This week we have Jazmin Velasquez who is the creative and owner of their booth Jazmincreates that I'm sure you've seen at events! There isn't a flyer where I wouldn't see Jazmin's name on the vendors list. It's not just her vending, but the way she surrounds herself with her friends and the community/scene she engages with. The support she gives onto her friends and those around her. Well we will be learning more about Jaz as we enter the interview, this is Jazmin @jazmincreates
I begin by asking Jaz what she's been enjoying as of recently "I've been really into photography lately. It helps me stay creative." As well as any shout outs she'd like to give out as she says "YEAH shoutout to all my haters my lovers and most importantly to the people of the 956 that keep me inspired. You guys rock!"
I want to ask; With the various amounts of things that you create and provide, I want to ask why? What drives you to be well, creative?
"Man I think creativity is in my blood. I've always been a person that goes against the straight and narrow. I like things messy, unconventional, unique, and in your face. Creativity is something that keeps me from losing my mind. I like inspiring others and showing people that being yourself is okay." There's something about the idea of " messy, unconventional, unique, and in your face" that Jaz brings up that I enjoy. I want to say it's the "messy" aspect of that sentence. In terms of art work could be what the artist goes through in creating. What we don't initially see and we just see the final product. The word "unconventional" makes me think of D.I.Y solutions or ideas when it comes to an artists work. Reminds of when W4ston brought up using dirt and water to create a color that he needed. It's messy and unconventional which makes it so....unique as Jaz mentions as well. With this I'd say as Jaz says it best "that being yourself is okay." Stay messy, unconventional, unique, ect.
What is it that you enjoy creating the most? Is there something specific?
"I really like creating content for people. It's nice when your ideas get supportive feedback from the community." Support is great and especially receiving constructive criticism/feedback is important. Lately Jaz has been helping me with revitalizing I want to say the "music department" by owning and creating "Musician/Band of The Month", a round up of music that has released within each month, and the weekly round ups. It has been very helpful and I have already heard great feedback by her work. She has ideas and she extends to help you I'd say take it!
What are your thoughts on pop ups/markets? You seem rather engaged when it comes to these. Do you personally enjoy them?
"POPUPS! That's where It all started. I would not be where I am right now if it weren't for the market/vendor community. It's a moral obligation for me to give back to others who are also trying to get their brand, ideas, and art, out there and that's why I'm so passionate about it. How could I not be?" Getting your foot off the ground can be pretty challenging, but having someone there who can share experiences, ideas, and give a helping hand is always appreciated as Jaz mentioned "It's a moral obligation for me to give back to others who are also trying to get their brand, ideas, and art, out there." She's really out there, huh?
When it comes to your page and yourself you are rather supportive. Supportive of those around you and especially your friends. What does support mean to you? What is the importance of a community supporting one another especially?
"Support to me is being loyal to the brand, people, and community. We are powerless if we isolate ourselves. The community supporting each other is the only way we can get things moving for us. We're all in this together."
What sort of feedback have you received when it comes to your items and just people seeing your booth?
"I always get great feedback from people. People really love how colorful my booth tends to be, which is something that I've orchestrated as an artist. To me, vending is an art. Presentation is important and I think people really notice that." I'd say that presentation is important. It's like how you plate food. While yes in terms of art it can be the coolest, sickest, most amazing pieces laid out, but the presentation sets a tone. For example Alejandra @44waterlilies has her artwork, but also her proper set up and the way that she presents her work. The way she even presents herself with her payasin make-up at times. Presentation is interesting especially when it comes to vendor booths.
Aside from the pop ups and the markets, how do you wish to see yourself grow with your hmmm I want to say business and the engagement within the community as well? I ask due to how invested you are as she says,
"I see myself supporting other artists, and vendors, that are on the rise. I want to be able to expose talented people. In the end, it's that spark that I don't want people to lose." I will say that support and engagement is important. I've seen the motivation and what it can create! There's people out there creating and it must be seen, it must be heard! There's certainly hidden gems in the valley.
Do you have any goals in mind? Have you considered throwing your own market or a type of event?
"Yes I've been in talks with a couple of venues and businesses in the valley about organizing my own market. It's definitely something that will happen soon, and I plan to focus on exposure rather than money I want to organize in a way that's for the people not for the organizer. So yeah watch out for jazmincreates markets yall it's gonna be sick!" How exciting! I've hosted a couple of things, but never a full market, but If I did I have some ideas. When I hosted at Sauce House, I just love the "no vendor fees" policy they have for themselves. It's something I personally believe in. It isn't about the money in my own perspective/how I see it for myself, but it's for THEM. Reading that makes me happy for what's to come in a Jazmincreates market.
Do you remember your first time vending? How was it and where?
"Yes the first time I ever vended was with a good friend of mine Josseline at Mikasa Nutriton on 10th Street. It was a johnny depp vs Amber heard themed market. I didn't even care about the sales, I was just excited to be around other creative people. I don't think I even sold anything that day but I didn't even care." Was this like maybe a year ago or so? So much progress within that amount of time!
On your account it says "management" of Lil Torti, do you mind explaining that?
"Yeah that's actually something that happened in the mix of the moment. I just help them out in any way I can but it's mainly communications and exposure. I let the artist be an artist."
What are your thoughts on the local valley scene?
I think the scene is inspiring and beautiful. I love it.
Any final comments
Yeah, shout-outs to my family I made it on the outinthe956 blog <3
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