We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Cassidy Burel. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Cassidy below.

Hi Cassidy, thanks for joining us today. If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your business sooner or later

In November of 2019, I launched my business with the start of my biggest commission to date. Although I had alway wanted to own my own brand. I felt like it made the most sense to work/study under another successful designer to gain experience before truly investing in a business of my own. 2019 was also my senior year studying at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG). But the next year brought so many challenges. As we all know, during the year 2020 came the rise of the pandemic. Although it was my plan to graduate in May of 2020 and begin my design career with another brand, it certainly did not turn out that way. Little did I know that God had a different path for me all together. My career path shifted with my job offer in NYC being rescinded. Businesses all over the world were trying to cope with new safety protocols and were struggling to keep their doors open at all, much less hiring new designers.

I spent the next four months paying the bills making hundreds of masks. After everything started opening back up in fall of 2020, I began working as the in house fashion designer and customizations specialist at a local bridal shop here in Greensboro. This opportunity fast forwarded my sewing experience and equipped me with the tools I needed to hit the ground running with my own business. Currently, I operate CassB by Design from my home studio here in Greensboro and specialize in custom bridal and evening gowns as well as gown alterations/customizations.

Although my career path and timing was not what how I originally planned for it to be, God knew exactly what I needed and knew the timing that it should all happen in. He gave me the opportunities and equipped me with the tools I needed that lead me to where I am as a designer and business owner today; all in His perfect timing, never too soon or too late.

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

Fashion Design has always been my goal in life both as a career and as my passion. I grew up in the small but growing town of Hickory, NC and although I loved my home, I knew I needed to experience the design industry in a larger city to begin my journey towards my career goal.

It was incredibly important to me to keep from diving into debt to attend college, and so with lots of love and encouragement from my parents and mentors, they helped me draft an educational plan starting at the Catawba Valley Community College (CVCC) in Hickory and landing me after two years, at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG) to finish my BA majoring in Consumer, Apparel, and Retail Studies. Although it was a long 6 years of working, attending far over the course load for hour requirements, and applying to as many scholarships as I could, I finally graduated with my design degree in 2020 100% debt free, and was ready to start my career.

Currently, designing and crafting custom pieces for my clients brings me such joy. As a custom designer, I work with my clients to bring their visions to life. My day-to-day consists of following up on inquiries, order swatches and fabric samples, conducting custom design consultations, alteration/customization appointments, and garment production. I also have an intern who is working with me learning the trade and getting ready for her first ever fashion show. As my business continues to grown, I hope to become a unique business owner adding my creativity and aiding in the growth of the fashion forward presence within the Triad.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

One of the characteristics that my family instilled in me at a young age is hard work and striving for excellence. I have always put forth by best effort and attempt to go above and beyond on any project I’m working on. Regardless of the competition, I believe you should always want to present yourself and your work as the best it can be. In college, that level of effort lead me to a debt free degree and presented me with networking opportunities that I might not have had otherwise. They say showing up is half the battle and completing the work is what remains. But in my mind, instead of accomplishing the bare minimum, with everything you do, do it to the very best of your ability. And I believe you’ll find, with the harder you work, the more successful you become.

I believe, that this mentality sets individuals apart and for my brand, I believe It has given me a reputation for care, respect, and consideration. I often say to my clients after discussing details of their consultation, “and all that to say, you won’t find a designer as excited to bring your vision to life, and as thrilled to be a part of your special day than me.”

Okay – so how did you figure out the manufacturing part? Did you have prior experience?

I often am asked about the seamstresses I employ and “who does all the sewing”. When you book a custom design with me, It is also me who will reach back out to you, order the supplies, sew by hand and with care your special gown, conduct fittings, and ultimately, we get to create something beautiful. As a small business owner, I currently outsource very rarely. I pride myself in quality control and also absolutely enjoy every step of the custom design process. And so it is my joy to create and sew my products myself.

As my business grows, additional seamstresses will become a must. But for the time being, I couldn’t be more pleased to be both the face of my business and the sewing hands behind my creations.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://cassidyburel.wixsite.com/website
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cassbbydesign/reels/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083299962883
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cassidy-burel-510419211/
• Other: Shop: https://cassbbydesignshop.com

Image Credits
Lindley Battle Haley Ellis Cesar Sanchez