We recently connected with Cassandra Riddick and have shared our conversation below.

Cassandra , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

I came up with the idea for Leadership and Arts Coalition, a nonprofit 501-C3 organization about 25 years ago. In 2005 I left the music industry to pursue my film career. My first true love. LAC became official in 2019. I thought about my younger self as a visual artist at that time and the support I received from my family, educators, and friends. When I began to work in the television and film industry I was either one or two Black women or person of color in the studio or on set. I realized the generation after me did not have the resources or knowledge of the vast opportunities and careers in the media arts.

I thought about creating an arts organization with other creatives to provide media arts programs, educational classes, internships, job training and workforce development to marginalized and underserved communities. Honestly, I was inspired by what Spike Lee created when he first entered the limelight as a young black film director. He created an internship program for inspiring Black creatives who have gone on to become legendary writers, cinematographers, directors, producers, actors, casting directors, and successful entrepreneurs.

What I am most excited about is educating and training the youth about the business of the arts and entertainment industries. Moreover, they gain leadership and entrepreneurship skills and experience. As well as, introducing them to career paths that they do not traditionally see in the media. We can attempt to open a whole new world to these youth that may have never been realized.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I have worked in the arts, media, and entertainment industry for over 30 years. I started working in the music industry by during a favor for a friend in college. After graduating, I met the late great legendary Biz Markie. Inspired by that meeting, I began to work as a concert promoter, booking agent and manager. I also worked at CSPAN honing my production skills. I began to book shows, manage Go-Go Bands in my hometown of Washington DC. I took a leap of faith and began working full-time as a concert promoter, artist and tour manager, and booking agent. It is not surprising that I chose to become an entrepreneur and build a business. What is surprising is that it began in the music industry.

Over time, I learned that what set me apart was my knowledge of the business side of the industry. I developed excellent organizational and communication skills. My clients and vendors alike appreciated the care in which I took to make sure everything was properly setup and executed. In 2005 I took another leap of faith and pursued my first love – filmmaking.

Overall, those 30 years of risk taking, discipline, studying my craft, and managing a diverse group of talent and personalities provided me with a set of skills that have been useful and helpful on this journey of business and self-preservation. I am most proud of what I do as a Executive Director, Creative Producer and Artivist in helping to effect positive change and equitable opportunities for all.

Recently, I have partnered with other creatives and we started a branding agency called The Reflective Edge. The Reflective Edge provides collaborative services to interpret the creative needs and express the reflection of a client’s brand. I am also one of the founding partners of The Vision Board Media Collective. The VB is a media company that was created to use the power of the media to highlight and raise awareness on social issues that are often overlooked or marginalized in mainstream discourse. I continue to freelance and produce in the film industry.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

I underwent major back surgery in 2012. I am very grateful and humbled that I am to walk and live what my therapist termed my new normal. However, I still suffer from chronic pain. My disability has kept me from doing certain activities such as driving and traveling as often as before because of my back pain. I no longer can work 12 hour days on production sets which has caused me to shift my career and work offsite. Despite these challenges, I have remained creative and pursued my passions, working as an entrepreneur, a business partner, and a community activist. My experiences have taught me the importance of perseverance and determination in the face of adversity.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

My best source of new clients have been through referrals and partnerships.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.therelectiveedge.com
• Instagram: cass_the_social_artivist
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/criddick/
• Twitter: @casslin

Image Credits

Photo of Cassandra Riddick courtesy of Robin Kenyetta.