Today we’d like to introduce you to Velaviee.
Hi Velaviee, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I grew up in Maracay, Venezuela, and came to the United States at 20 years old with one suitcase, $50, and determined to build a life through my art. The transition was intense — I had to rebuild my life from zero, working multiple jobs and learning English in real time. I made mistakes, I felt lost, and I had moments where survival felt louder than my art. But those challenges shaped me. They taught me discipline, resilience, and the kind of inner strength you only discover when you have no choice but to keep going.
This country gave me space to start over. It gave me opportunities I never imagined I’d have, and it’s where I finally found my voice as an artist.
I began releasing music independently in 2019, later appeared on La Voz in 2020, and started performing across Miami. Over the years, I’ve crafted a sound that blends my Latin roots with alternative pop — a fusion of where I come from and who I’m becoming.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road — but I’m grateful for every part of it.
Moving to the U.S. as a young woman with very limited resources meant starting from zero. There were language barriers, financial instability, moments of doubt, and the pressure of rebuilding myself in a completely new space & culture. I worked multiple jobs while building a music career from scratch, often funding my own recordings and performances without a safety net.
As an independent artist, one of the biggest challenges has been wearing every hat — creator, businesswoman, marketer, strategist — while staying emotionally connected to the art itself. There were seasons where survival had to come before creativity.
Little by little, I began building a small but powerful team of people who truly believe in my talent and vision. Today, they form the amazing Team Vela. I’m deeply grateful to each of them for walking with me through the ups and downs — for believing even when things felt uncertain. And a very special thank you to my dear friend David, whose guidance and mentorship around business structures and long-term vision have been instrumental in helping me grow not just as an artist, but as a human and entrepreneur.
Every obstacle strengthened my discipline and clarity. Those challenges didn’t stop me — they refined me. They taught me resilience, faith, and how to build something real, step by step.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a recording artist, songwriter, and creative director. I specialize in building immersive musical worlds that blend Latin roots — flamenco textures, Caribbean and South American rhythms — with alternative pop and cinematic storytelling. My work lives at the intersection of sound, identity, and emotion.
What I’m known for is authenticity and intention. Every project I release carries a narrative arc — whether through visuals, short films, live performances, or the sonic textures themselves. I don’t just drop singles; I build concepts and create universes. My album work, especially VELACANDELA, explores migration, rebirth, mental health, and resilience through a deeply personal lens.
What sets me apart is that I approach my career as both an artist and a builder. I’m fully independent, hands-on in my creative direction, and intentional about the long game — from songwriting to brand vision to community-building. I care deeply about creating art that feels empowering, especially for women and migrants who see themselves reflected in my journey.
What I’m most proud of isn’t just the music — it’s the fact that I’ve built this step by step, with integrity, through every obstacle. I’m proud of the community forming around the work, and of staying true to my voice while evolving fearlessly.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I see risk as a form of responsibility — not rebellion. If I feel called to something creatively or professionally, ignoring it would actually feel riskier than pursuing it.
In my career, risk has often looked like choosing vision over validation. Releasing concept-driven projects instead of chasing trends. Turning down opportunities that didn’t align with my long-term identity. Building independently rather than waiting to be “chosen.” Those decisions aren’t always the fastest route, but they protect the integrity of the work.
I’ve also learned that risk isn’t always loud. Sometimes it’s quiet and strategic — restructuring your team, investing in better systems, learning the business side deeply so you’re not dependent on others to understand your own contracts or rights. That kind of risk is about empowerment.
To me, risk is about expansion. If something stretches me, teaches me, and aligns with my values, I’m willing to step into it. Growth has never happened for me inside comfort — but it has happened inside commitment.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/velaviee/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@VELAVIEE
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6yBqeacW7mGI4DkiNsYmaq
Image Credits
Sebastian Comba
