Who to Watch Wednesday: Cassie Foley, Founder of Good For The Soul Photography

People discovering their passions has been a consistent theme during the last few months. Whether you've found yourself back in the kitchen cooking and baking, or even nestled up in bed with a good book, revisiting things that bring you peace and happiness is essential.

The same has been true for Cassie Foley, as she has rediscovered her passion for photography. She's a full-time assistant gymnastics director as USAG head coach, an NHL Cheerleader, a NonProfit Co-Founder, and now, a sole entrepreneur. This Wednesday, we're profiling Cassie's photography business, Good For The Soul Photography, and how she's been developing it throughout the pandemic. 

Cassie first discovered her love for photography when she was around 8 to 10 years old. She would enter local photography contests but then lost touch with it as she got older. "When I gained more downtime during quarantine, it sparked my passion for [photography] again!" says Cassie. With that emerged Good For The Soul Photography this past May. "The mission of Good For The Soul Photography is to help capture content for other creators," says Cassie.

"I've realized my niche has been branding photography; in other words, helping businesses, influencers, and brands get content for their own use (websites, blogs, social media, etc.)."

 Let's also note how Cassie developed this business during a global pandemic--which is no easy feat. Doing anything during this time certainly has its pros and cons, but with enough research, intuition, and sound judgment, anything is possible (as long as it's safe). At first, Cassie took front porch photos for families, which encouraged her to stay more than six feet apart, and outdoors, while practicing social distancing with clients. Now, with some time under her belt, she's transitioned into more one-on-one branding and lifestyle photography. 

“[During this time] challenges always arise, and I’ve found it’s been tough to maintain getting fresh new content while also now being back to work with my other jobs,” says Cassie. “Time management has been a little bit of a struggle since we are all operating on a whim with COVID-19, but it’s a learning experience.”

Through social media, though, Cassie has been able to get her business out there to anyone interested in photography. The power of Instagram, for example, has been the primary source to showcase her work and connect with others. "Tracking engagement, creating an audience, and finding the aesthetic that works for me is something I enjoy," says Cassie. 

As of this month, Cassie has had between 50 and 60 clients since spearheading Good For The Soul Photography.

 "I'm most excited to continue creating a platform for myself and see my brand grow," says Cassie. "I am very self-sufficient, and, at the end of the day, I like to know I'm doing what makes me happy. I find so much joy in photography, so it's been such a pleasure diving back into it."

 Cassie's advice to other budding entrepreneurs is to go for it and give it your all! "So many of my friends and family have ideas of their own, and my advice is to go for it!" says Cassie. "Never hold back or think of the possibility of failing; you'll never know if you don't try in the first place." 

Check out Cassie's work on social media and her website: 

Instagram: @goodforthesoulphoto & @cass_foley

Website: www.goodforthesoulphotography.com