We’re looking forward to introducing you to Cassidy Wiedman. Check out our conversation below.
Cassidy, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
If you would have asked me this a couple years ago, my answer would have been dance. I’d go out dancing 5 nights a week to social dance, practice my technique, and compete locally. I’d also fly all over the country to compete in country swing and west coast swing events. I spent way too much time, money, and energy on something that didn’t bring me complete satisfaction. There would always be something to learn and someone that was better than me. That can be a good thing, but in this case, it became discouraging and toxic as I found too much of my self-worth in this hobby. I never felt good enough, and I exhausted my energy and bank account trying to prove that I was.
Unfortunately, I injured a part of my hamstring about 2 years ago, which took dance away from me. It was absolutely devastating! While this injury has continued to be an annoyance as I’ve attempted to heal, I can view it as a blessing in disguise. Since I lost my one creative outlet, I was forced to rediscover old passions, like acting! I starred in a short indie film 3 months after the injury. I then got an agent, and spent June of 2024-2025 auditioning for projects in DFW and Austin. That too left me unsatisfied and drained, so I didn’t renew my contract, and now I’m back to square one.
To answer this question, what makes me lose track of time is any creative outlet that allows me to be myself in a way where I get to dictate how much energy I choose to put into something. I’m still injured, so I have to take physical activity carefully, but I am able to dance again, even though it’s not the same as it used to be. Now it’s more social, and I don’t put so much weight on competing. I still like acting, but I only audition for projects that truly spark joy and interest for me, not projects I feel obligation towards. And finally, moving into 2026, I am putting a creative focus on building my brand – an online presence that doesn’t pick a niche and fully encompasses who I am.
I played my part at being a “YouTuber” back in high school when it was still weird and out of the ordinary. While it never fully took off, I did okay for myself. I participated in collab channels, when those were still a thing, and made friends around the globe. That’s the only time and environment where I truly felt myself, and my creative venture for 2026 is in hopes of me rediscovering that passion and finishing what that 14-year-old girl started.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My goal is to build an online presence that inspires others using my past stories and experiences. What makes me different than everyone else online doing this exact same thing? I’m not afraid to be vulnerable! I think the world is craving real authenticity. I don’t want to build a brand the way society says is successful. I’d like to do it my way – raw, messy, and real.
Currently, I am posting occasionally on my TikTok page cassidynicolle. Most of that content is more faith-based, but I’d like to expand to include more niches. People are complex, and they aren’t supposed to fit into a niche. We have so many different hobbies and interests that spark joy in us! Mine would include some videos addressing my dancing and acting communities, but the majority would focus on encouragement, mental health, and most likely, my faith. I’m not interested in going full Christian influencer, because honestly, I haven’t fit into those circles either. Also, that brings along a completely different standard of how I am supposed to look, talk, and function when those things just aren’t me. Maybe in the future I can reflect more of that, but I am just going where I am called at the moment, and right now, I don’t want to minimize myself to that one community. The plan is to grow the short videos I’ve been posting on TikTok into a complete podcast. I am currently working on some outlines and episode topics.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
I am definitely in a season where I’m deconstructing everything about myself and deciding what I actually like vs. what I just told myself I liked to be accepted. As a kid, I was curious, adventurous, and always outside. I enjoyed things that felt new and exciting, and I always thought I was destined for great things. I never felt ordinary. Somewhere along the way, I lost that. I let life discourage me. I let people convince me I was annoying, and then too quiet, and then too honest, too extra, too broken, and not special. I accepted that maybe I am supposed to just settle, because big dreamers are often times left disappointed.
I’ve had so many opportunities leave me jaded or confused, and overall, angry. I’ve gotten tired of watching other people achieve what I thought was meant for me, and it wasn’t for lack of trying! I’ve ignored my boundaries to appease others, and I’ve worn masks so I could feel like I belonged. What I’ve learned through the constant people-pleasing is that it’s actually impossible, and the person you’re displeasing the most is yourself!
I’m reconnecting with that younger version of me that was full of hope, life, and wonder. Maybe it’s not too late for me, and this time, I get to do it my way. I don’t have to listen to society’s opinions of me, because they’re usually wrong. The key is to trust yourself and your instincts. I am still working on that, but I believe God has allowed me to go through all the rejection to grow patience and to learn that the only opinions that actually matter are His and mine.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering has developed my character more than succeeding ever could. I’ve provided for myself for most of my life, so I am more financially independent and overall more self-sufficient than my peers. I’m more compassionate towards others because I can actually empathize with what they’re going through. Lastly, I’m more grateful for the things I do have, because I know my circumstances could be much worse. While I am not were I thought I’d be at this point in my life, I appreciate the growth I’ve gotten to experience through my struggles. I know it will help mold me into the person I’m supposed to be.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Is the public version of you the real you?
If I were to guess, most people who know me all probably have very different ideas of who I actually am, and I’m partly to blame for that. Everyone you meet will form their own opinion of you regardless of how you present yourself. However, I know I’ve put on masks for most of my life. This was something I did unintentionally. It was just my nervous system’s way of feeling safe and adapting to my environment. My masks weren’t complete lies – I’d just present the parts of my personality that the group I was interacting with would like and accept. While the parts of myself I’m sharing were truthful, I’d have to filter my real thoughts on certain topics where we might not agree.
This works as a safety net, but makes it impossible to actually connect with the people around you. Genuine connection is all I ever wanted, but I think I’ve always been afraid of being myself in fear of getting rejected. I’ve gotten better at recognizing this the older I’ve gotten, and the goal is to be more of myself in every situation because that’s how you truly find your people, which in my case, are more like-minded individuals. I’m done trying to prove myself to those that don’t seem interested in getting to know me more than the service level. I accept that maybe we just don’t connect, and that’s okay.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I genuinely believe that me stepping out in faith and actually building an online presence that is real and authentic will help me find the parts of myself I’ve lost and satisfy me in ways I never thought possible. I believe God will use me in big ways to reach people through my vulnerability, and I’m really excited to see where that goes. God doesn’t put desires on your heart without following through. I think I’ve gone through seasons of character development so I could handle the pressure that comes with putting yourself out there for the world to judge and criticize. The key is still being able to stand firm in your beliefs and know with full confidence that it was still the right decision. I don’t know if i’ll ever feel qualified, but God doesn’t call on the qualified. He qualifies the called.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cassidynicolle/?hl=en
- Other: Tik tok: cassidynicolle
Image Credits
Headshot – Jordan Fraker
