Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessenia Velazquez
Hi Jessenia , so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My name is Jessenia but I go by “JV” I’m a multifaceted individual that loves all things ART. I’ve been dancing since I came out of the womb, blessed with a mom who nurtured and allowed me to explore my artistic gifts from a young age. My parents and grandparents have always been my biggest inspirations, encouraging me to embrace my style, movement, creativity, and self-expression, which laid the foundation for my journey ahead.
What started as a deep love for dance quickly became a lifelong commitment to artistry, discipline, and purpose. From my early years I trained in jazz, tap, ballet, hip-hop, and house, then after graduating college I stepped into the professional world, I dedicated 20 years to the entertainment industry as a professional dancer and was able to travel the world and accomplish so many goals I set for myself.
I’ve had the honor of working with artists like Beyoncé, Ariana Grande, Lil’ Kim, JoJo, and Bebe Rexha to name a few, as well as making television appearances and national commercials. Teaching and mentoring has always been a passion, leading me to teach at renowned studios like Debbie Reynolds, Millennium Dance Complex, Movement Lifestyle, EXPG, and Broadway Dance Center, where I shared my knowledge with dancers worldwide.
Beyond performing which is my favorite thing to do because of the adrenaline rush I get, I’ve continued to explore my artistic voice and started filming & styling a lot more, creative directing and producing artistic visions and bringing them to life for artists, events, art shows, and stage productions. I produced my first solo show last year called “Rooted” The story of the rose that grew in the concrete jungle now turning it into an annual Show in hopes to taking it on the road soon for others to experience the magic along with my performing company Ambiance Empire. Through JV Creations I continue to curate safe spaces offering workshops, intensives and programs for dancers to grow, explore their craft, and build confidence not just in their movement but allowing them to view themselves as the artist.
From where I started to where I stand today, my mission remains the same which is to empower, inspire, transform and create impact through dance and artistry. The one thing that has transformed my life from having a different trajectory & has been my therapy when I couldn’t turn to anything else.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I’d be lying if I said it’s been smooth sailing, but with God by my side through the storms and adversity, I have found ways to express the struggles and challenges that have shaped me. Every setback has fueled my artistry, allowing me to turn my pain into purpose and movement into healing.
The biggest challenge has been losing my mom to Cancer in Oct. of 2023. That turned my world upside down, shattered me completely leaving me with such an emptiness. As I continue to navigate this journey I’m learning that happiness and grief can coexist and that grief is a forever thing. Some days better than others but understanding that where there is great grief there is great love. Although she’s physically not here she’s still with me every step of the way. Every day is a reminder to keep showing up even though its hard it’s what she would’ve wanted. I used to chat and drive her crazy about my new endeavors. The show I wanted to produce which became “Rooted” and came with its own obstacles and financial challenges that I wish I could’ve called and talked to her about but I betted on myself and stayed 10 toes down. The other was starting my performance company, Ambiance Empire and that has been growing beautifully which is what has kept me going. She was my biggest supporter and it sure has been hard not having her here to celebrate these wins but through it all, I continue to grow, create, and inspire because resilience is truly the foundation of my story. I hope I’m making you proud Ma!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
As someone who is multidimensional that question is always loaded a little hard to break down but I’ll try my best. One of the many hats I enjoy wearing is being an Artistic Brand Coach, I help dancers, creatives, and performers build an authentic brand that aligns with their artistry and goals. I guide my clients in discovering their unique voice and help them see their greatness positioning themselves in the industry with confidence and clarity. Beyond coaching and mentoring, I focus on artistic direction, styling, and curating immersive experiences with Ambiance Empire producing projects like Rooted. Which is what I am most proud of. It was my 1st solo produced baby back in my hometown Boston where it all began. Such a full circle moment. It was the first time I fully used my artistic voice across all aspects of my artistry with fashion, movement, and storytelling to tell my story in its entirety. This process lifted such a weight off my shoulders and liberated me in a way I’ve never felt before. Hearing audience members share how deeply Rooted impacted them was my why, and knowing that was accomplished made every challenge worth it. I’m still wrapping my brain around how we pulled it off in just a month and a half, but it proved that when passion and purpose align, anything is possible.
What I believe sets me apart is my authenticity, my deep connection to my roots, bringing my culture everywhere I go, and the ability to fuse my passions to bring powerful messages to life. With raw emotion, and my commitment to building a supportive and transformative environment for dancers & creatives to feel seen and safe. My journey is more than just movement it’s about using artistry to heal, uplift, and create lasting change.
What does success mean to you?
Success to me is living a purposeful, authentic life loving what I do. Being used as a vessel in this lifetime to make an impact on the life of others whether it be one person or many. I think for a long time I looked at success as accomplishing major accolades and if they weren’t grand they didn’t count. Which led me to never being content or happy and always chasing the next big thing on my list. It wasn’t until I took a step back from it all and took a good look from a different perspective realizing I was already successful. I was living prayers I once prayed for, had students and clients telling me how much I changed their lives and was checking off goals I had set. It took me a while to celebrate myself and take in all the moments but now I don’t take anything for granted I celebrate it all no matter how big or small. Success looks different for everyone and rewiring my brain to define success as what it truly meant to me was extremely important and I’m glad I decided to redefine it for myself.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jv-creation.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jv.creations/?hl=en
