Today we’d like to introduce you to Cassie Dixon.
Hi Cassie, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
When I was a kid, my grandmother used to look me dead in the eye and insist, ‘You can be anything you want to be.’ I don’t think she realized I was going to take that as a literal dare.” As a kid I did all of the things nerdy and some things cool, I was an A’s and B’s student, won Student of the Year award in Elementary school, achieved 1st place in Louisiana’s State and Local competition for Elks National Hoop Shoot competition, served in the Beta Club in middle school, played basketball from ages 5-16, and achieved host of scholarships, awards, and medals. Renee, Milton, & Lindsay did a pretty good job I’d say. Later on before graduating college in kinesiology at UL-Lafayette, I began making music with my now husband. I created soulful music that landed me performances, and even received an invitation to Nola Music awards amongst many talented artists and entertainers. There was always a strong desire within to become an entrepreneur and I was looking at a few different types of businesses, and even considering buying a restaurant – which is not off the table. I wanted to learn the practicality of business first, so when we moved to Austin, Texas, I began a vending machine business. Yet, I was still in need of that artistic creative expression- It NEVER leaves you. In result, I created the Linds.tolenz -pronounced (lends2lens)- photography page as my outlet. We have 17 posts, and each photo focuses on landscape, a place visited & set in time that would intentively make viewers feel as if they are there in that moment. I was consistently experiencing of deja-vus daily and perceiving Texas as an unexpected appeal. Everywhere I looked I saw inspiration, and that’s what got me to where I am now – inspired by the people and things closest to me. My parents’ stories are all unique, and so are my closest friends. They have all motivated me to show up as my best self despite the challenges we face. My art serves as a reminder that through every stage of life, our growth emerges through finding the elegance in resilience, connection, and confidence. Let people talk, it just means you’re doing something right. And whatever you do, do it well.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It’s funny because when you’re driving and crossing the Louisiana state line to Texas you can literally feel the bumps in the road turning to smooth slab as you’re approaching Beaumont. It has gotten a lot smoother, but definitely encountered struggles along the way. Growing apart from people that I’d known for years, finding time to write songs, and even picking a career path. It’s tough, because you that the first strong bonds you formed would be there forever, but what’s more beautiful about it is that you learn, grow, and form new ones that you cherish in a completely new way. When I’m writing songs I completely get lost in wherever I’m at, and essentially write poetry in those moments to tracks crafted by my husband who’s engineered music for Kevin Gates & C-Loc, so although he makes it easy, the writing process is not always the easiest. However, I’ve collaborated with some great people while making music and that always centers me. Life does this thing where the Earth keeps spinning on its axis no matter how much we put into it, what gets taken away, or with the change of the seasons. But, there’s always a new day and that means a chance to get it right. Born in Chicago, but raised in Baton Rouge, moving to Austin was a bit of a culture shock. So, learning how to navigate a new place and a culture that was different than the one I was brought up into has been a test, but my best friend has helped with that tremendously, she’s such an angel on earth, big shoutout to Noemi. When we allow ourselves to make mistakes, and not judge others for the ones they make, we start to create community with people who are perfectly imperfect like us. That’s how we get through it, aligning with people who are committed to not only figuring it out, but figuring it out together, & being better everyday. We can get through just about anything that way.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Currently, I work in tech as a contractor at Apple, run @Lindstolenz photography on instagram, & Beauxl Foods Vending LLC. Constantly, I am picking up the pen and continuing to write music, and will be releasing new music very soon. My specialty is in art, music and health & fitness. I have a saying that “Cardio is life”. I am proud of all the things that I lead, as they have opened doors of opportunity in ways I never thought possible. People would probably say they know me for asking controversial questions, cracking a joke at the most “appropriate” time and finding creative solutions to problems that don’t exist yet. I attribute to God allowing me to have, and when God gives you something, it is not just for you, it’s for you to share with the world. And that is exactly what I do.
How do you think about happiness?
Getting Coffee at 7am, especially Desnudo in ATX, going for runs with my Golden Retriever Beaux, visiting new cities, sitting down at the Roulette table in New Orleans’ Caesars Palace, discovering new artists on Spotify or Apple Music, having deep or light talks with my husband. These things bring me joy, because they don’t take much, and they leave me feeling at peace.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.beauxlfoods.net
- Instagram: @cass.laveaux @linds.tolenz
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cassierdixon/
