CASSANDRA SESSIONS: CREATORS IN THEIR OWN WORDS
Learning from those in the field
We recently hosted our annual Cassandra Sessions event, That’s So Aesthetic – the Gen Z Vibe and Its Reverberation in the Market. Today, we bring you a closer look at one of the event's highlights: our creators’ panel. Coming from the worlds of visual storytelling, sustainable fashion, music, and art, these creators talked about the role aesthetics play in their crafts and shared how this translates into their connection with their customers and followers.
WHO THEY ARE
Our creator panel included Kristen Dolzynski, Jessica Lauser, André Molina, and Maegan Monico and was moderated by Cassandra’s designer, who creates all things Cassandra, including our award-winning Instagram page (which, if you don’t already follow, you should!)
AESTHETIC DOESN’T HAVE TO BE FIXED
One of the first things we learned from our panel was about their own personal aesthetic. Maegan, owner of sustainable jewelry business Heath and Furrow, volunteered that her aesthetic was plant mom. Consistent with Cassandra’s recent finding that six out of 10 Gen Zs say their favorite aesthetic changes often, illustrator and designer Jessica shared, “I never felt the desire to stay inside one aesthetic.” Similarly, artist and creative Kristen expressed wanting to dress a certain way one day and change it up the next.
— Jessica Lauser, Illustrator, Designer, Business Owner
VALUES & AESTHETICS
Maegan Monico's Heath and Furrow
Gen Z's aesthetics are shaped by their values and beliefs, particularly regarding sustainability and social justice. When asked how this affects their approach to both work and personal style, Maegan pointed out that she prefers brands that prioritize recycling, use eco-friendly packaging, and support environmental causes. Consequently, she ensures that her sustainable jewelry business reflects these values. Building on this viewpoint and highlighting Gen Zs increased emphasis on ethical consumption, André, a musician and fashion influencer known for his edgy, rock 'n' roll, and alternative aesthetic, delighted the audience by revealing that his entire outfit for Sessions came from thrift stores.
INTENTIONAL BRANDS BUILD CONNECTIONS
When the conversation pivoted towards aesthetic development, Kristen noted, “For brands, it’s really important to ask and listen to the community they’re serving. It’s not just up to the brand to dictate things like aesthetics and trends; they need to pay attention to the community.” Authenticity and engagement are key. She continued, “Gen Zs are the biggest researchers and detectives you’ll find. So that’s why transparency is so important. They’re going to catch you in a lie, so let’s just be honest. You may as well be truthful, and if you screw up, you screw up. Own it. People admire transparency and don’t want to feel constantly being pushed by a product.”
