How Cassandra Carter Balances Modeling and Literature While Embracing Being a “Ghetto Valley Girl”
Photo by Alex Conley
Often times as creatives we are cautioned to pick a niche and stick to it. Its only the bold hearted and rebellious souls that choose to say “Fuck your agenda” and go out and make their own. Cassandra Carter, affectionally called Miss. Carta, is one of those rare spirits that’s a special combination of “Ghetto” and “Valley”. Miss. Carta may be small framed but she packs a lot of thunder behind her punch. While not only leaving her mark in the modeling game, she has also been dominating literature since her teen years.
Born in Reading, Pennsylvania Cassandra has a lot of layers about herself and is proud of it. Although she still reps her birthplace and credits much of her personality to it, she has been holding down Ypsilanti, Michigan as a very important role that’s still molding her till this day. She calls herself a “Ghetto Valley Girl” due to the beautiful yet different twist she has acquired from both spaces she calls home. At just 14 with little writing experience, Cassandra followed a voice and a dream and began writing her first novel “Fast Life”, which was ultimately published by the time she was 17. Now in her 20’s with four published books total under her belt, Miss. Carta has made her way back around to another love of hers. Modeling.
Photo by Myron Watkins
“I think what makes me different from the rest is that I’m edgy, selective and I am always open to different ideas.” Cassandra states about standing out in an always growing industry like modeling. At age 16 she took her own money to start a professional portfolio to pursue a career, but her determination to continue publishing quality material as an author became her main focus. So how does she manage both you ask? “Being progressive. What a lot of people don’t understand is being productive is not being progressive. You have to stay progressive and remain consistent.”
Cassandra often styles herself and finds joy in working with different artist across her field. With much confidence and knowing the importance in first impressions, she jumps at all opportunity’s that will positively affect her brand. To prove her seriousness to modeling, Cassandra auditioned for Next Top Model. Walking a residential street on a rainy day in a two piece swimsuit took a lot of confidence and guts. “Everything is about balance and discipline.” Cassandra states about accomplishing goals and being fearless.
Photo by Bre'ann White
Cassandra takes pride in being a positive person, even during the parts of her journey thats not so pretty. At the height of her career last year she lost someone very close to her. Her grandfather. Through sadness and disbelief Cassandra admits that she lost focus and lost herself. The beautiful thing is while grieving she has learned the importance in turning her sadness into motivation to push forward and make her loved ones proud. “I enjoy creating and I love being around creative people. It’s really important to my happiness.”
Even with modeling as Cassandra’s top goal right now she plans to get back to writing soon. “Its crazy sometimes when I think about it, but I have fans. They message me all the time looking for new books. I have to give them something, but when I do I want to be focused and produce something of quality.” She plans on getting back to blogging and bringing her followers along while she travels, models and experiences the ups and downs of breaking into the entertainment industry.
In her spare time Miss. Carta loves books and video games. “When I would visit my dad down south in the summer we had two choices. Either go to the pool or stay inside in the air condition. I would play video games with my step brothers.” Cassandra reflects on growing up. While priding herself on being transparent and bold, She embraces flaws that some would be ashamed of. “Yes I have acne and stretch marks, but I’m still beautiful.”
Miss. Carta has worked with amazing photographers like Erin McConnell, Darrien Pope, Bre’ann White, Rosco Davis and Darren Smith. She tells LynzeeMychael.com she would love to work with Jennifer Alder, Cameron Mackey and Davide Anderson this year. You can catch Cassandra traveling, hosting parties and gracing the runway with her signature strut. Cassandra Carter is a force to be reckoned with and a positive reminder to chase your dreams, achieve your goals and block out the negative noise.
Stay in touch with Cassandra!
Instagram: callmemisscarta
Facebook: Author Cassandra Carter
