Rising Stars: Meet Cassidy Burel

Today we’d like to introduce you to Cassidy Burel.

Hi Cassidy, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I have always been interested in the fashion industry. I grew up in a small town in North Carolina where the hottest fashion trend was a camouflaged hoody in different colors. And so from what you can consider the outside of the fashion industry looking in, it seemed like such a world of beauty. It wasn’t until fourth grade when I really discovered my passion for the fashion world. During a Christmas party that year, I was wandering around my mother’s friend’s house as the party was commencing, and I stumbled into the hostess’ closet. Her name was Fran Coffey. Although Hickory isn’t exactly known for having the newest fashion trends, Fran however, was a very A-list gal. Thus, her closet held more beautiful articles of clothing and accessories than I had ever seen. Of course, I was caught in the coat closet, but instead of berating me with frustration, Fran took down one of her fur coats and put it on me. I wore it the rest of the party, fell asleep in it, and she let me wear it home on the pretense of “borrowing” it, but she had already told my mother I could have it. I then proceeded to wear that coat for my entire fourth-grade year at school. I strictly remember being laughed at by the other students. I was certainly called “weird” a lot. And my teacher recommended that I wear something else. “It simply isn’t practical”, he said. But I didn’t care. The confidence I felt in that coat, the lack of care for what others thought because I felt beautiful, I knew I wanted to create for others in designs that I would come to make.

In 2016 I officially began my apparel design studies at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG). I had previously taken the sports direction through high school for my extracurriculars, and thus, I entered a fashion school without the slightest idea of how to sew. I knew within that year that my acceptance in this program was a God thing, because the next year, they changed the program to require sewing portfolios to get into the program. If this had been a requirement when I applied, I may not have been accepted. Everything happens for a reason and in His perfect timing. I spent the first two years of my college career desperately trying to catch up. I felt so behind by comparison because everyone else had experience sewing whereas I had none. But halfway through my second year, everything started to fall into place. I took more responsibility in the apparel design program by participating as the Fundraising Coordinator for Threads (the fashion club on campus) and held office of President for the remainder of my college career hosting numerous fashion shows, fundraising events, and model calls. All of the tenuous work and extra effort was all leading to my senior year where I would hopefully have impressive enough credentials to outshine students who went to FIT and land me a coveted design position in New York City.

By March of the year 2020, I was preparing for my final senior showcases including several fashion shows, competitions, presentations, and final senior thesis to be presented in front of employers as the school year and my college career was coming to a close. I had been weighing employment offers in New York City and in Boston and was at the stage where we were working out details for moving. And then all of the sudden, my whole world, and everyone else’s came to a screeching halt. On March 23rd, 2020, the world shut down due to COVID-19. My job offers were rescinded, the senior showcases were canceled, and it felt as if everything I had been working for six years fizzled out. All my plans changed.

For the next year, I did what many others did; I found another part-time job after being laid off from my previous employment. Only essential businesses were allowed to remain open during this time. The summer of 2020 was spent altering plans and adapting to the new life as it was. Although this was drastically different from my career plan, perhaps it was a blessing in disguise. During the next year, I officially launched my business CassB by Design. I made over 500 face masks; I made backpacks, and whatever else I needed to pay the bills. Sometimes you have to do what you can until you can choose to do what you prefer.

By the end of the year 2020, I accepted a part-time position at a bridal salon known as Simply Stunning by Divas. The owner presented this opportunity to me and made it clear that she wanted to build a relationship together. Although there wasn’t a full-time position available at the time, alterations were my foot in the door. Little did I know how much I was going to learn with this position. I enjoyed my time taking classes for pattern making at school, but nothing teaches you faster than being through into the situation and then having to figure it out and make it work with an expectation of perfection. I’m lucky because the other seamstress there is kind and wanted to teach me all of her tips and tricks. With her help, I had a newly found confidence in my work and garment construction.

By the New Year 2021, businesses were opening back up and clients were eager to be dressed for upcoming events. I began accepting commissions for birthday gowns, wedding dresses, cocktail attire, and more projects under my preferred niche market of evening wear and bridal. With many projects under my belt, I was also presented with a new opportunity with Simply Stunning. The owner and I were eager to continue our relationship and she offered me a brand new position. I am currently, the full-time in-house Designer and Co-Manager at Simply Stunning working under my own label CassB. My days are filled with joy and laughter as I get to create beautiful pieces for all those who wish it so. Although this wasn’t my original plan, it was God’s plan, and I guess it took a pandemic for me to hear it. What a great life it is.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Answered in the first question

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My educational career at UNCG gave me the opportunity to create many different types of apparel. For a brief period, I greatly enjoyed heavy coats and thought that that was going to be the direction for my career. But as I participated in more fashion shows, I developed a love for evening wear and apparel. I found that an enormous tulle gown gets more of a reaction from both the crowd and the person wearing it than a simplistic set of separates. And thus, my passion for gown creation was born. I would say that I am now known for my gown creations for both bridal and special occasions.

One aspect of the apparel industry that I believe sets me apart is craftsmanship. Quality is greatly important to me. I know that there are many ways to make gowns but I specialize in quality and fit. There may be cheaper ways to make what I do, but only by cutting corners and opting for cheaper materials. If you want it to look expensive, you have to invest in your craft. Often, that means the price is a little higher. It’s custom apparel after all, and so it ought to be.

What do you like and dislike about the city?
I moved to Greensboro, North Carolina in 2016 and have enjoyed it ever since. From growing up in a very small town with gravel parking lots, to moving to Greensboro with parking meters in every spot was certainly a change. As I’ve lived here, I have come to love it for many reasons. I believe Greensboro to be a large enough city where fashion is rampant but one doesn’t get lost amongst the crowd. It’s small enough to make a name for yourself but large enough to meet new people every day. In my opinion, it’s the perfect place for a growing business.

I like to not dwell on the parts of my home that I dislike. But since you asked, sometimes the roads are confusing. Half the time they are one-ways or they are forever under construction. So I guess we can blame the city planner for the one.

Pricing:

• Bridal Gowns $1,500-$4,000
• Flower Girl Dresses $200-$400
• Special Occasion $400-$1,200
• Bridal Alterations $400-$800

Contact Info:

• Email: cassbbydesign@gmail.com
• Website: https://www.cassbbydesign.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cassb_by_design/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CassBbydesign/

Image Credits
Lina Walker

Ashton Mcghee

Haley Roth

Lauren Cagle

Cassidy Burel

Arielle Bunton

Erin Myer

Lindley Battle

Baylee Shane

Kermen Photography

Sydney Rose

Veronica Mossed

Karl DeBlaker

Esther garcia

Tashari Tucker

Madisyn Todd

Tulsi Thakor

Rebel Photography

Eutasha Harewood

Cameron Smith

Cesar Sanchez

Al Swope

Megan Nelson

Maria K

Jessica Delovely

Sidney Jackson

Co