We recently had the chance to connect with Jehoshaphat Jacinto and have shared our conversation below.
Jehoshaphat, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
Honestly, one of the things I’m most proud of building is something most people never really see and that’s the foundation behind what I do. Whether it’s the hours I’ve spent creating opportunities for others, learning the behind-the-scenes work like budgeting, writing grants, or building systems to keep things moving that invisible labor holds everything together.
People might see the events, the classes, the content but they don’t see the late nights, the internal battles, the personal sacrifices, or the quiet wins. I’m proud of the fact that I’ve built something that helps others shine, even if my work stays in the background.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, my name is Jehoshaphat “JepStar” Jacinto. I’m a street dancer, educator, and community builder based in Tampa, Florida. I’m the founder of Create The Space Initiative, a nonprofit that provides free street dance classes and training opportunities for youth and adults, especially in underserved communities. I also help run Disfunktionals Tampa, a local dance crew rooted in funk styles and cultural preservation.
What makes our work unique is that we don’t just teach dance, we build community. We create brave, authentic spaces where people can train, grow, connect, and express themselves, whether they’re beginners or seasoned dancers. Everything we do is powered by passion and a deep belief that street dance culture has the power to transform lives. Right now, we’re working on expanding programming, building partnerships, and developing sustainable ways to support the next generation of dancers in Tampa and beyond.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
What breaks the bonds between people is usually a mix of ego, lack of communication, and unmet expectations. Sometimes it’s silence. When people stop showing up for each other, or stop trying to understand. In creative spaces, it’s often competition over collaboration, or forgetting why we started in the first place.
What restores those bonds is honesty, humility, and shared purpose. When people feel seen, heard, and valued, not just for what they do, but for who they are—that’s when healing starts. In my world, dance has always been that bridge. Even when words fail, movement speaks. I’ve seen people reconnect just by being in the same cypher, exchanging energy, respecting the culture. That’s powerful.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I’d tell my younger self: You’re not behind. You’re just early in your journey—and everything you’re struggling with now is shaping the strength and purpose you’ll carry later. Keep dancing, keep learning, and don’t let the silence around you make you doubt your voice.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. How do you differentiate between fads and real foundational shifts?
Fads feel loud, fast, and temporary. They usually demand attention but don’t always offer depth. Foundational shifts, on the other hand, feel quiet but powerful. They change how people think, create, and connect over time.
For me, I look at impact and longevity. If something still holds meaning when the hype dies down, or if it helps people grow and build something lasting, that’s a real shift. In dance, I’ve seen trends come and go. But the things that stay rooted in culture, purpose, and people’s lived experiences are the ones that reshape the future.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
If I knew I had 10 years left, I’d stop second-guessing myself. I’d stop spending time on things that drain me or make me feel like I have to shrink to fit in. I wouldn’t wait for the perfect moment anymore. Instead, I’d focus fully on creating, connecting, and building what truly matters. I’d spend more time pouring into the people and projects I believe in and make sure every step I take reflects who I am and what I stand for.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mynameisjep.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jepstartala
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jjacinto
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jepstartala
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/jepstartala
- Other: Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jepstartala
Image Credits
Desiree Murphy
Prelude Dance
Uriel Sanchez
World of Dance
