MEET CASSIA MARINA

Mar 24

CBN: We’d love to learn more about you, your story and what you are focused on professionally. Please tell our readers about what you do, what you feel is most exciting or special about it, as well as anything else you’d like folks to know about you!

Cassia: My name is Cassia Marina and I am a Brand & Web Designer. I am the founder of my own business Basic to Branded Consultancy, while I am also a designer at the WritersBlok - a Celebrity Ghostwriting Agency. On the surface, I am a graphic designer by trade, but my superpower is branding. At my core I’m a design thinker and creative entrepreneur. My work spans a spectrum actually, including visual brand identity, brand strategy, web design, creative direction, visual conceptualizing, content creation, podcasting and more. What’s special about it for me is that, coming from a small island like Trinidad, I was able to be one of the first people to get into online business and work with clients without the limits of physical borders. Being passionate about that and openly communicating it in my messaging, I became an advocate for true freedom and empowerment through monetizing something you love through entrepreneurship and setting that up online, as online businesses have the lowest barrier to entry. And that’s exciting because many of us Caribbean entrepreneurs gain access to more opportunities through online endeavors and/or remote work opportunities. This is really special to me because part of my story is that I was supposed to migrate since my mom left me in the care of my grandmother at the tender age of 6 months—yes, you read right, 6 months—to pursue the American dream, but that never worked out. So, due to some shortcomings from my parents, migrating isn’t always an option for some of us, so I sought more opportunities for myself through digital entrepreneurship. Then, somehow along the way, I share my knowledge and I help my clients, who are mostly women, chart their own path using business, branding, and establishing themselves online with a website. Essentially, there is some mentorship there to help kick start them on how to navigate the obstacles of setting things up from the Caribbean. And of course, being someone who has grown up and spent a significant amount of her childhood with her siblings and cousins who all lived abroad, North American mixed with Caribbean living has influenced me a lot in how I see the world and how I show up in a professional setting. For example, when it comes to being on time, etc., I understand how I need to show up. LOL

“Each step unveiled new challenges, but with resilience and ingenuity, I navigated through them, gaining invaluable insights into the nuances of online business.”

— Cassia Marina

CBN: Thanks for that intro. Can you share a particular moment in your life when you were in a deep rut. What happened and how did you overcome being in this place?

Cassia: Oh, I can vividly recall that moment as if it were yesterday. Before fully committing to honing my skills as a graphic designer and embarking on my entrepreneurial journey, I found myself navigating the complexities of life as a new mom to two small children. The passing of my grandmother, whom I once cared for, added another layer of challenge to my world. It was 2013, a pivotal year, I was still really figuring out life. Period. I remember it so clearly because it was the year I registered my business. In 2012, facing the harsh reality of pregnancy discrimination in the workforce, I encountered closed doors in my job search. Refusing to be held back, I resolved to carve my own path from the comfort of home. With determination as my guide, I ventured into the realm of online entrepreneurship. I knew there just had to be a way for me to make money from home, while taking care of my kids, by being resourceful, using my skills and the internet, I just knew I could figure out a way. Armed with little more than a Facebook page, I embarked on a journey of selling jewelry and graphic tees. It was a humble beginning, inspired by the teachings of "Rich Dad, Poor Dad," which instilled in me a reluctance to trade time for money. As I delved deeper into the world of e-commerce, designing and launching my own website became a natural progression. Each step unveiled new challenges, but with resilience and ingenuity, I navigated through them, gaining invaluable insights into the nuances of online business. That’s how I even realized the challenges with setting up an online business existed and I learned so much about the problem and what we needed but I found workarounds and that’s how I can speak with confidence on what the problems and solutions are. My journey was one of perseverance and adaptation, fueled by the unwavering belief that where there are obstacles, there are also opportunities waiting to be seized. Amidst the ebb and flow of life, I seized an opportunity to return to traditional employment for a brief stint after the birth of my son. Yet, true to the spirit of an entrepreneur, I viewed this as a stepping stone rather than a destination. It served as a means to regain stability, settling bills and recalibrating my trajectory before plunging back into entrepreneurship with renewed vigor around 2016. From that point onward, I dedicated myself wholeheartedly to my business pursuits, embracing the transformative power of Facebook Live and the dynamic landscape of social media. Being someone who wasn't. born with a gold spoon and where personal connections were sparse, I recognized the need to forge my own path and create opportunities where none seemed to exist. Thus, I doubled down on the creation of educational content, recognizing it as a potent tool for both personal and professional growth. Through perseverance, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to learning and adaptation, I have navigated the ever-evolving landscape of entrepreneurship, fueled by a vision of empowerment and possibility.

CBN: How do you currently deal with or overcome imposter syndrome?

Cassia: Imposter syndrome is such a monster, I look at it like a vilian I have to defeat daily—It's like a "jumbie", as we say in the Caribbean. It's a battle against the voice in your head, your own inner critic, your inner mean girl, the negative self-talk that echoes relentlessly and you have to silence it. We all do it, don't we? We hop on social media, succumb to the unhealthy practice of doom-scrolling, and struggle to preserve a positive mindset. But awareness is key; once we're aware, we can establish routines and habits to nurture a healthy mindset. For me, tuning in to podcasts like Myleik's is a lifeline. She's like the big sister I never had, sharing invaluable insights and advice across a spectrum of topics that keep me grounded and inspired. Nourishing my mind and spirit with positivity—through podcasts, books, meditation, and deep-breathing exercises—is essential. And let's not forget the importance of a morning routine tailored to suit your needs, one that sets the tone for a productive day. It doesn't have to be elaborate; self-care rituals, however small, make a difference. And movement—oh, movement is medicine. While some find solace in exercise, for me, it's music and dancing that stir my soul. In my childhood I used to be a dancer. The rhythm of belle/folk dancing, ingrained in my spirit and bones from childhood, I believe is channels from my ancestors, what I need to keep going that others get in exercise. Lastly, I remind myself—call it positive affirmations if you will, though I prefer to think of it as soul-nourishing truths—that I am here in this room because I am meant to be, that my worth transcends any doubts or insecurities. "There are less qualified people than you in spaces; you are more than capable." These words resonate deeply, a testament to the unwavering belief in oneself that paves the path to success—it all begins within, with you and no one else externally.

“This conversation is one that black and brown communities must confront, addressing the crab-in-a-barrel mindset rooted in generational trauma. ”

— -Cassia Marina

CBN: One last question - When being the only one with a seat at the table: how have you learned to be effective/successful even when you are the only one in the room that looks like you?

Cassia: You truly have to work twice as hard; there's just no way around it. Whenever an opportunity presents itself, I strive to ensure that my work speaks volumes, leaving no room for anyone to discredit it. However creative work is very subjective so it's definitely challenging. While I welcome constructive criticism, I'm also keenly aware that belief and confidence can sometimes carry individuals with lesser skills further. Bringing my authentic personality to the table, while maintaining professionalism, punctuality, and a proactive attitude, is non-negotiable for me. I firmly believe in taking up space and making my presence felt. However, I've also learned the importance of reading the room—a skill that's essential, especially when I find myself as the only one who looks like me. It's a delicate balance, avoiding both overanalyzing and self-sabotage, and it often requires prayer for discernment. Interestingly, the challenge isn't always about being the only one who looks like me in a room. Let's be real here, sometimes, it's within our own community, where I've had to exercise caution around individuals—both peers and prominent figures—who exploit their own. I have countless stories I can share on this. This conversation is one that black and brown communities must confront, addressing the crab-in-a-barrel mindset rooted in generational trauma. Healing within our communities is very important and much needed, so another thing I am passionate and vocal about is mental health, and whew chile you know how Caribbean and mental health does not mix well. I've learned the hard way that operating solely from my nature—to see the best in others—can be a vulnerability, especially in this line of work. Building thick skin and resilience has been essential. Yet, beneath this resilience lies a stubborn determination—a refusal to be limited by geography or societal expectations. Despite hailing from the Caribbean, I firmly believe in my ability to thrive in the global economy and access opportunities beyond my shores.

We thank you Cassia for sharing your BOLD JOURNEY!

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