Meet Cassandra Robertson | Caterer, Recording Artist, & Vocal Coach

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

Hi Cassandra, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My initial thought process behind starting my own business was to attain the status of owner.

Born in Dallas, TX, I hail from a family of 12. I was raised by exceptional parents who displayed strong work ethics in their roles on their conventional jobs, yet, entrepreneurship was always demonstrated ,encouraged, and celebrated in our home.

My Mother was an extraordinary Cook and Creative who sold home cooked meals and hand-crafted wall art. My Dad was an excelled Carpenter and Baker who sold cakes and Handyman services.

The sense of achievement I feel in owning a successful business is unsurpassed!
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a Creative who loves to sing, cook, and help others to discover their vocal instrument.

My parents discovered my voice around age three. At the ripe age of 6, I was singing in church and on stages! As a small child, I inherently felt an embodiment to song lyrics and by some act of God I was able to deliver musically with power and conviction. Power & Conviction during performance would become my vocal DNA as a recording artist.

As a graduate of Dallas’s renowned Booker T Washington High School of Performing & Visual Arts, I was equipped with the tools to target a career in vocal peeformance.

While pursuing my college education, I worked as a soloist, studio session singer, and traveling background singer for several noted music icons. Music is my clear passion but the desire to create dishes and cook for others was an ever-burning desire within me.

Once while working a corporate job, I contributed to a company potluck and brought a dish of my now famous, Smoked Chicken Salad to work. Within about 20 minutes of the start of the dinner, the room was “buzzing” with questions about the dish and the resounding question was where the dish was purchased. When I shared that I had scratch-made the dish, the entire room applauded and began asking if they could pay me to make more.

I felt so proud of myself! I took a risk and departed from my Mother’s traditional recipe and implemented my own creation and people wanted to “BUY IT”!

At the constant urging of my co-workers, I drafted a business plan and Food for Thought Catering was born in my home kitchen.

A year or so later I opened Face The Music Vocal Coaching in my home office. At Fave The Music I train students to improve their vocal instrument by utilizeing vocal pedagogy, classical training, and industry experience.

I’ve experienced highs and lows in both businesses. I’ve learned the value of careful planning and consideration of the risks and the benefits before making major decisions. I’ve endeavored to treat others with genuine kindness and to use my businesses to lovingly touch the lives of others.

In 2010, I founded Feed The First, an outreach where I cook fresh meals for First Responders working long shifts in underserved communities.

In 2020, at the height of The COVID-19 Pandemic, I started a Facebook Live Show called The Music Cafe. The show was recorded in my living room & streamed to Facebook with a live band featuring singers, musicians, and chefs.. My intent was to provide creatives who were out of work due to the pandemic, a platform. It was a glowing success and we are gearing up for our re-launch in January 2024.

As I stand in my space, gratitude floods my heart. I’m more grateful than ever for my upbringing, strong village, and deep southern roots. While many seek perfection, Im grateful for the ability to see the beauty in broken things and in the multiplicity of patches.

Owning my own business has often led me down broken roads but I am grateful for the lessons learned.

I firmly believe secret to my success and the tools necessary to effectuate change in the world, are love and gratitude.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m a proud foodie with a deep love for Good Music and Art!

If a friend were visiting for a week, we would likely hit some if pnot all of the below.

Mesero. at Victory Park. Their slogan is Mexican Spirit /American Life! It’s way beyond exceptional Tex Mex that lives up to it’s promise to keep you coming back for me.

The Freeman in Deep Ellum is a great spot for Cajun inspired Bar Fare and great music! Keep an eye out for famous faces to drop in with surprise performances!

R&D Kitchen is a MUST! From the rich hardwood finishes of the decorum to the fresh made Sushi to the Newport Salad to the unforgettable southern staples & signature cocktails, it’s a sure WIN to dine here.

Al Biernat. Exceptional service, extraordinary food, and beautiful ambiance in buzzing Dallas hotspot.

Dallas Museum of Art. Beautiful art moves my soul.

Martin Meyerson Symphony Center. The soaring ceilings, architecture, and acoustics are heart-warming. The orchestral symphony is sensational!

Food Trucks at Clyde Warren Park. It’s always a treat to discover unique flavor profiles and authentic street food.

Eddie V’s
Sambuca 360
Kenny’s Woodfire Grill
Mi Cocina
Sixty Vines
Old Warsaw

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would dedicate my shoutout to my incomparable parents (deceased).

I am the 11th child of a family of 12. My parents, my heros, were my first example of business ownweship.

Website: www.besteverxhickensalad.com, https://loneoakentertainment.com/cassandra-cleveland

Instagram: @cassandramusic

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CassieRobertson4u?mibextid=ZbWKwL

Image Credits
Cassandra Robertson