Smart Women Interviews: Catherine Cassidy
Thursday, February 2nd, 2012
Q: When did you realize your big WHY?
A: I was driving in traffic in LA (stuck, actually) and muddling over a conversation I’d had with my best friend and thinking about what my next steps were because I wasn’t happy at my corporate job. It literally hit me and I knew I HAD to do it! I knew I wasn’t the only woman working hard and having barely any time or energy for a personal life, let alone a family (which was nowhere near in the picture at that age!), so I committed to building a company that made women’s lives easier (specifically, busy professional women trying to balance it all) and that empowered the women who worked with me as well.
Q: How and when did you make living your WHY a reality?
A: Two weeks later I’d given my notice and so a month later I was on my way. I started by building the foundation and getting the pieces of the puzzle in place – all the paperwork, etc. that needed to be filed and then just started networking and marketing and inviting all of my friends to be on my newsletter list! It’s been a slow and steady process with lots of personal growth and so many amazing clients who I HAVE been able to help make their lives a bit easier.
Q: What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned so far about living your WHY?
A: You have to have a support system around you that can remind you WHY you’re doing this because it’s not always an easy road to travel, but it’s so much more fulfilling. And always read your client’s testimonials when you need a pick me up and reminder of your ‘WHY.’ But mostly, even as a solo-preneur, you’re never alone if you have a great support system that gets it. If I may expand into an extension of the lesson, it’s that while you’re learning and growing and evolving, some people may fall out of your life and that’s OK. They don’t get it now, maybe some day they will, but you need people around you who are at a frequency that supports you instead of brings you down.
Q: What is coming up next for you?
A: My clients are high six figure earners plus, but my goal has always been to make fashion and working with a stylist approachable and accessible, so I’m launching an online shopping site in the next few months that does just that. I’m a little bit excited about it. It’s kind of revolutionary!
Q: Name some authors or books that have influenced your life in a positive way.
A: Wayne Dyer changed my life. I was working in the Fashion Industry, but in accounting as a way to get my foot in the door and my dream job was to be a merchandiser. It’s not easy to get a merchandising job – most people go back to school to get a second degree or study it specifically in undergrad. The Power of Intention and his comments on doubt made a light-bulb go off. 2 weeks later I got my merchandising job at BCBG.
As I continue my education and I LOVE to read, I’ve found Edwin Gaines, Napoleon Hill, etc. and I also love to read one of my clients writings, actually. Christine Kane has such a powerful way with words and she uses so few. But I always go back to Wayne Dyer.
Q: What excites or ignites your soul?
A: When women get excited about their new outfits and clothes (often just from their closet) when we’re working together. They get downright giddy and I love it! More than that, they have this new confidence in themselves as they have new confidence in their style. It’s electric and it makes me so happy. Otherwise, Mint Chocolate Chip ice cream and curling up with a cup of tea and a good book when I’ve just woken up. No need to rush into the day!
Taking leave of the Corporate Fashion Industry, Catherine Cassidy founded U*styled in 2008 to support busy women everywhere. YOU are our mission. U*styled is dedicated to empowering women and giving you the tools to discover the lifestyle you deserve through personal style. Her unique approach to Personal Styling and Brand Image has had her work across a broad range of industries and career stages including Real Estate, Finance, Consulting, Marketing, Advertising, Entertainment, Entrepreneurs and Celebrity Entrepreneurs. Connect with Catherine at http://www.facebook.com/
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Q: When did you realize your big WHY?













