Meet Cassidy. Cassidy has a big heart and big eyes for make up. Cassidy grew up on a 20 acre farm in Barnhartvale before moving to downtown Kamloops where she currently pursues a career in make up artistry. She has her own make up artistry business and is also passionate about special education. When she isn't making people pretty, you can find her volunteering and spending time with children with special needs.
What is your name?
Cassidy Watt
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kamloops?
I have lived in Kamloops my entire life! I grew up on a farm in Barnhartvale and I currently live in downtown Kamloops.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My favourite person to spend time with is my boyfriend, Ethan. We both work a lot, so whenever we have time off together we cherish it together either out at his family’s cabin on Shuswap Lake or at home with our kitten, Oliver. We both love going for drives.
What is your favourite local store in Kamloops and why?
Far and Wide down on 4th Avenue is my new favourite local shop in Kamloops. The decor and accessories that they have for sale are absolutely stunning and I plan to attend some of the amazing workshops that they have coming up with local Kamloops artists.
Describe yourself in one word.
Brave.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
There are so many options! I think my top choices would be either Greece or the Bahamas. Anywhere with white sand beaches is at the top of my list at the moment.
What is your favourite activity in Kamloops?
My favourite activity in Kamloops is grabbing a drink from Cafe Motivo and spending an afternoon shopping downtown.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Anytime I have accidentally posted a video on social media where you can hear me singing in the background...yikes!
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
I think in a general way the most inspiring thing to happen to me so far is all of the events that have led me to where I am today. I have been inspired by everyone around me in different ways to go back to university to obtain a degree to teach special education. I have also been inspired by other young entrepreneurs to start my own business and work hard at it. I can’t pinpoint a most inspiring moment, rather the last few years of my life have been quite inspiring as a whole.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
As I mentioned earlier, I grew up on a twenty-acre farm in Barnhartvale with horses, goats, pigs, and many other animals. Spending literally every spare moment I had as a child and teenager outside on my family’s farm riding horses with my grandparents is by far the best memory of my childhood that I can think of!
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
One of my biggest passions is volunteering and spending time with children who have special needs. I have worked with various organizations and families within Kamloops that supply support personnel to children with disorders such as Autism, Cerebral Palsy, and Down Syndrome. Working with local organizations such as the Canucks Autism Network has provided me with such a rewarding way to give back to our community and to get to know local families who are in need of support.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
I would provide an education to everyone in the world if I could. I think so many of the problems we face today could be solved if an education was easily accessible to more people.
Where would you sneak away to in Kamloops to spend some time alone?
My family’s farm in Barnhartvale is my favourite place to go when I’m feeling overwhelmed or upset and just want to remove myself from work etc. for a while. Sometimes spending some time where there is no cell phone service and a farm full of animals.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kamloops and why?
I would like to continue to see more support services for people struggling from mental illnesses/disabilities etc.
What do you think makes Kamloops great?
Kamloops is great because its located so centrally to so many different activities. Within an hour of travelling I can be out at one of the numerous nearby lakes up at Sun Peaks or Harper Mountain skiing, or I can stay local and enjoy one of our shops.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. Take some time off of work and school to go traveling with my boyfriend, Ethan.
2. Swim with the pigs at Pig Beach, Bahamas.
3. Obtain my degree and teach special education.
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I can memorize song lyrics like nobody's business.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
Facebook: @cassidywattmakeupartist
Instagram page: @cassidywattmakeup
What is the name of your business/organization?
Cassidy Watt Makeup Artist
Why did you get into/start this business?
After graduating High School, I decided to take some time off from school and while looking for a job I came across a posting for a Makeup Artist position in Kamloops with the company MAC Cosmetics. I have always been passionate about makeup.
What is the goal of your business?
The goal of my business is to help my clients feel beautiful and empowered by helping them look and feel their best for some of the biggest moments of their lives. Being a Makeup Artist, you spend some of people’s best days of their lives with them.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
I think that my biggest struggle so far has been worrying too much about everything in my life, both in business and personally being perfect all of the time. My business is young and so am I, but occasionally I lose sight of that.
What do you always find yourself saying?
Remember why you started!
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
I’d have to say my best piece of advice so far is if you work hard for what you want anything is possible.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
I really want to say Princess Diana, but as for someone who is alive I’m gonna go with Emma Watson.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
I think it’s important to shop locally because it’s extremely important to support local business people. I make an effort to support small businesses whenever I can, and in turn those businesses support me as well.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
My proudest accomplishment of my life so far is owning my own thriving business at the age of 20. I have worked hard to achieve the success that I have received so far, and I’m working harder to get even farther.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
My parents, Darren and Tina Watt! They have supported every single decision I have made thus far and they have given me and my brothers everything they possibly can. My Dad always comes and saves me when my car breaks down on the side of the road.
My choice for the KamloopsBCNow In Focus spotlight is:
Cailey Watters (Moments by Cailey).
Some general comments I would like to share are:
Thank you so much for choosing to feature me! :)
