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

Hi Cashmeir, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I always knew that whatever I did in my career, I wanted to eventually work for myself. I never felt that corporate america was the best fit for me. As a black woman, I always felt like I was walking on eggshells. At times, I was afraid to voice any opinions in fear of being deemed “the angry black woman”, or difficult to work with. I knew I wanted to free myself from that. I wanted to work in my passion of makeup artistry. When I finally made up my mind, “100% Cashmeir” was born.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Cashmeir Bridal, (formerly known as 100% Cashmeir), is a black owned and female operated, team of hair stylists/makeup artists. We specialize in weddings and special events.

When I decided to venture out on my own back in 2018, I had been fired from 6 consecutive temp agency assignments. All the feedback was the same, “Cashmeir, we love having you here… but we just feel like your not really “present” when your here”. They were right, I spent my days at the office emailing brides and focusing on marketing to gain new clients. I wasn’t at all concerned about training and learning new office programs. I knew I wanted to leave corporate and be independent. I wanted to do bridal makeup and be my own boss.

As my journey unfolded, 100% Cashmeir was up and running. I added a licensed hair stylist and a makeup assistant. We started getting inquiries from new states and multiple brides. I began reaching out to other hair stylists and makeup artists that I had worked with in the past. I was excited to tell them about this idea that I had of building a team of minority women, who specialize in weddings.
As time went on, my mission changed from just freeing myself. I now wanted to create a safe space for women of color to not only work, but to THRIVE in their passion. I wanted to free them from corporate america the same way I had freed myself. I created a lane and I wanted to excel at it. Knowing that I was doing that for other women, was one of my proudest moments.
I spent the next 4 years, slowly interviewing and building my team. I ventured to multiple cities, meeting new artists and stylists. Fast forward to 2023, we now have a team of 18 women. A team that spans from New England to Florida. Suddenly, the name “100% Cashmeir” didn’t seem to fit. It wasn’t just me anymore.

In January of 2023, we rebranded and became “Cashmeir Bridal”. We celebrated our 5 year business anniversary and rolled out our rebrand with a new logo and website to match. It was in this moment that I did what has always felt so foreign to me, I celebrated and congratulated myself. I had started with a vision and I brought it to life. I inspired and built a team of women who not only believe in my vision, but they also dedicate themselves to the brand.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
One thing about me, I love a new adventure. If a friend of mine was coming to town, I would take her to a place I’ve been waiting to experience myself. I would want to make a new memory with my friend. Out with the old, in with the new!

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?
This is dedicated to every little black girl who dreams of stepping out of the box and creating her own lane.

Website: www.cashmeirbridal.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/cashmeir_bridal

Facebook: www.facebook.com/cashmeirbridal

Image Credits
Photographer: Xavier Mcaden www.instagram.com/xaviermcadenphotography

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.