Influencer Session with Cassandra

Socially Powerful interviewed award winning host and comedy writer Cassandra (@cassvillle) about her journey in comedy. Cassandra’s love for presenting started in childhood, and she turned it into a career after discovering her passion for comedy. She believes influencer marketing is more relatable than traditional ads because audiences trust creators they follow. Cassandra emphasizes the importance of working with brands that align with her values and style. She aspires to write comedy for streaming platforms and radio while supporting her family.

Cassandra @cassvillle

We caught up with award-winning host, comedy writer and presenter Cassandra, or as she’s better known on Instagram @cassvillle, to talk about comedy in the digital age, staying true to yourself, and dreaming big! If this tickles your funny bone, then keep reading to discover Cassandra’s top tips for making it in broadcasting and presenting.

When did your love for presenting and comedy begin?

This is the most cliché answer ever, but as a child I had a passion for performing arts and acting, always gravitating towards the more comedic role in plays so I’d say from then. I LOVED being on stage, on camera and performing, it took me many many years to realise this and actually make a career out of it though.

How has the increased popularity of online comedy creators impacted your content?

It’s had both negative and positive impacts – the negatives being I’ve often felt like there’s too much competition to make a true living out of it now. However, it’s been positive too because there are so many comedy creators that I don’t feel as pressured to be the best, in a weird sort of way. I get to have fun with it now and be inspired by some amazing creators!

What is your main goal for creating content?

First and foremost, to make people laugh, I get a little buzz out of it. Secondly, to create a platform for myself to connect me to the comedy world where I hope to one day work full-time. It’s already opened so many doors and I’m venturing into the comedy writing world now. Having a platform has really helped with that transition.

Which platforms do you predominantly use? Which do you prefer for posting, and for community building?

I’m a millennial Instagram girly, I started on Instagram and think it’s the platform that carries the most weight. Saying that, TikTok and YouTube shorts are also important and I spend time there too, repurposing my stuff for each.

How does community engagement vary on your chosen platforms?

I get the most engagement on Instagram, as my followers have been with me for SO long! I’m en route to growing the others the same way, with a similar relationship with the people who support me on those, but Instagram is where the true engagement is for me.

What is your favourite type of content to create, and which works best for your audience? Is there a juxtaposition?

I LOVE making comedy, it’s always fun to film, come up with ideas and edit together. My audience knows me for that too so they really enjoy my comedic takes on life. I’ve dabbled in making skincare content as I have eczema and I wanted a place where I could support those with chronic skin conditions and help them to feel confident in their own skin and that was sooo much fun too.

https://www.tiktok.com/@cassvillle/video/7328091649647693089

In your own words and experience, how would you define “influencer marketing”?

Get ready for my official non-dictionary definition, ahem: using an influencer’s reach to sell a product or service to their niche audience

Why do you think influencer marketing is so powerful in today’s society?

I think people trust the people they follow, it’s one thing being told something is great by a random ad somewhere but when someone you trust, follow and actually like says it’s great it makes you want to purchase what they’re talking about. Brands need this sort of connection to an audience, but can’t get it as many of them are faceless.

Do you have experience working with brands? How do you decide which brands you would like to work with?

I’ve worked with quite a few, Reeses, Sky TV, Amazon Prime, Cetraben – usually I pick brands based on what it is they represent and are trying to sell through my platform. Is it something I, or my audience, would enjoy? Can I make content that’s true to my style whilst working with them? Am I passionate about the product or service? There’s a few checkboxes that need to be checked before I decide to work with somebody, but generally if they’re fun, positive, and uplifting whilst able to respect what I do and who I am I’m all for it!

Based on your experience, what is one thing you would advocate to change about the comedy or radio industries?

I’d want more women and more people from regional areas in the UK within the comedy and radio worlds. At the moment, it’s all based in London and if you live outside it can be hard to get paid and get consistent work in these fields, making it even harder to enjoy what you do for a living.

It’s difficult to find work when you’re not based in London or a big city, but big cities are SO expensive to be in! The high cost of living affects us all and it’s a shame that there’s so many talented, passionate, hard-working people who’d love full time careers in radio or comedy can’t do that as they opt to live in pocket-friendly places that are often near their family or friends.

How do you balance your online and offline lives?

I have set days for things and take my down time seriously! I used to feel guilty for having down time to read, watch a show or just chill, but I learned that if I have days where I work really hard and hit my goals for that week I won’t feel guilty when I’m not working and can actually REST! I love going out with my partner, having family over or going to grab food or see a show somewhere. I equally love reading, drawing and doing a sudoku puzzle just to zone out a bit.

Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?

Writing some incredible comedy for streaming platforms and radio, that’s the ULTIMATE career goal. I want to feel at peace in myself and career and be able to support my family with it.

What is a piece of advice you would give to your younger self when first starting out as a radio presenter or comedian?

Start earlier!! I was so fearful for so long and didn’t see this as a viable career choice, it took me almost 10 years out of college to post my first video and now I finally believe in myself and my goals. It feels amazing. Whatever you want to do, or whatever you were passionate about as a child, find a way to do that as a living, think outside the box, be creative and don’t stop. Oh, and don’t eat as much dairy haha.