Today we’d like to introduce you to Cassidy Cauley.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I am 24 years old and originally adopted from Europe. European southern Belle?? Haha. Not sure if that makes sense but I was adopted at 16 months along with my brother! I grew up kind of all over but mostly grew up in Texas, so I normally just stick with that. I feel like I’m really good at adapting to places and meeting new people! I always knew I was supposed to be in some kind of media entertainment growing up… but everything takes time and a lot of work. I didn’t know I’d be where I’m at today though… I always had this strong want for my dreams coming true growing up, like everyone else. I knew it would take baby steps along the way, my question always seemed to be however, “where is that first step?”. I’ve had many previous jobs leading up to running my own business being a content creator. I’ve worked and still have yet to work with amazing creators who are, like me, passionate about what they do. I love the nitty-gritty logistics of being a content creator, and some people don’t expect it as social media displays what you want people to see. I do post a lot about my life, having said that I have received mixed reactions and definite harsh messages, comments, as any flourishing social media persona does, etc. but you can’t let a few people out of a bunch of supporters dictate your self validation. I’m happy to share my troubles or win’s because I like sharing it and can create such personalized content. I think a lot of people are caught up in the “influencer lifestyle” and forget to be in the moment. “The future doesn’t come to us, we step into the future”
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Listen… the road has been up, down, side to side, backwards, upside-down and so forth… but I’m at place in my life where I can look back at everything and have those “Ah-Hah” moments. In my early teens, transitioning male to female almost didn’t seem like an option. I didn’t even know how to get the process started or even what to do. I learned a lot of things on my own as I didn’t have the support in real life or online so I was kind of at a standstill. I always knew my purpose was bigger than where I was at, at that point in time. My parents have been my rock, even after I came out to them. Although the balance and harmony of all the pieces fitting didn’t happen overnight, they have given me unconditional love and show how proud they are of me constantly. My mom always says, “There is no dream that is too big”. Being a transgender teenage girl had its own set of struggles on-top of being a teen in general. I started to look for a way out of my own head. Through my transition and early teens, I struggled with drug abuse and alcohol abuse for five long years. I was in a constant state of not admitting my wrongs, sadness, blacking out and fantasizing about where I’m sitting right now. That five years was a blur, but hey… I got a lot done… but probably not in the right way or order. I was not the me I wanted to be. I didn’t know who I was anymore, and I got really good at hiding my pains. I felt like my life had been taken from me, and that needed to change. I am a year and half sober from alcohol and hard drugs, and it still feels like a fever dream.
Now I’m not saying things got easier at first, because WRONG.. the feeling of feeling emotions and not constantly drowning them in booze?? Whatttt… but through a lot of mental preparation, healing and self-dedication, I knew I wanted better, and that’s what I got. I finally saw the light at the end of the tunnel, Sure I have my moments when things get tough, but the positives always overcome the negatives and I think that’s what’s gotten me so far. I always try and see the positive side of things… there’s a lesson to be learned in everything you go through. For me, personally, I dove deeper on a spiritual level and used a holistic approach even while I sought help from a medical standpoint. I’ve become more in tune with my mind, body and soul this past year. I feel like I was given another chance at life and for that, I am forever grateful to be able to share my story with my social media base! I do hope someone who may need it sees that it is possible to find happiness and light after so much darkness.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
As of right now, I work online with my social platforms full time! I am a brand ambassador and have been a content creator since August of 2021. Working online allows me to create my own schedule choose my work environment and leisure time. I’ve also gotten to spend more time with family!! I do have my cosmetology license so once upon a time, I went to cosmetology school and graduated in 2018. I worked in two different salons but I learned a lot of my creative and multitasking skills from a salon called Studio M in Buffalo New York – as I worked there for over two years. Although I’ve stepped away from being in a salon, I still practice my skills here and there and like to do my all girlfriend’s hair when we go out or do photoshoots. I’m a very personable and bubbly person and I think what sets me apart from others is I’ve seen life in two perspectives. I definitely consider myself an old soul. But there are sisters and brothers of the community who share the same experiences, I think I can say on our behalf I’ve seen how I got treated when I was in my teens, through transitioning and how I get treated as a 24 years old woman. People know me from Instagram primarily and being a presence on there for anyone looking for positivity and guidance… It is still mind-blowing for me to hear someone saying I’ve been an inspiration to them over the years. I’m proud of overcoming a lot of personal fears and body dysphoria I had growing up. A lot has changed over the years since I first started transitioning in 2014. I had so many doubts about being myself and what people would think of me.. but I had to let that all go stepping into the social media eye! What I love about being a content creator is that people get to see a more in depth, behind the scenes, and basically online blog about my life. It can be a hateful world but with the right love and support anything is possible. I’ve also learned a lot on the business side of things with owning an LLC and running a business, media image, management and can honestly go to bed at night saying “yeah, I did that”
What do you like and dislike about the city?
I think every city has their pro’s and con’s!! Although the terrain of the hillsides are beautiful and scenic, in my opinion the people of Austin make Austin. From teachers, cafe workers, photographers, instructors, business owners, entrepreneurs, and everyone in-between… each person is so unique in their journey! I love how the city is always evolving – paving way for someone to make their dreams come true. There always seems to be something going on as well, so it makes finding something to do not hard at all! I’ve moved in and out of state through the years but I’m a Texan summer girl at heart…and it gets HOT! I think my least favorite thing is not just Austin, but being in Texas in general, I guess, is not feeling super secure with my rights as a transgender woman in her 20’s. However, I think Austin as a whole is very progressive with cultural diversity and overall why I love it so much!
Contact Info:
- Email: bookingsccauley@gmail.com
- Website: Linktree.com/cassidycauley
- Instagram: Instagram.com/cassidycauley
Image Credits
Image credits to @joshbrochelle on Instagram image credits to @shotswithkev on Instagram
