The following content is from an interview originally published on Canvas Rebel. All intellectual property rights belong to Canvas Rebel.
We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Cassandra Claude a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Cassandra, appreciate you joining us today. Alright, so you had your idea and then what happened? Can you walk us through the story of how you went from just an idea to executing on the idea?
Starting the Artistic Freedom Mentorship Program (AFM) was a journey deeply rooted in my own experiences and passion for helping artists reach their full potential. The idea was simple in essence, but not immediately easy to execute. It was everything I wished I had while navigating the industry, even as a vocal coach for professional singers. Singing was the seed and catalyst for my purpose: helping people feel safe in their authenticity and achieve life fulfillment.I began young, working with notable names, and along the way, I learned quite a bit through being thrown into the industry’s gauntlet. As I started working with young, talented singers alongside professionals, my philosophy became increasingly clear. My “why” that kept me humble and rooted in my position in these artists’ lives became clearer as well.
It became obvious to me that even with such incredible talent, these artists aspired to break free from creative constraints, explore the full extent of their artistic potential, and pave the way for a more fulfilling career in the arts. Specifically in music, there are formulaic ways to teach, but working with the whole humaneness of the artist—as an artist—required understanding their desire to transcend boundaries, redefine artistic expression, unlock uninhibited creativity, and contribute to a more dynamic cultural landscape through their art form.
I decided to write and publish my first book, “A Singer’s Compass.” The book became the catalyst for something bigger because, upon its completion, I saw clearly that this was not just for singers; it was for all creatives. Thus, a version of AFM was born, and in 2016, I began working with artists individually. Since my thoughts were always to curate groups to build community among the artists, it was inevitable for this to evolve into the Artistic Freedom Mentorship Program that lives today. It is now a program that provides creative cohorts with the essential guidance, mentorship, and curated experience necessary for artists to navigate obstacles, refine their craft, and propel themselves toward artistic excellence, all while charting a meaningful career path in the arts.
From idea to execution, the process required careful planning and a lot of thought. I began by jotting down my vision and goals for AFM. I knew I wanted to create a program that offered comprehensive mentorship, focusing on the whole artist. The next phase was all about research. I delved into existing programs, including my own teachings, identified strengths and weaknesses, and pinpointed what AFM could uniquely offer. I reached out to my network of industry friends, colleagues, and my own mentors to gather insights and validate my idea. Their feedback was invaluable in shaping the initial framework of the program.With a clearer vision, I began developing the curriculum and mentorship structure. This included creating modules that addressed not only musical skills but also personal development, career strategy, and creative exploration. I also started working on a business plan, outlining the mission, objectives, and target audience. Knowing I couldn’t do this alone, I strategically selected a dynamic team of collaborators and mentors who not only had the expertise but also aligned with AFM’s mission. It was crucial that everyone involved shared the vision of helping artists leave with a heightened sense of purpose and readiness to contribute meaningfully to the world through their art.
We set up the necessary infrastructure, including a website, social media presence, and marketing materials. We also established partnerships with industry professionals and organizations to offer our mentees a wide range of opportunities and resources. We started with a soft launch, offering the program to a select group of artists to test our approach and gather feedback. This pilot phase was instrumental in refining our curriculum and mentorship methods. The response was overwhelmingly positive. We continued to iterate on our offerings based on feedback and saw steady growth in website subscriptions and in the number of artists inquiring and joining the program.
Throughout this journey, I rediscovered that starting a business is not just about having a great idea; it’s about execution, persistence, passion, genuine purpose, and the willingness to adapt. The process required a lot of patience and resilience. Seeing the impact of AFM on our mentees’ lives and careers has been incredibly rewarding. Today, AFM is a thriving mentorship program that provides artists with the tools and guidance they need to navigate their careers with confidence and intentionality. It’s a true labor of love, supported by an amazing team dedicated to fostering artistic excellence and innovation. Starting AFM was a journey of translating my passion into a structured program that addresses a real need in the artistic industry. It took time, effort, and a lot of collaboration, but it was worth every step to create something that genuinely helps artists thrive.
Cassandra, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
My name is Cassandra Claude and I’ve devoted my career to empowering artists by helping them reach new heights in their creative journeys.
My path began early, working with prominent figures in the music industry as a vocal coach. These experiences were invaluable, as they exposed me to the complexities of the industry and helped shape my vision for what would eventually become the Artistic Freedom Mentorship Program (AFM).
Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to work with both emerging talents and established professionals. My career evolved, and I took on roles such as a Voice and Movement Professor for Actors at the New York Film Academy, and later, a Music and Entrepreneurship Professor at the University of Miami’s Frost School of Music. These positions enriched and refined my approach to teaching, solidifying my commitment to helping artists embrace their true selves and find fulfillment in their craft.
The Artistic Freedom Mentorship Program is designed to offer comprehensive mentorship that addresses the diverse needs of artists. We focus on personal growth, career development, and creative innovation. What makes AFM unique is our emphasis on the holistic development of the artist. We go beyond technical skills to nurture the artist’s entire being, recognizing their desire to push through creative blocks, redefine their art, and contribute to the world in a meaningful way.
The inspiration for AFM was sparked by my book, “A Singer’s Compass.” Initially intended for vocalists, its broader appeal became evident through feedback and reviews. This realization prompted me to expand the program to include all creatives. AFM officially launched in 2016, initially offering one-on-one sessions before transitioning to a group model that fosters community and shared learning among artists.
We address a wide range of challenges artists face, from overcoming creative obstacles to developing effective career strategies. Our meticulously crafted curriculum and personalized mentorship provide artists with the confidence and skills needed to excel. What truly distinguishes AFM is our dedication to helping artists discover and embrace their unique identity and purpose.
I’m incredibly proud of the profound impact AFM has had on our participants’ lives and careers thus far. Witnessing their growth, success, and the realization of their artistic goals is deeply fulfilling. Our mission extends beyond skill-building; we aim to cultivate a sense of purpose and resilience in each artist we work with.
To those considering joining us, I want you to know that AFM is more than a mentorship program—it’s a vibrant community committed to artistic excellence and innovation. We are passionate about guiding artists on their journey to thrive and make significant contributions through their art. Whether you’re at the beginning of your career or looking to deepen your practice, AFM offers the support, tools, and expertise you need to navigate your artistic journey with confidence.
Thank you for taking the time to explore my journey and learn about the Artistic Freedom Mentorship Program.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
Several factors have contributed to building my reputation in the market. Firstly, my academic background has been instrumental; I hold a degree in Music Education and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration with a focus on Entrepreneurship.
Additionally, I’ve earned numerous certifications in psychology and the art of self-relationship.
However, what truly solidified my reputation are the years I’ve spent in the industry, fostering meaningful relationships with students and clients. The results we’ve achieved together are significant, but it’s the sense of safety and trust that has made the biggest impact. These strong connections and the trust they instill have been pivotal, especially for the first round of mentees who joined the AFM program. They believed in me and their positive experiences. Through them, word-of-mouth recommendations have been paramount.
Moreover, my credibility is further bolstered by being a published author and my roles as a professor and clinician in reputable organizations. These accomplishments have reinforced my standing in the industry and continue to attract new clients and students becoming mentees who are eager to join the Artistic Freedom Mentorship Program.
How do you keep your team’s morale high?
Managing a team and maintaining high morale are crucial for the success of any organization, and I’ve found a few key strategies and natural tendencies of mine that are particularly effective.
First and foremost, fostering a sense of trust and safety is essential. Just as I’ve built strong relationships with my students and clients by making them feel secure and valued, the same principle applies to team management. Open communication and active listening create an environment where team members feel heard and appreciated.
Another important aspect is recognizing and celebrating achievements. Whether it’s a small milestone or a major success, acknowledging the hard work and contributions of your team members goes a long way in boosting morale.
A key element in maintaining high morale is the respect I have for each team member’s contribution. I am genuinely a fan of each team member, admiring their work and dedication to their own missions, which align so well with AFM. This mutual respect and admiration help build a strong, cohesive team.
Lastly, leading by example. I consistently show my team my dedication, passion, and work ethic. Your attitude and behavior set the tone for the entire team. If you are positive, motivated, and respectful, your team is likely to mirror those qualities.
These principles have not only helped me in my journey, but have also proven effective in creating a positive and productive work environment.
Contact Info:
Instagram: @sassyclassycassie & @artistic.freedom.mentorship
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