We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Cassandra a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Cassandra, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

One risk I took was moving across the country to try to find my place as a model and creative in a new city.

At the time, I had a comfortable situation and a support system where I was living, but I felt stuck. I knew I wanted to take my creative work seriously, and I also knew that staying where I was felt safer, but limiting. I didn’t have a guaranteed plan when I moved — no steady work lined up — which made the decision pretty scary.

The move meant starting over completely. I had to rebuild my network, put myself out there constantly, and get comfortable with rejection. I was meeting new people, collaborating, learning how the industry actually works in a bigger market, and figuring out how to advocate for myself professionally. There were moments where I questioned whether I’d made the right choice.

Over time, though, it paid off. I found my footing, I’m building real connections, and I’ve gained confidence in both my creative voice and my ability to support myself independently. More than anything, it taught me how adaptable and resilient I am I really am. I learned that I can walk into unfamiliar situations, figure things out as I go, and keep moving forward even when the outcome isn’t guaranteed.

Looking back, that move was a turning point. It pushed me out of my comfort zone in a way that shaped how I approach challenges now — with more confidence, self-trust, and willingness to take ownership of my growth.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m a model and creative who came into this work pretty organically. I’ve always been drawn to visual storytelling, style, and self-expression, and for a long time it was something I explored just for myself. Over time, I realized I wanted to take it seriously and see what could happen if I actually committed to it instead of keeping it on the side.

That decision led me to move across the country and start over in a new city. I didn’t have everything figured out when I got there — no guaranteed work, no built-in network — just a clear feeling that I needed to put myself somewhere with more opportunity and challenge. It forced me to learn quickly, put myself out there, and treat my creativity like something real and worth investing in.

Now, I work as a model and creative collaborator, mostly on editorial, fashion, and concept-driven projects. I love work that feels moody, expressive, or a little nostalgic — anything that tells a story rather than just looking “pretty.” I don’t just show up to be in front of the camera; I care about the full vision. I’m involved, prepared, and collaborative, and I take pride in being someone people enjoy creating with.

What I think sets me apart is that I bring both intention and authenticity to my work. I understand the vulnerability that comes with creative projects, and I try to create an environment where everyone feels comfortable, heard, and inspired. I’m adaptable, communicative, and take my responsibilities seriously while still leaving room to and play, because that’s where the best art is made.

What I’m most proud of is building this path for myself without shortcuts — learning through experience, taking risks, and learning trusting myself. I want people who work with or follow me to know that my brand is rooted in honesty, growth, and creative curiosity. I care about making work that feels real, thoughtful, and true to who I am.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding part of being a creative is watching something that started as a feeling or idea turn into real art that other people can connect with.

A lot of the process happens quietly — experimenting, doubting yourself, pushing through discomfort – so seeing the final result and knowing it resonates with someone else is incredibly fulfilling. I love when a piece of work makes someone feel seen, inspired, or understood, even if they can’t quite explain why.

It’s also rewarding because it’s a constant process of growth. Being a creative forces you to stay curious, honest, and open to change. It’s taught me how to trust my instincts, take up space, and express parts of myself that don’t always fit neatly into words. That sense of alignment — when the work feels true to who you are — is something I find really meaningful and motivating.

At the end of the day, it’s not just about the visuals. It’s about connection, self-trust, and creating something that feels real — both for me and for the people who experience it.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

One lesson I had to unlearn was thinking I needed permission to call myself a model or a creative.

For a long time, I felt like I was waiting for someone else to validate it — a booking, an opportunity, someone telling me I was doing it “right.” Until then, I kept myself small. I second-guessed everything, compared myself constantly, and questioned whether I deserved to take up space in the industry at all.

That really hit hard when I moved to a new city. I didn’t know anyone, didn’t have a built-in network, and there were a lot of moments where I felt invisible. I’d tell myself I just needed one more sign, one more yes, before I could fully step into it. But that mindset was exhausting and honestly kind of paralyzing.

What changed was realizing that no one was going to hand me permission. I could either keep waiting and doubting myself, or I could show up anyway — imperfect, learning, figuring it out in real time. Once I started treating my work like it mattered, even when I felt unsure, people started responding differently.

Unlearning that has been uncomfortable and difficult, but freeing. I still have moments of doubt, but I don’t let them stop me anymore. I trust myself more now, I take more risks, and I move through my work with a lot more ownership. That shift has changed everything for me.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/terpystardust/

Image Credits

Jonathan Vilches; instagram.com/_noxlumina

Marcus Cain; instagram.com/visualsbywest

Ash Demian; instagram.com/ashdemianphoto

Dan-O; instagram.com/caribbeanqueen_vwbus

Daisy Castillo; instagram.com/daisycastillophoto

AB; instagram.com/menacingangelz

D Williams; instagram.com/713photofocus