Today we’d like to introduce you to Irvine Casiano.
Hi Irvine, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started off as a promoter for teen events back when I was 14 in Jacksonville after moving from Puerto Rico. When Aqua, Pure and Bourben Street was around we produced foam parties, glow parties, paint parties and more for the teens around the city. The purpose was to give teens something to do and not wonder off into activities that didn’t favor them. Although I gained a passion for productions, marketing and promotions I sworn into the military on my 18th birthday and did 4 years in the military. Traveled to South Carolina, Virginia and Texas. I came back to Jacksonville looking for purpose and direction. Some kind of sign to let me know what to do with life moving forward. I had gotten into trouble with officials in the city and had ended up doing 45 days in the county jail. To fast forward a bit, I met a woman that recently turned 18 facing charges that could get her 15+ years in prison. I started taking notes on healthy ways to address anger and/or violence, poetry has always been an outlet for me. My therapy session. That pushed me towards working for young creatives in the city.
Diving into Jacksonville’s creative scenes always is an amazing adventure. Unfortunately, for most people, COVID had an impact on their lives. One of them being the shut down of all small businesses all around the city. With help, love, and support of an extremely amazing friend of mine, Karmaa, we created an open mic night at our friend’s restaurant in order to bring back some life to the city, amongst other events like artist showcases and festivals. That even through the storm one can take time for themselves in order to heal. Not only heal, but bring unity to the community in a form of self-expression.
Now I run a growing business called D’Vine Creators where it’s dedicated to creating platforms where #allcreativesarewelcome and able to self-express. Poets, rappers, singers, musicians, comedians, painters, all forms of creativity, of all cultures and languages are welcome onto our stages here to make a CREATIVE IMPAKT!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
When it comes to building a vision that only you can see and bringing it to life, it’s difficult at the beginning. I had to realize real quick that people surrounding you are not always in your best interest. No, not an easy road. Some of my struggles included to make sure I have people sign an NDA before a meeting, don’t ever just take people’s word, drop the friends, gain legit mentors and always follow-up.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
D’Vine Creations was built for the sole purpose to create a platform and/or events where any and all creatives will be recognized. Everyone has a talent, but most creatives don’t know where to begin when it comes to how to monetize their creativity nor do they know where to go. Most creatives I have met don’t have the means nor the resources to start their career in the entertainment world. I started off by producing open mics, then escalated to artist showcases where I would invite record labels, videographers, producers, and anyone with a standing in the industry already looking for new talents and projects. Once they showcase their talent I would ask the creatives what do they feel they need in order to get to the next level and their answer is usually already in the building, I would present them. That is why part of the name of my LLC is “vine,” the fact being my name is Irvine. Irvine, creating a vine (connection) for all creatives, always a divine connection.
Through the past couple of years, I have grown in knowledge and connections within the industry. I am a freelancer, in production, promoting and marketing. You bring me your concept and I bring it to life no matter how big or small the event you’re planning. I have created relationships with different platforms like iHeart Media, Norsan Media, MegaTV, Beezy Ent, SBS, and so on. With these relationships and connections to festivals and concert size events, I am able to conduct bookings, whether it’s for the artist to come to a club/arena or having a creative be an opening act for the show. I have placed myself in a position where I am the bridge, the plug, the vine, the connection between worlds and that I believe sets me apart from others because I am able to bring a hip-hop artist to a Latin stage or vice versa. I have connections in both American and Latin markets being able to cross over. I’m not only proud, but grateful to be able to bring opportunities to the creatives.
What are your plans for the future?
The future is filled with festivals and concerts that are in the works of production. I can’t speak too much on those, but I am building a non-profit organization this year called, Tuesday. Without spilling all the juicy details it’s a non-profit created for the foster children that get kicked out of their homes once they turn 18 years of age.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/d.vinecreations/
Image Credits
D’Locstah Vizionz
Irvine Casiano
