Dev has the creative edge: Online hub for Caribbean creatives

BY LA SHAWNA GRIFFITH

Devon Greaves is the founder of Dev’s Edge, an online platform that has become a hub for Barbadian creatives to express themselves.

Greaves, who is an avid lover of the cultural industries, said he became involved in the cultural industries because he found creatives to be alluring in the way they presented themselves.

“For as long as I can remember, I have been a perceptive individual, always curious to find out how others view the world. While studying at the Barbados Community College (BCC), I remember looking at the Creative Arts students in a perplexed manner asking myself questions like ‘Why does she have orange hair?’ or even, ‘Why is he dressed that way?’ I found these creatives so interesting, and I wanted to find out more. After approaching them, I realized that they had such exciting stories to tell and that is exactly what I decided to do.”

His love for the cultural industries cupped with the struggles creatives faced, led him to creating his website www.devsedge.com, which allowed up-and-coming Barbadian, regional and international artists to showcase their talent.

Dev, as his peers affectionately call him, said his platform Dev’s Edge was created with the purpose of having a platform to be the voice for the individuals who are featured on it.

“It’s an online space for creatives to be recognized, and a source of inspiration along the way. In short, we do this in three main ways. The Dev’s Edge site first comprises our ‘Life on the Edge’ blog where you will find the awe-inspiring journeys of the island’s best creatives and entrepreneurs. Secondly, there is the ‘Style & Fashion’ section that tackles fashion from a psychological standpoint, while sharing style tips and highlighting designers, models, and the regions’ fashion brands in a series format. Then last but certainly not least, there is our ‘Entertainment’ section where the additional fun happens as we bring you the ‘Song of the Week’ and the most exciting entertainment news from the region.”

Greaves said one of the highlights since starting his business is that he is able to see creatives and entrepreneurs in Barbados develop their brands and bring their ideas to life.

“I have also had the opportunity to do so internationally by travelling to Colombia. While I was there, not only did I get to promote Barbados and what we have to offer, but I also created a Latin American Campaign where I collaborated with a few promising individuals including a: photographer, makeup artist, model, and YouTuber. It gave them the opportunity to utilize their skills to produce a promotional project. This experience was very rewarding and a lot of fun. I am pleased to say that these individuals are now further developing themselves by working together, creating short films, and most importantly, following their creative aspirations.”

How was Dev able to go to Colombia and form these meaningful relationships?

Dev is a holder of a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish with Management Studies and currently speaks and thinks in four languages – English, Spanish, French and Italian. Therefore, travelling to Colombia to market his business was definitely in his wheelhouse.

However, he soon realized that his platform had international reach.

“I started receiving feedback that other influencers and organizations abroad were beginning to embrace and reach out to my featured individuals. Little did I know that Dev’s Edge was developing a small following in Canada, the USA, Colombia, and even the UK? That is when I fully realized that the brand would be bigger than I could ever imagine.”

Greaves said he is seeking to have a European tour and campaign once COVID-19 is not as prevalent, so he can begin to lay the groundwork for his brand’s expansion.

“I would love to do a European tour and campaign, similar to that of Colombia where I would lay the groundwork for brand expansion by connecting with new creatives there. I would also like to create content in different languages namely Spanish, French, and Italian to reach a wider international audience. If they do not come to us, I am willing to take the brand to them. Either way, our Caribbean talents are exceptional, and their work must be known globally. Long live Dev’s Edge – The Home of Self-Expression.”

His mantra is similar to his goal for his European tour “The grave is a rich place-full of unsought ideas.” He is passionate about pursuing his goals helping others to never give up on their dreams.

For more information on Dev’s Edge contact him on any of the following channels:

IG: @devsedge

FB: Dev’s Edge

Website: www.devsedge.com

Email: devsedge246@gmail.com