Ladies, please let me introduce you to our featured contributor of the month Cass Artelle. Cass has been with P&S Co. for about 5 months now (time flies) and you’ll have seen her cover a variety of topics from fashion to food and travel. We’ve done a Q&A with Cass so you can get to know her a little better. So without further ado, please meet Cass Artelle.
Name or nickname if you have one:
Cass, I prefer this over Cassandra to be honest.
Zodiac sign:
Libra
Where do you live and what do you do?
I currently live in Ottawa, Ontario. Where I am a public servant. I am acting as a Communications Advisor for The Public Opinion Research Directorate within Public Services and Procurement Canada.
I began there as a student intern, then became a data analyst and now I am venturing into the comms field. Recently, I have worked on some big projects such as developing and publishing our annual report, and over the next few months I am working on developing our first ever e-learning courses. I am really thankful for my job and the amazing colleagues that I work with.
What makes you feel pretty and smart/what does it mean to you?
Honestly, I heard this quote once and it always stuck with me. “Make your heart the prettiest thing about you.” I believe that it is most important to be kind and empathetic, not only to others, but to yourself. I believe in compassion and taking 2 minutes out of your day to let your friends and family know you love them, and to ask a cashier genuinely how they are doing. Be nice to strangers, we are all walking different walks of life but we are all human.
Embrace your emotions, the world needs more love, peace and warmth. Do not be embarrassed to get lost in fairytales, and to be a sensitive person. If you are sensitive, this means you are receptive and feeling. Being able to feel, love and express yourself is a beautiful (or pretty) thing.
As for being “smart”, I would say that I find a person smart when they are brave to ask questions. I believe that one is “smart”, when they are open to the opinions of others and do not shame others when they reach a disagreement. One is “smart” to me, when they are curious about the world around them and continue to immerse themselves in other cultures, networks and activities.
I will say that I feel at my best, and most “pretty and smart”, when I am: radiating kindness and optimism, eating well (a lot of fruits and vegetables), drinking plenty of water, surrounded by solid and genuine relationships, open to learning daily, investing in myself/my future and have a fresh mani and pedi (no problem with this)!
One piece of advice to your younger self:
You will go through MANY situations in life. You’re always becoming and then unbecoming. You will attend various schools, go through multiple friendships, undergo many job interviews, be offered numerous career opportunities, go on a lot of dates, experience unique relationships and will embark on a lot of travelling.
During every second of it all, you are enough. I don’t mean that just because there are so many experiences, you shouldn’t give each situation your all. You should 100% give your all in everything that you do, because it is worth it and beautiful. I know you know that, this is what I love about you.
What I am saying is, if certain things don’t work out and it doesn’t make sense, either due to things out of your control, or hiccups you caused, keep going. Each interaction and stop along the way is apart of your journey. You are deserving of the best, you were then and you are now. I would also say, you are a pure, kind, happy, strong and lovely person. You were these things from the start, and it will all be wonderful. Don’t focus so much on a happy ever after, embrace where you are in the moment and stay present.
Who would you say is your biggest role model or icon (fashion, career, fitness, personal or otherwise):
It’s funny, when asked this question I’m sure many people think to celebrities or influencers automatically. Personally, I don’t. I admire various traits from those close to me the most. I value my moms work ethic. She is a motivating factor behind why I wake up at 6am everyday and get things done. My dads kindness and selflessness constantly reminds me of what is important. My friends inspire me to keep advancing in my career and save for the future. As for my fashion sense, I really developed it on my own from a young age through social media.
I will say, however, that I do find Marci Ien (who recently left The Social to purse a political career) and Sarah Haines from The View both respectable and smart. I enjoy listening to their perspectives on various topics.
What you’re reading/watching/listening to:
I am currently reading a book called The Return, written by Nicholas Sparks. It is not your basic love story, it speaks openly about PTSD and triggers. I am finding it fascinating. After this, I want to purchase Untamed by Glennon Doyle (I’m late, I know).
For the past week or so I have listened to songs such as Edge of Desire by John Mayer, Somebody’s Problem by Morgan Wallen and Monster by Justin Bieber and Shawn Mendes. I really love indie folk & country music.
I tried to get into podcasts but I can’t seem to stick to them. There isn’t anything I’m into on Netflix right now either, I’m also a bit tuckered out by it. I kind of want to purchase Disney Plus.
Favourite thing in your closet right now?
This is tough. Although I like to get dolled up and dress fancy, right now I am actually loving these lounge sets that I ordered from Pretty Little Thing. My favourite outfit is a long sleeve sweater in a taupe colour, along with matching leggings, that I wear either indoors with my TNA socks and slippers, or outside with Nike or New Balance runners, a beanie and my Super Puff. Very comfortable, yet stylish.
Next place you hope to travel to (near or far)?
I really hope to visit Italy sooner rather than later. Part of my family is from Italy, specifically a town called Pretoro. I want to visit the Amalfi Coast, Florence, Rome, Capri, Lake Como and Tuscany.
It would be perfect to roam aimlessly on the cobblestone streets and eat a lot of pizza, pasta, beef carpaccio, fish and tiramisu. I do know that there is so much travelling that I still want to do… a lot!
Best word to describe you and why?
I think that there are many words that I could use to describe various aspects of my personality. Since I have to choose one, I choose “passionate”. In day to day life, I find so much joy in just the sunrise, the sunset, a good coffee and conversations.
When I speak with my friends and family, I am genuinely very curious to know that they are doing well. When I hear of unfortunate incidents’ in the news, or even in movies, that aren’t real, I feel for the victim(s) as if it were me in the situation. Growing up, and still to this day, when achieving and trying to attain my goals, I continue with effort, questions and passion.
When I listen to music, especially in the car, or just in bed, I really get into it. In romance, I am an old-soul. I value time, special moments and things like hand-written notes. Life is way too short, so I try my best to be passionate.
What is your guilty pleasure?
I have many. My guilty pleasures are: clothes from Aritzia, shoes, home decor from Anthropologie and dessert (pies, tarts, breads, donuts).
What is your favourite piece you’ve written for PSCO?
I don’t think I can pick just one post. So far, whenever I’ve completed a clothing haul, experienced some new restaurants, or a getaway, I’ve been equally excited to share it with you all. Being a contributor has been so fun! The girls are super kind and interesting.
People can find Cass on Instagram @cassandra.artelle
If you want to know more about Cass please feel free to ask her anything in the comments below. She would love to hear from you!
