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

Gina, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Do you wish you had started sooner?

I have often asked myself this question for the past 7 years. Well, I realized there are no rules. From when I was a little girl, I strived to be perfect and obey all the rules and ironically enough, my life story turned out to be anything but a ‘by the book story’. I became the exact opposite of what I was in my childhood. Shy, obedient, fearful, conservative, with a low self-esteem, people pleaser, sensitive, I was willing to trade my authenticity for approval anytime I was asked to, for the sake of being accepted as part of a group and I did so relentlessly, until losing myself was more painful than the loss of others, or their approval.

So I began to dare, to express myself through clothing, make-up and hairstyling, photography and videography, I experimented, I allowed myself to stay in the middle of all the judgements and opinions that were once so tragically painful to me and I slowly developed my own style, my own voice, my own authentic self, that was bold, courageous, unapologetic, original, futuristic, eclectic, maybe outrageous sometimes. That is when I realized I was an artist, a true artist, more than a fashion designer, a profession that I meticulously prepared for all my life, I allowed myself to dream, to believe and to change the course of my career dramatically, from a fashion designer, to expressing myself as an artist, that was able to sing, dance, act, paint, model, write, direct and guide others on their path to their discovery as well.

Long story short, I was very young, about 5 when I decided I wanted to pursue a fashion career, at that age I was not fully aware of what that path would mean and I let behind all the attempts of pursuing a singing and dancing career, because I was too shy to be in front of the cameras. I’ve lied to myself and completely forgotten of those passions that were always there, with me, that I was always exploring behind the scenes, without anyone knowing or watching, inside of my home, till one day, when everything crumbled and realized I had nothing left to lose, since I had lost it all. I did what my heart’s whispers were so desperately trying to tell me, to do what I was meant to, be a complete artist. So yes, there are no rules, I am 33 now and I am finally starting to fully pursue an artistic career, combining all those that I have learned in the past 18 years of experimenting in the art field.

So it is never too late, although the industry might say so, to fully pursue your dream and career. You may encounter blockages, delays or setbacks on your road, but when the time is right, you’ll be able to achieve your dream or that path that may have never been a dream, but it was the one you were called to pursue. I would have started earlier, for sure, in the mind of that scared, little girl that wanted everything to be right and perfect, without mistake, but my destiny had a different plan for me, so I guess all those years that seemed wasted had the purpose of teaching me what I would have never learned from books or mentors.

Experience speaks louder than any teacher, any group or institution that would want you to follow their rules, experience teaches you that you’re in charge, you can succeed in spite of all the weights that have been thrown at you, no matter how long it may take. That was the most important lesson for me, the lesson of time, the lesson of patience. So I wouldn’t change anything at all, I have gained so much insight of what the art, music and fashion industry mean and I have managed to know myself so well and to find my strength. Now that the lessons have finally come to an end, it will be so much harder for someone or something to stop me from achieving my goals and that is priceless.

Gina, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I remember myself drawing, painting, singing and dancing when I was a little girl. By the age of 5 I was sure I wanted to become a fashion designer, but it was only at the age of 14 when I realized I had to pursue an art school in order to prepare for my dream, so at the age of 15 I moved to a bigger city and started studying fashion design in high school, college and master degree. After that, I opened my own showroom and workplace in the heart of the city and began building my own brand.

My clothing line was designed for artists and performers, dancers, musicians, actors, I was specialized in costume design. It was then when I realized my brand was teaching others how to be courageous in expressing themselves through clothing and I understood how powerful the self-image can be and the impact it can have on others. People were completely transformed when wearing my designs, they were empowered, like wearing a suit that made their self-esteem skyrocket. That was the moment I decided to work on my personal image and become a full-time artist, leave it all behind and move to the U.S. and start a new life, a new path, a new career.

I started experimenting with my own image, my own abilities to model, pose, act and focus on me as the main character, the image of my own brand. I started songwriting, composing, I worked on my first song with other producers and then on the second one, and after that I challenged myself to learn how to produce my own songs. I experimented telling my stories through videos, and then I learned how to edit and colorize my own videos and direct them. It was a long period of setbacks and delays that brought me to this moment, of finally having the time, the right environment, the security of a stable home to work and create from, with no impediments.

People can visit my website and learn about all the services that I provide and will soon have the chance to listen to my new songs and watch me fully develop as an artist. I have many future plans, but I will reveal them at the right moment. I will let myself create freely and I must confess that I am as curious as all the viewers to see the new me and my new art, that was so desperately wanting to see the light for so many years. It’s been an overwhelming period for me, as a visionary, an entrepreneur, an artist, to stay still and fight a silent fight that almost nobody knew about until now, when I have finally reached the point of starting again, stronger than ever, with a clearer vision of what I want from me and my career.

I can’t convince the viewers to stay by my side, to watch and support my artistic efforts, I am sure that only those who resonate with me and my art will be there for me, as it’s been so far. I have no marketing strategy, no tricks, I am only willing to make art and enjoy life while doing so, and those who will find themselves in my story, in my creative process, will be there for sure and enjoy every moment of it and continue to be inspired for their creative or non-creative endeavors as well.

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

I like being free, I like being in charge. I am a control freak when it comes to my art and I want it to be a certain way, the way I have envisioned it. It is very hard for me to let others do my job when it comes to creativity, so I prefer learning how to do it myself, even when it comes to new things. I think it’s one of the few fields where you can work on your own, without depending on other departments or teams.

Being able to inspire others in ways you never imagined, only by telling a story through lyrics, visuals or a single quote, encouraging someone to keep going on their path only because they resonate with your story. That’s magical. Being able to transform your thoughts and words into visuals, being able to tell an entire story through metaphors, that is the most exciting part for me.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Yes, all my artistic efforts and experience will be used in guiding others on their creative journey through my agency, that will hopefully create an environment for future, young artists to find their place in the art, music, performance or fashion industry. I have encountered so many imbalances along the way in this system that is an enclosed one, where very few have fully access to, so I have the hope of creating better opportunities for outcasts to feel accepted and have the opportunity to make a living out of their art, with less pressure from society to adopt a normal life and resign from their artist life. Very few truly support the young artists or have the possibility of doing it, so I hope I will be able to make it happen.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ginacas.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gina.cas/?hl=en
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/GINACAS

Image Credits

Raducu Popa
Ciprian Ciulei