Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Cassandra Vega. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Cassandra, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
I was born and raised in Youngstown, Ohio – a small city resting on the border on Ohio and Pennsylvania, capping off the end of the rust belt. Those from the area will say that being an underdog isn’t just a circumstance, it’s a defining characteristic of our identity. There is also a genetic element of stubbornness that I get from my dad. If you say that I can’t do something, I’m going to do everything in my power to prove you wrong.
I truly believe that you’re only as strong as the people standing beside you. So, when people ask me where my resilience comes from, I tell them it’s woven into the very fabric of my upbringing—a testament to the strength and tenacity of the family and community that shaped me.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I’m an independent filmmaker based out of New York City. What excites me most about my craft is the power of storytelling and its ability to resonate deeply with audiences. There’s something truly special about seeing people connect with my films, whether it’s through laughter, tears, or reflection. I believe in the transformative nature of storytelling and aim to create narratives that provide solace, inspiration, and a sense of belonging. In addition to the main trifecta (writing, directing and producing), I frequently freelance as a production sound mixer, video editor, and sound designer. One of the best parts about being in this industry is that you are constantly working with passionate, talented people that really love what they do. Getting to collaborate every day with such artists is just a dream come true.
I’m also thrilled to share the recent launch of my production company, SteelCity Entertainment LLC. We are currently in the development stage of our inaugural feature film, which will be set and filmed in my hometown!
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
This is a great question!
Hmm…Well the first one that comes to mind is tolerance. The world of art is incredibly nuanced, powerful, emotional, and even downright weird sometimes. So with that comes the second quality, you have to be open. You have to first, be tolerant enough to see or listen to something out of your comfort zone without passing judgment. You have to next, be open enough to have a conversation about the uncomfortable thing. Art is supposed to spark discussion and provoke the exchange of thoughts and opinions between people. The last one is something that I still struggle with sometimes, and that is balance. Balance is more of a skill than a quality. I don’t think anyone is born with the innate ability to have perfect life balance. It’s incredibly unique to each person, so it takes years of juggling to figure out. Working as a creative can become exhausting, so it’s important to make sure you are still taking time to have fun! My mentor always reminds people to take themselves out on Artist Dates. It can be anything, painting at home, going to the movies, watching a live performance, even just walking around a museum. It’s honestly a great practice in self care and keeping that balance between art that you focus on in your work life and art that you focus on in your personal life.
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
My best advice in all of this is – experience life as much as you can. Say yes to things that scare you a little bit. Practice getting out of your comfort zone and radical acceptance and then challenge yourself to learn from it. Nothing inspires an artist quite like the adrenaline rush of something new.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.cassandra-vega.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cassievega816/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cassievega816/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cassievega816/
