Today we’d like to introduce you to Cassandre Rattray.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Cassandre. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Well, it all started in a law firm in South Florida. I was hired with literally no experience. Instead of filing documents and reviewing files, like I was hired to do, I would spend hours encouraging my fellow co-workers regarding their personal struggles. I would listen and provide the support they needed. I enjoyed helping them through their difficult times and hearing their success stories later on.
This passion later prompted me to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in Research Psychology and later a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. And now, I continue to listen and support my community as a pre-licensed Marriage and Family Therapist for a non-profit agency in South Florida. While working in the community, I noticed the need for influence on topics relating to self-worth, relationships, and parenting and how it relates to appearance. I remember dropping off bags of clothing to women’s shelters and the joy it would bring them. It was an instant confidence boost to many of them.
During this long period of self-improvement and growth, I met my amazing husband and became a mother. My husband continues to support and encourage me to reach higher than the bar I set for myself. He is my biggest cheerleader! I am so grateful to be married for over ten years to my best friend.
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?
Nothing is ever smooth when it comes to life goals! I believe everyone has different struggles in life. My struggle was balancing graduate school and being pregnant while working all at the same time. I got pregnant my first year of graduate school and remembered thinking…” how the heck am I going to get through this!” However, I believe that anything that is worth having is worth working for. My first year was brutal. I remember working from 9 am to 5:00 pm, then going to class from 6 pm to 10 pm, then coming home only to stay up working on papers and various assignments due the following week. All while pregnant, but I did it!
I attribute much of my success to my faith and trust in Jesus. My life has been a pure example of Matthew 6:33, “But seek first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” So simple yet so powerful. I was a front desk receptionist with no experience. I was hired because I was Haitian and spoke creole. I was unsure of my purpose and future until I was able to apply this scripture to my life”. Once I was able to seek God regarding my purpose, my life began to change. I don’t have it all but I am truly blessed and hope I can inspire other women to seek after their dreams as well.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
I currently run my own mental health IG page @talkswithcass. My goal was to create a space to address useful therapeutic topics and tools on relationships. I also coach couples to reach their own “relationship goals” by providing practical step by step instructions on effective ways to communicate, bond and support each other. I believe we all desire to have wonderful relationships, yet struggle to find ways to make them work. I enjoy sharing my knowledge to couples so they can make the changes needed to catapult their relationships to the next level. My hope is to turn @talkswithcass (TWC) into private therapeutic practice for couples and families.
Along with that, I created the lifestyle brand, “@afashionablyfunlife.” I personally have always loved fashion and styling. This love dates back to watching my mother get dressed up and how it made her feel so confident. I want other women to feel the same. I believe that the way you dress impacts your mental health. This is why I started the @afashionablyfunlife blog. I want to support women across the world to find the confidence to get dressed and show up for themselves! After having children, we often think we no longer have it or need to dress up anymore. That can have a significant impact on how you feel. I created the lifestyle brand to showcase my love for fashion and to inspire the everyday woman to live her best life all while looking fashionably fabulous.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
The proudest moment for me has definitely been becoming a mother. I grew up in a “tough love” household. I remember thinking, “my parents are hard as nails.” But, they did their best with what they physically and emotionally had as young Haitian immigrants. So, when I had my own children, I knew I had the opportunity to be different. I promised to love them unconditionally. I promised to tell them I love them daily. I promised to protect them from harm and listen to their emotions. I promised to apologize if I was wrong and play with them when they asked. I know many people would list promotions and titles and I have had those! But, nothing compares to being a mother that is emotionally connected to their child. I am so blessed to be raising two amazing boys! I love them so much!
Contact Info:
- Address: [email protected]
- Website: www.afashionablyfunlife.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @afashionablyfunlife @talkswithcass
- Facebook: @afashionablyfunlife
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