Cassandra Twala is one of those people who seems to need less sleep than the rest of us; even though you’ll see below she values it very highly. It’s the only way to explain her abilities and achievements so far. Either that or she just lives life at 1.5x speed compared to the rest of us. She’s a real Jack (or is that Jacqueline?) of all trades. She began with a degree in architecture and has since gone on to become not only a social media personality and lifestyle content creator but a brand manager and producer of the Sanlam Handmade Contemporary Fair.
If you’re looking for what’s happening next in the world of aesthetics and good taste, you’d be hard-pressed to find someone more qualified than Cassandra. To us, she represents the future of life and work. We’re all being tested right now to branch out and find new ways to be in the world, new ways to forge our careers and new ways to define ourselves. She’s already on that path and we feel there’s a lot we can learn from her.
We were lucky enough to get some of her time, where she answered our Best Questions. So, without further ado we present to you – Cassandra Twala, in her own words.
What do you do for a living?
I’m a multi-hyphenate. I do all sorts of weird & wonderful things. It’s more about what does life do for me. Brand manager, ‘social media influencer’, creative entrepreneur.
If you want to feel great, what is the one item you always turn to and find yourself wearing? What makes it so special to you?
Fragrance. Makes me feel super confident. I also love it when people remember what I smell like.
What are the top five songs everyone needs to hear right now?
Energy by Alfa Mist & Emmavie
Time Flies by Burna Boy & Sauti Sol
Paper Thin by Lianne La Havas
Everything by Lauren Hill
New Way by Thandi Ntuli
What is your favourite ornament/item of furniture in your home? Where did you get it from and what do you love about it?
The pampas grass next to my bed. I cut it from my late grandmother’s yard after her funeral. It has such a presence.
What is your holy grail make up/skincare product?
Water. After that anything that hydrates.
What habit/ritual do you do each day to keep you sane?
Sleep. Oh my goodness I value my sleep.
What does you five years from now look and feel like?
Five years from now I should be running my own business successfully and taking on a lot more creative projects. I want to still be comfortable with letting go of things that no longer really serve the purpose they were intended to and aren’t growing me.
If you could put one sentence or idea on a billboard or poster for everyone to see, what would it be and why?
"Heal."
We go about our lives not giving voice to our struggles, not processing hurt and traumas and not fully accessing the love that is within us. Bell Hooks describes love as - the willingness to extend oneself for one’s own, or another’s spiritual growth. When you apply yourself to your own healing, you experience love.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
This too shall pass. Letting things go is such an important part of life. There are seasons for a reason. I’m really trying to get better at letting things go.
What’s the worst?
Hard work = success.
What do you think the world needs more of?
Healing & Independent thinking.
What does the world need less of?
Narratives that make us believe we are separate.
If you could go back in time and speak to yourself as a child, what would you say?
The world is built on stories. Most of them are very well told lies, some of them are hidden truth. Take the time and build up the courage to seek your own truth and bring that to life.
If you had to have your perfect day, what would it look like?
It would have all the people I love in communion. Bringing people closer to connect in a beautiful moment brings me so much joy.
What do you value most in a friendship and why?
Awareness. The ability to see.
People who truly see themselves are able to see others.
To see more of what Cassandra is up to, check her out here: instagram.com/cassandratwala/