Cassidy Montalvo never intended to become one of the go-to lifestyle influences online. She didn’t plan to create content at all, actually. Her journey, spanning from traffic control to a prominent influencer role, is a unique tale filled with unexpected twists. During the COVID-19 lockdown, when work was scarce and connections felt distant, Cassidy turned to content creation as a way to foster community and stay busy. What began as a fun diversion quickly evolved into something significantly larger.
Cassidy’s Realization: Content Creation Became Too Big to Ignore
After returning to her job, Cassidy found herself juggling a booming online presence alongside her day job—and the scales were tipping heavily. “I reached a point where I had to choose,” she recalled. That pivotal moment hit when emails began flooding her inbox from brands she admired. “I couldn’t believe I could get paid for this! I was just doing it for fun!”
Taking that jump into content creation turned out to be the right move, and she’s reaping the rewards.
The Hard Truth Behind Influencing: It’s Not All Glam
Many people think being an influencer is a walk in the park, but Cassidy is clear about the hard work beneath the pretty visuals. “It’s not quite like being a doctor or a lawyer,” she noted, “but it takes a lot of effort.” She emphasizes the mental pressure involved, something that often goes unnoticed. “You need consistency and resilience, plus a thick skin pretty quickly because everyone has an opinion about what you share.” Despite the stress, she remains passionate about her work: “It’s a privilege, but it can take a toll on your peace of mind.”
Why Gen Z Favors Creators Over Established Celebrities
Cassidy believes the landscape is shifting and that creators are becoming the cultural touchstones for Gen Z because they can easily spot anything that feels fake. “They’re like little detectives,” she joked. Rather than dismissing or ridiculing younger generations, Cassidy encourages older folks to observe and teach instead. This connection with creators is what keeps her followers engaged.
Large-Scale Plans in Motion: What’s Next for Cassidy?
With millions of followers, Cassidy is ambitiously plotting her future, and it’s well beyond social media. First on her agenda? Writing. “I’d love to write—a guide to life from a grandparent’s perspective,” she shared, dreaming up a book of timeless lessons. Additionally, she’s eager to satisfy the requests of her audience who want personal styling sessions. “People often want me to style them; I could totally see myself doing a YouTube series where I meet my followers face-to-face!”
And for her brand collaborations? There’s one she really dreams about: “I’m a huge fan of Free People. I’d adore creating an accessible collection from them—pieces that work for multiple looks and seasons!”
Cassidy’s Secret to Going Viral: A Simple Rule
Her journey to viral success wasn’t straightforward—it took time, experimentation, and learning to let go of perfectionism. “Stop getting hung up on analytics,” she advised. It can become a mental blocker. When you’re making content, expect to feel awkward at first, she added. “Talking to my camera felt bizarre initially; however, practice made me comfortable.”
Her golden nugget of advice? “Share something helpful daily—a recipe, a style trick, or even a good deal.” Everyone has a unique contribution to share, and if what you offer can help at least one person, they will seek you out.”
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