young age and provide a solid foundation for aspiring artists. Offer quality training programs, workshops, and mentorship opportunities to help artists refine their skills, explore and develop a strong artistic voice. Acknowledging artists as professionals and appreciating their contributions to culture, identity, and well-being. Funding is always a great way to support having governments, organizations help provide financial support through grants, scholarships, and funding programs specifically designed for the arts. These resources can help alleviate financial burdens, provide opportunities for professional development, and enable artists to focus solely on their craft.      

Contact Info:

• Website: www.jv-creation.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jv.creations/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessenia.velazquez.50
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessenia-velazquez-98a7298a/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@justvibe8909/featured
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/ambiance.empire/ https://www.instagram.com/justvibepodcast/ https://www.gofundme.com/f/the-cad-program-fundraiser

Image Credits
Models: Lynn Green Shanice Jones, JV photographer: @lotharhercher Kirstin Cobb photographer @lenangentphotography Nialynn Felix photographer @laythwhitepage Dancers: Rachel, Paige, Claudia, Sabrina, Madeline, Jackie, Shanika, Rachael, Geovanna, Tiyana LA Spar Kids Dance Team Ouchi High School Dance Team Championship JV Creations Stage Performance Workshop