Meet Cassie Kieda | Photographer & Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Cassie Kieda and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cassie, alright, let’s jump in with a deep one – what’s you’re definition for success?
As unconventional as it may be, one of the ways I define success is a calm nervous system. You can have everything in the world and not feel internal peace. My artistic expression can typically be tied back to just that: Love for nature, being good to each other, being true to yourself… These are all things I hope everyone experiences. I bring the struggles I’ve been though and the things I’ve overcome into my art with me and it’s both beautiful and surprising to me to see how it translates onto paper.
As a mom success to me is seeing how much my kids know I love them and that I have both their hearts and their backs. Life hasn’t been easy for us and I am most proud that our home is a peaceful heaven. They’ve actually been my biggest cheerleaders as I’ve started painting. I’m truly the luckiest.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’ve paid immense attention to detail and to how people move about the world for as long as I can remember. My “escape” as a kid was drawing and creating stories. I became a mama quite young and then in 2018 became a single mama to 4. My priority was taking care of our mental and emotional wellbeing as I built a life for us and no matter how hard I tried, traditional jobs were just not going to work. I bravely started my photography business in 2020 when the world was seemingly shutting down. Thankfully things took off and have been growing ever since. However I needed more. I needed another way to sit with the difficulties and beauty of life and share that with the word. So I very timidly started painting tiny landscape paintings with watercolor. To my surprise they instantly sold so I painted a few more. Then they sold out… Last month I participated in a gallery and sold out. I definite think I have found my thing! My flow. It’s funny because I feel like I’m still just learning and playing but maybe that’s what it’s all about anyway. I’m so thankful others are joining me on this journey.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
There are so many amazing businesses here!

Some of my favorite places to eat are:
Gaia House Cafe
Wealthy Street Bakery
Parsley Mediterranean Bar & Grill

And for shops I love:
Nesology Shop & Studio
Global Infusion

As well as our markets like Fulton Street Market!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have to give credit to Chelsea Garter! She has been an amazing support since I first started my photography business and has been one of my biggest inspirations to openly express myself through art. The way she is loudly herself makes me feel more ok with being exactly who I am. I can honestly say her kindness, advice, and work has helped me get to the place I am today.

Website: https://www.cassiekieda.com

Instagram: @cassie.kieda.artwork