Today we’d like to introduce to you Cassie Coles.
Cassie, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I always loved art, but I never really planned on modeling. My friend @chenroy is a photographer, so we often took on many adventures together for his brand at the time Nostalgia. It started with us having fun and taking pictures for his vision. I started to like it and eventually it became a hobby. People began to ask me to model for their brands. I started modeling when I was about 18. Out of all my passions, this has been the most consistent. Through modeling, I have built the confidence to venture off into other things that I like. Creatively expressing myself is something I really like to do; it brings me true joy. I feel my best self when I create something for other people to connect with, no matter how small.
Another way I express my creativity is through dance. I have a friend @notimpressed who is a dancer. We would practice together, freestyle, and just blast music whenever we were together. I am often inspired by the people that I meet. Little did I know, I was building a skill when I was just having fun. Soon after, I started teaching dance classes. While expanding my craft as a dancer, I decided to try out to be a Miami Dolphins Cheerleader. I made it all the way to training camp. It was a great experience and it showed me the many possibilities of where I can take my career as a creative. I kept pushing forward and it led me to many amazing opportunities such as casting for Sports Illustrated where I made the final 60. I met amazing models that I admired, like Halima. Just making it that far in things like this really made me see myself and my talents. I was finally starting to feel like I can really accomplish my goals.
Ultimately, I consider myself a creator. I hope that by following all of my passions, I can help inspire the next generation.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I would say the hardest thing is keeping inspired while doing the day to day. However, I have so many friends who are following their dreams and it truly helps me fuel the fire to keep chasing mine. Being in South Florida, you just have to put yourself out there and the dots start connecting.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
People mainly know me for modeling and dance. I think what sets me apart is that I am always interested in behind the scenes and how things come to life. I am establishing my brand by building a portfolio which includes pictures and visual art. These are featured on my website casscoles.com. I have a lot more projects in the works. I hope to use this to help creative direct other people’s visions in the future.
Aside from the arts, I am most proud of teaching. I teach dance and substitute classes in public schools while finishing my degree in Education. Above all, I want to be seen as someone who can contribute to the community in different ways. I want to inspire kids like me to know that they can create anything that their daydreams bring to them. I have gained experiences that cannot be taken away. I look forward to building more content for the world to see and more importantly connect with.
What were you like growing up?
I always remember singing and dancing as a child. I never sat still. Though, I never thought I would be pursuing this as a career.
Contact Info:
- Website: casscoles.com
- Email: cassie@casscoles.com
- Instagram: @cassiecoles
Image Credit:
@curtisikng, @popphotography, @nkosiart, Murlin Saint Jean, @fabeein
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