Meet Cassandra Claude | Founder of Artistic Freedom Mentorship Program

We had the good fortune of connecting with Cassandra Claude and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cassandra, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I’ve always been entrepreneurial, so starting a business was definitely something I planned to do at in my life. I did so right after I finished my undergraduate studies in Music Education, before going on to earn my MBA. However, Artistic Freedom Mentorship Program was born differently. I didn’t create it solely to have another business. It came from noticing a real gap where so many artists had the talent and the passion but lacked the support to build a sustainable, fulfilling career. My entrepreneurial side kicked in, and I thought, “Why not create what’s missing?” That’s how Artistic Freedom Mentorship came to life. It wasn’t just about a business plan; it was about a clear need and a calling to lead something meaningful and impactful. Once I saw how deeply it resonated, I knew I was on the right path.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Yes! I’m the founder of the Artistic Freedom Mentorship Program, a space designed to help artists, especially singers, step into their full power. It’s part mentorship, part incubator, part creative awakening. What sets my program apart is that we not only focus on the external of performance, business strategy, and branding; we also focus heavily on the intrinsic aspects of the artist. Who are you as an artist, as a human, as a visionary? That inner clarity is what fuels everything else.

I’m most proud of the way this program has created real transformation. I’ve watched artists walk in unsure of themselves and walk out leading, launching, booking, and most importantly, trusting themselves. That’s the most exciting part, is seeing people wake up to what’s possible when they have the tools, the structure, and the belief.

Getting here wasn’t easy. Although I always had that entrepreneurial spark, I started my first business right after undergrad, and I’ve been learning ever since. I’ve had to figure things out as I went; from funding, branding, systems, all of it. Naturally I had moments of uncertainty and doubt, but I never let that stop me. I learned to ask for help, to invest in support, and to trust my mission even when things were messy.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that your business will grow as you grow. The more aligned and whole I feel, the more clarity I have in how I serve. You don’t have to hustle your way into success; you can build it with intention, with vision, and with community.

What I want the world to know about me and my brand is this: I believe in artistry as leadership. I believe artists deserve freedom creatively, financially, and emotionally and I am committed to helping them get there without losing themselves in the process. Artistic Freedom Mentorship isn’t just a program. It’s a movement. And it’s just getting started.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were visiting, we’d definitely lean into culture, wellness, and deep connection. I’m a Soho member, so we’d probably kick things off with dinner there since it’s a great spot for good food, good energy, and meeting creative people. We’d check out some of their events too, depending on what’s happening that week.

A few nights would be dedicated to live music for sure! Intimate jazz clubs, maybe something tucked away with a vibe, and definitely a showcase or two.

During the days, we’d likely take gym classes together, hit a farmers market nearby for fresh food, and go on long strolls just exploring the city. I’m big on those balcony hangs too, where we just listen to music playing, have small bites, and talk about life and whatever comes up.

We’d definitely have a spa moment or massage, maybe even a sound bath or meditation session somewhere.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Absolutely. I’d have to start with my mentors, especially my former choir director, John Rose, who has since passed. He was the first person to really encourage me to dream big and actually go for it. That kind of belief stays with you.

Then there’s Kathleen Bell, my very first voice teacher, who showed me what it meant to work with more than just the voice. She taught me to consider the psyche, the emotions, the human behind the sound. That’s a big part of how I approach my work now.

My mother and siblings also deserve so much credit. Their love and support has been constant, deep, and exactly what I needed every step of the way.

And I have to shout out my students. I’ve grown so much from working with them. They challenge me, inspire me, and keep me evolving. I teach, but I also learn; and I’m better for it.

Every step of this journey has been touched by someone else’s light, and I don’t take that for granted.

Website: https://artisticfreedommentorship.com

Instagram: @artistic.freedom.mentorship

Other: Personal IG: @sassyclassycassie

Image Credits
Thanking my Program Liaison, Jade Cruz for capturing moments during our sessions!