Today we’d like to introduce you to Cassie Leigh.
Hi Cassie, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’ve been a journalist for over a decade, starting out at a small-town newspaper website before working my way up to an editor role at a well-known publication. During that time, I saw firsthand how larger companies often curate stories to fit an agenda—choosing what gets covered and what doesn’t. When the COVID-19 pandemic caused me to lose that position, I took it as an opportunity to break away from the corporate model altogether.
Instead of walking away from journalism, I decided to create something of my own—Uncovering Florida. It’s my independent platform where I have the freedom to tell the stories that matter, without gatekeepers deciding what’s “worthy” of coverage. I write about the real Florida—the good, the bad, and the ugly—from hidden gems and local adventures to the issues that impact everyday life. For me, journalism isn’t about pushing an agenda; it’s about capturing authenticity and giving readers an honest look at the state I call home.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Starting a business was an entirely new world for me, and I’ve been learning as I go—mostly through trial and error. Some days it feels like for every step forward, I get pushed two steps back. But my creativity has been my saving grace; it pushes me to find alternative solutions where others might give up. The journey hasn’t been easy, but it has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.
Like most entrepreneurs, I’ve faced the challenge of wearing every hat imaginable. From generating income and networking to building my own website, the pressure to constantly adapt is overwhelming at times. I’ve had to become a developer, accountant, social media manager, content creator—you name it. Every role is essential, and I’ve had to master them on the fly. Balancing all of that with day-to-day life keeps me constantly busy, but it also reminds me that I’m capable of far more than I ever did working for someone else.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I wear a lot of hats—photographer, model, content creator, and, at the core of it all, journalist. I’ve always been a writer at heart; it’s been my passion since childhood, so building a career around storytelling felt like a natural path. Over the years, that passion has led me to publish a few books, with another currently in the works.
Beyond journalism, many people recognize me for my freelance modeling and content creation. Those roles allow me to express my creativity in different ways, but at the end of the day, everything I do comes back to the same foundation: telling stories, whether through words, images, or experiences.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I’m a huge geek at heart. After a long day, my favorite way to unwind is by playing games—lately, I’ve been hooked on Pokémon Go. It’s the perfect mix of nostalgia and stress relief, letting me step outside, clear my mind, and reconnect with that 90s kid side of myself.
Contact Info:
- Website: uncoveringflorida.com and datcassmedia.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/datcassdoeee
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/datcassdoeee
