Cassandra Freeman is known as the “#1 Dream Builder” — as a wife, mother of four boys and founder of Thoughtful Inspirations, she is driven to help other women leaders achieve their dreams by sharing the lessons she learned on her way to success as an entrepreneurial mother and doctoral student.
Her goal-oriented tools such as the ‘The Little White Lie’ book is endorsed by Brian Tracy and motivational e-courses within Never Give Up Academy are just a few of the resources she offers to get you on the fast track towards maximizing your fullest potential. As a speaker, she has empowered thousands of women and their families. Seeing others become their best selves and pursue their wildest dreams is what motivates her. Living life to the fullest is most important to her — allow her to help you create the life you dream of too!
Where did the idea for Thoughtful Inspirations come from?
The idea came from being myself. I spent years encouraging people to keep going, never give up, and build their dreams. Matter of fact, I remember being in college and encouraging another student to keep going. They looked at me with renewed belief and told me thank you. Then they asked me, “Are you like a motivational speaker or something?” At the time I simply confused and said, “ Oh no, I’m on my way to medical school.” Years later I was still encouraging and finally saw what everyone else saw.
What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?
My typical day looks like we waking up to my own little dance party. I turn up the music and get my day going. I go for my run, come home for breakfast, and focus on helping my getting my kids ready for their day and associated mom questions. Some days I weight-lift after my kids “go to” class (covid at home learning) and some days I get straight to work on my business. I end the wok day by taking a walk while my kids’ school day ends. Then family time and dinner. I read a book and unwind for the day.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I write down all of my thoughts. I sketch them out. Then I get my graphic designers or manufacturers to create it.
What’s one trend that excites you?
The healthy trend.
What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?
Consistency, acting even when you may not feel like it.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Keep going, you will figure it out. Trust yourself.
Tell us something that’s true that almost nobody agrees with you on.
That you have always a choice and our choices lead to our present situations.
As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?
Stay focused on your vision. Never lose sight of it. It will be the best road map you’ve ever had.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business?
Always learning. My strategy is to read. I have learned that to say one specific strategy that worked for me and my business is not the most effective way to help someone because we are not the same. We all have different styles. So I suggest a habit of reading the same books that others have. That way you can create your own ideas about how to use that information to proceed. A book I would suggest is Never Lose a Customer Again.
What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?
It was taking myself out of my business after years of operating it through my vision. I had gotten so lost in how different experts told me I was supposed to run my business. Sales starting dropping and I realized what I was doing wrong was not being myself. I had taken the thoughtfulness out of Thoughtful Inspirations.
What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?
Your own subscription box. These are really popular right now.
What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?
Sendoutcards. I love sending out thoughtful cards and gifts to my audience and other businesses I’m connected to.
What is one piece of software or a web service that helps you be productive?
Cloze. It helps me organize my contacts, files, and our conversations all in one place.
What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?
Girl Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis. If you aren’t building your dreams yet, this book is a great stepping stone to get you started.
What is your favorite quote?
“Do not judge me by my success, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again.” – Nelson Mandela
Key Learnings:
- You have a choice. Choose to be great.
- Your vision is the best roadmap you will ever have.
- Keep your path authentic, never remove yourself from your own path.
Carlyn runs the day-to-day publishing operation here at ideamensch and interacts with our awesome customers and entrepreneurs. She is likely editing this with a cat on her lap.