Today we’d like to introduce you to Kasim Kabbara.
Kasim, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
So growing up Basketball was my favorite thing to do. I played everyday 24/7 whether it was for school, AAU, training or just for fun. It was my first love. I wanted to play for a great high school so I went to Powerhouse Dallas Lincoln High School to be apart of a dynasty.
I had a decent high school career but knew I wasn’t pursuing basketball after high school so my Junior year in HS I became a member of the Radio/Television Magnet Program and my life changed ever since. That’s where I fell in love being a creative (Writing Scripts, Acting and Editing Videos is what I mainly did.) Fast Forward going to college, I continued to edit videos for money but I wanted grow in my craft and expand. The Summer of my Sophomore Year in College, I decided it was time for me to buy a Camera and teach myself how to do Photography so I did exactly that. I spent that whole summer saving and when I bought the Canon Camera, I went around the City giving free photo-shoots to those in need to enhance my skills.
By the time I went back to The University of Texas at Austin that next semester, many people was so impressed with my grind and skills that I end up shooting plethora of events held by Black/Hispanic Organizations. I became one of the main go-to Photographers around campus and was known for my unique eye and vibrant shots. Once this happened, I knew it was time to start my Business “IceVisuals”. I’ve shot Marriage proposals, quinceanera’s, Birthday parties, concerts, graduation photos and it warms my heart knowing how I played a small part in making someone’s big moment a tiny bit better with my photos/videos.
My goal at the end of the day is to turn IceVisuals into the one of the biggest production Studios/Network housing the best (filmmakers, photographers, podcasters) of color in the Entertainment industry. With my love for basketball, as stated earlier and Hip-Hop, I created my first podcast under ‘Icevisuals’ two months ago named The ‘1-800 Podcast’. The ‘1-800 Podcast is hosted by me and a different guest each week where we talk about what’s happening in the world and our culture, in sports and give a unique analysis on that an everyday network won’t give. I pride the podcast on catering to all ages and demographic and keeping ‘real’ as possible for the viewers and listeners.
Has it been a smooth road?
LOL, it have not been smooth at all. but as Luke 12:48 says “For whom much is given, much will be required”. My hardest challenge with IceVisuals is solely my confidence. Yes, I can go times where I have to much work on my plate and vice versa with no work at all. I never seem to give myself props for the good work I do or when I’m heavily booked but instead I remember the times when I don’t have work or when my work didn’t get as much recognition as I thought it deserved. Continuing to ‘Trust the Process’ as Joel Embiid says and not be so hard on myself is something I’m getting better at daily.
With the “1-800 Podcast’ being consistent is the main obstacle I have since I just started it not too long ago. Making sure I engage with my fan base as well as putting out consistent content will be my main thing I’m pushing for in 2020. As a person who grew up with a speech impediment and didn’t speak my first words until I was almost four years old, finally creating a podcast is such a full-circle moment for me and excited for all the good feedback it have gotten so far. The best artist of all-time Aubrey “Drake’ Graham said “Sometimes it’s the journey that teaches you a lot about your destination”, I truly believe the obstacles/challenges is what build us up for our testimony and make us the best version of ourselves.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I consider myself not just a Photographer, Content Creator or Podcaster but an Artist because of the wide array of things I’m able to do and how passionate I am about each project I work on. I have worked or interned for different productions companies in Texas and LA that was responsible for such shows as “Lip Sync Battle”, ‘Going from Broke’ and “Wig”. Had to privilege to shoot Jidenna, PnB Rock, BlueFace and 2019 Grammy award-winning artist “H.E.R”. Record and Edit Videos for different departments for The University of Texas at Austin and be an On-Air Correspondent/Contributor for the afternoon sports segment on LA Hip Hop station Power 106 who Nick Cannon does the Morning show for. My experience along with hard work and trails make my business different from anyone else’s. I had to work for everything I’ve done so far and that is what makes me the most proud so far.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Dallas is the best city in the world for Up and Coming Entrepreneurs definitely in the Underground Entertainment Scene no cap. Our City is beautiful full with creatives in every part of the city ready to collab and create beautiful work. You can see on social media how so many trends that is started is because of us DDD natives. Dallas is full of talented photographers and podcasters but if you find your niche and willing to network you can make a lot of noise here.
Contact Info:
- Email: kasim.kabbara1906@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/icegawwd?igshid=7ubejzglgp54
- Facebook: https://linktr.ee/1800podcast
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/icegawwd?lang=en
- Other: https://twitter.com/1800pod
Image Credit:
Kasim Kabbara
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