We were lucky to catch up with Cassidy Cauley recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Cassidy, thanks for joining us today. 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?
Taking a risk is something that’s always been in my nature. I like to push my own boundaries and exceed my comfort level. We have to take risks in order to grow, change and evolve, otherwise we’ll be in the same place wondering why nothing has changed. I started my social media journey back when I started transitioning, as I am a woman of trans experience for over 8 years. Through the years, I’ve really had to curate who I’ve truly wanted to be, and who I’ve wanted to be seen as. In the recent years I risked my somewhat stable job to fully devote myself towards social media and how I could possibly give any advice to someone traveling along the same road. If I didn’t take that leap of faith I would not be where I am today. Ofcourse I was scared, “what if this doesn’t work” “Will people really follow me?” all the doubts and self gaslighting went into full effect, but I knew I had to face my fears of not caring how some people perceived me. Also not to mention the fact of everyone from my high school seeing what I was up to. I wanted to take that leap of faith not only for me, but for my future, my family, and my happiness. I have truly met some of the most wonderful souls since I took on social media full time from photographers, other models, agents, tax help and everyone that has helped me to be the best I can be. I started my own Business LLC, as well as seasonally live in south FL with my amazing boyfriend and Austin, TX. I am so happy I took that risk, I can travel wherever I need to for work, work on the go, get to spend more time with my loved ones, family and friends and really take care of myself as well.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I grew up moving around a lot, so in turn I think that really helped me open up and talk with new people and be comfortable in new/unfamiliar settings. I am 25 year old transgender model/brand ambassador and content creator/designer. I have a license in cosmetology and worked in salons for about 4 years as well as a skincare/med spa before I started my social media journey full time. I would always be working on a client and think to myself “I should be on the one sitting getting my hair done” and would dream about getting ready for shoots living in my 9-5 days. I always knew I wanted to work in the creative field but 4-5 years ago social media is nowhere near what its like now. Theres so many business’s online now which makes it really easier to work and partner with a company you love! I’ve worked with hair extensions companies, salons, different restaurants and venues as well as hotel stays to showcase all their amenities. I’ve done a wide variety of photo and video shoots for editorials including fashion brands. As much fun as running around doing all of these different collaborations are, it’s definitely a lot of work, networking and being communicative. It’s knowing when to take a much needed break, and to be proud of yourself for every little step along the way to your biggest dreams. I want people to look at my instagram and ask what I did to get where I am now. My mission is to eventually have my own product line that is devoted to helping women like myself feel for comfortable in their own skin if they aren’t already. I think my main focus really has been just expanding my connections as much as I can all while being myself. Fans can tell if you’re genuine or not, and if you’re really who you say you are. I’m most proud of the way I stood by myself and didn’t let the negative thoughts consume me in my early days of content creating. I knew I had to push myself to be rewarded. I have a lot of moments i’m proud of myself about, but I think the one that took me by surprise was being centerfold on NewYork Posts’s Newspaper Article.
Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?
One book/audio book I will recommend to my friends or anyone new in the entrepreneurial world is ‘Rich Dad Poor Dad’ Robert and Kim Kiyosaki are phenomenal in the way they speak on financial planning and most importantly your mindset. It’s really fascinating how much I have learned from just listening to his books or their podcast. I wish we were taught financial independence at an early age and how to make the most of your finances and your business. It even speaks about “procrastination” as a major factor of why people never attain their dreams. It helped me attain some of the best advice and knowledge I have ever had the pleasure of reading! I listened to the audiobook book after reading it because I wanted to soak up every bit of advice it had to offer!
Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?
I built my presence on social media, as cliche as it sounds, by being myself. I love connecting with my viewers as often as possible. Over the past year my social medias have really soared and I feel so blessed to have such an amazing support system and positive energy. Thats all I want to radiate from my page, any other energy can be taken elsewhere. It really comes down to consistency and putting that work in. It definitely didn’t happen over night, but I take each and every day to learn something new and/or create something fun for brands to use. When I first started I didn’t have as many brand affiliates as I do now but I always dreamt of where id be today. I get messages telling me how much I’ve been inspiring woman like myself and how personal we can connect! I love answering questions from my viewers, as well as giving advice. Work smarter not harder. To someone starting their social media journey – I love the idea of ‘content days’ where I film/photograph about a week or twos worth of content in one day, which in turn gives me more time to edit and perfect what I need to.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Instagram.com/cassidycauley
- Facebook: Facebook.com/cassidyevecauley
- Other: Voyage Austin Magazine : http://voyageaustin.com/interview/rising-stars-meet-cassidy-cauley-of-austin-texas/ Centerfold NY POST : https://nypost.com/2022/06/21/inside-the-wild-perks-of-social-media-influencers/
Image Credits
( in order) Personal Photo – Kevin Deal – Commercial / Editorial / Fashion Photographer @Kevindeal Instagram Additional Photos – (Image 1)James Porschen – Fashion / Fitness / Commercial Photographer @JamesPorschen Instagram (Image 2) Kevin Deal – Commercial / Editorial / Fashion Photographer @Kevindeal Instagram (Image 3) Kevin Deal – Commercial / Editorial / Fashion Photographer @Kevindeal Instagram