June 5, 2025 • 42 mins
In this inspiring episode of Talk Wealthy to Me, host Michelle Taylor sits down with Casana Fink, Miss Florida 2024, organ donation advocate, and founder of the fashion brand The Unverified. At just 14, Casana launched her nonprofit after her father's life-saving transplant. Since then, she’s educated over 400,000 people, authored a children’s book on organ donation, and launched a fashion brand rooted in resilience.
Casana opens up about growing up with financial insecurity, learning to rewrite her money story, and the fears and lessons that come with entrepreneurship as a young woman. She shares candidly about imposter syndrome, taking risks, and why investing in yourself isn’t selfish, it’s generational wealth in the making.
From pageant life to business ownership, from loss to leadership, this episode is a must-listen for any woman seeking purpose, healing financial wounds, or finding the courage to bet on herself.
Connect with Casana: https://www.instagram.com/casanafink/
🎧 Subscribe and share to help us change the way women think and feel about money.
Connect with Michelle: https://www.instagram.com/women_in_wealth
Ready to Redefine Wealth on Your Terms?
✨ It's Here: Join the Women in Wealth community, a robust network of ambitious women, access expert-led workshops, and gain resources to take control of your financial journey.
Join today: https://womeninwealth.co/
Casana opens up about growing up with financial insecurity, learning to rewrite her money story, and the fears and lessons that come with entrepreneurship as a young woman. She shares candidly about imposter syndrome, taking risks, and why investing in yourself isn’t selfish, it’s generational wealth in the making.
From pageant life to business ownership, from loss to leadership, this episode is a must-listen for any woman seeking purpose, healing financial wounds, or finding the courage to bet on herself.
Connect with Casana: https://www.instagram.com/casanafink/
🎧 Subscribe and share to help us change the way women think and feel about money.
Connect with Michelle: https://www.instagram.com/women_in_wealth
Ready to Redefine Wealth on Your Terms?
✨ It's Here: Join the Women in Wealth community, a robust network of ambitious women, access expert-led workshops, and gain resources to take control of your financial journey.
Join today: https://womeninwealth.co/
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Let's know the welcome. Welcome, we Talk Wealthy to Me.
I'm Michelle Taylor, founder of Women and Well and wen
from breaking money myths to building wealth and achieving financial freedom.
We're here to empower you to create your own path.
Path you talk wealth. Now join the conversation and let's
change the way women think and feel about money. Are
(00:22):
you ready? Hi, everybody, Welcome back to the Talk Wealthy
to Me podcast. I'm Michelle Taylor, your host, and I
am so excited to have a special guest with us today.
Kasana Fink is a University of Florida graduate, current NBA Candidate,
Award winning advocate for organ donation, and Miss Florida of
(00:44):
twenty twenty four. After her father's life saving liver transplant,
she founded Give to Live, Donate Life at just fourteen
years old, launching a decade long mission to educate and
empower transplant patients and their families. She has since reached
over four hundred thousand individuals across Florida and authored The
Gift of Life, a children's book on donation now placed
(01:06):
in every county library in the state. Casana has served
as Chief operating Officer of more Transplants More Life, where
she worked to improve access, education, and equity in the
organ donation system. Her impact has earned her recognition as
Donate Life Florida's Ambassador of the Year and a nominee
for Donate Life America's Pinnacle Award. In addition to her
(01:29):
advocacy work, Casana is an entrepreneur and a business owner.
She is the founder of The Unverified, a fashion brand
rooted in resilience and individuality, built upon her studies at
the Condy Nast College of Fashion and Design in London.
Kasana's journey is proof that purpose and passion, when paired
(01:50):
with action, can spark change that touches lives far beyond
our own. Hi, everybody, I am so so excited for
this episode. I am joined today by the current Miss Florida,
Casana Fink. Welcome to this show.
Speaker 2 (02:06):
Thank you. I'm so honored to be a part of this.
Speaker 1 (02:09):
Well. I think we're all in for a treat because
you have done so much and so much good, and
I think that the story we're about to hear is
one that everyone will benefit from.
Speaker 2 (02:22):
Thank you.
Speaker 1 (02:22):
You're welcome. So first, tell us a little bit about
you and how you got here.
Speaker 2 (02:28):
My little elevator pitch, Yeah, that I try to make short.
So I think it all starts when I was fourteen
years old, my dad was found unresponsive in our front lawn.
He was rushed to the hospital. We were told that
he would need a transplant, and that turned into a
year long journey in and out of the ICU. At
that time, my mom was working two jobs. She was
by his bedside every night. As a fourteen year old,
(02:51):
you think the world revolves around you. So I think
that was my first kind of entrance into reality. And
we also lost a soul or a income provider for
our house. And not only did that experience really show
me how life can change so quickly, but it also
showed me what it truly means to be an advocate
because my mom seeing that in certain areas of the hospital,
(03:14):
my dad wasn't receiving the best care. She was demanding
better care on the top floor with executives at the
hospital and saying that patients deserve to be treated better.
So not only was she representing him, but she was
representing every patient on his floor. And that's when, at fourteen,
I decided I wanted to do something as well. I
started a nonprofit give to Live amazing. Thank you. I
(03:36):
don't know if I knew what I truly was like
getting myself into I just remember my mom always had
a service heart, and I just wanted, I think, to
be more like her. And I started at my nonprofit
very quickly. I was thrown in front of my peers
to share about organ and tissue donation because it's really
one of those things until you are directly impacted by it,
(03:56):
you don't see the importance of it. And since then,
I've just continued to build upon that I am in
two years ago, so twenty twenty three, I was advocating
at Intellahassee for organ donation and trying to get some
legislation passed, and I was like, you know what, I think,
I'm kind of like decent at this. Maybe I'll be
a lobbyist. And someone put me in touch with a
(04:19):
longtime lobbyist double lung transplant recipient, and he basically talked
me out of being a lobbyist. He was like, you
do not want to do this, but he asked if
I would head operations that is nonprofit. This is something
I'd been doing for years, but I think as a
woman sometimes self doubt creeps in and I just was like,
I don't know if I'm your girl, Like I don't
(04:39):
know if I'll be able to do what you're asking.
But for a year and a half, like we developed
out six programs from a podcast that you could share
with patients about the inner workings of waiting for a
transplant after transplant, to building bridges between marginalized communities and
healthcare providers, everything work with different communities so that they
(05:02):
could trust healthcare. We just wanted everyone to know what
organ donation was before they're sitting at the bedside of
a loved one having to make that decision on the
hardest day of their life. And that was such a
beautiful journey. When I was at Miss America this year,
though he did get an infection in his lungs and
ended up passing away, he was the best boss in
the world and I tell everyone that. But he also
(05:22):
really showed me that no task is too big and
if you take every win by the one percent rule
of every day, if you're one percent closer, that's what
you need to focus on. Not looking at this mountain
saying how could I ever climb this? And so I
really integrate that into everything that I do. Now I'm
a University of Florida graduate. Go Gators. I'm graduating with
(05:43):
my master's in business this fall. I studied at Contenast
College in London, lived in New York, worked in fashion
for a while. I know this is kind of all
over the place.
Speaker 1 (05:53):
But what a life it means.
Speaker 2 (05:55):
Yeah, it's been amazing, and especially being Miss Florida, I
say I've lived a thousand lives because every day it
was so important for me to say yes to things
and show up. And when you do those things, it
completely transforms your life. So that's my elevator pitch. I
might have forgotten something, but it's been crazy.
Speaker 1 (06:12):
That was perfect. So I think that what you did
at such a young age showed that you were a
perfect person in personality to have a platform to reach
people like Miss Florida and also to be an entrepreneur,
because the one thing that's kind of tricky to teach
(06:35):
is the grit and tenacity it takes to just jump in.
And it sounds like you started showing that at fourteen.
And if I was sitting here with your mom, she'd
probably say that it was when you were five.
Speaker 2 (06:46):
Yeah, I definitely was a little bit of a crazy child.
She'd probably say that too, But I think there does
have to be a sense of you can't think too
much about it because that'll paralyze you. And I did
do that. I did teen for three years. So Miss
Florida's tea kind of prepares you, but it allows you
to win scholarship dollars. So when my dad got sick,
they were like, well, you gotta find money or you're
(07:07):
not going to college. And I did that, and then
I took a long break until I finally felt that
I was ready to compete as a miss from Miss Florida.
But the truth is is like I never really felt ready,
and I think I just kept talking myself out of
it because I was so fearful of failure. But it's
when you jump into the deep end, you just you
can't allow yourself to think too much because you'll just
(07:27):
never feel prepared.
Speaker 1 (07:29):
You are preaching to the choir. We talk about this
so often amongst other women, friends and business owners. You
are never ready now. You are never ready to have
a baby, You're never ready to get married, You're never
ready to jump in blindfolded. But that's the only way
to move forward, and that's what I mean. To know
that you did that in so many aspects and times
(07:51):
of your life is incredible.
Speaker 2 (07:53):
Thank you. YouTube was a great teacher. That's how I
learned so much information.
Speaker 1 (07:58):
The world has totally totally changed in that regard. The
information's there, you just need to filter it out, find
what's useful, then partner with someone to say does this
apply to me, and then go after it. So do
you think, and obviously we talk all here about money
and success and what that all feels like when you
(08:21):
saw your family shift down to one income, do you
think that that impacted the way that you felt about
money or the money stories that you grew up telling
yourself and was it good or bad?
Speaker 2 (08:36):
Absolutely? I have a lot of financial insecurity even to
this day, where like, I just have a really weird
relationship with money and I'm always scared that it's fleeting.
And I think that comes from first of all, to
go even further back, my mom grew up in a
wealthier family, but her dad passed away very suddenly when
(08:59):
she twelve, and it completely flipped to where you know,
her mom was sewing her prom dresses and so she
always instilled in me how important a pinion is, which
I think is a great thing to know, right you
should understand how far a dollar can go if used properly.
But it also kind of instilled the sphere in me
of like things can change any day. And then my
(09:23):
dad was hit really hard by the recession. He is
an appraiser, he was an investing in some land, really
trying to do everything to provide a better life. Very
hard worker. But when the recession came along, it completely
decimated everything. But then that only got intensified when my
dad got sick. Because truly it's a God sent that
(09:47):
we were able to keep the house. What happened was
the bank I think, went belly up and lost our mortgage,
and through a numerous reasons like we were able to refinance.
That is why we kept house. But if it weren't
for that, we would have lost absolutely everything. And again,
that was just a moment where it's really hard to
(10:08):
convince yourself that money is stable and that it will
be there forever. And I even hold that to this day.
You know, I have been able to convince myself to
really invest in myself, but it wasn't without some dissonance,
and it wasn't without a little bit of panic, But
I think the confidence does come over time, just realizing
(10:29):
that it always works out. And it's not just money
investment that you have to give yourself. It's also work.
And when you show up with the right work ethic
and you create the right relationships, yep, that's also wealth.
Speaker 1 (10:41):
One hundred percent. And it's learning to take those stories,
take what you can from them, and then making them
work for you. So I imagine, and we talk about
this often. Women tend to be a little bit more
apprehensive about taking risk by nature, but also with money
of course. And then also you know, we are the nurtures,
(11:05):
so we're more likely to take a step back out
of the workforce and take care of others and put
ourselves last. So it is it's that balance of capturing
whatever you need to move the needle forward and rewriting
your money story and not putting yourself last in other
areas of your life. It's it's a wild it's a
(11:29):
wild thing. It's so hard. Yes, And I remember, it's
funny you bring up the recession and your dad. So
my dad is also an entrepreneur, and I learned so
much watching him and riding around in his truck when
he was building a window and door company. And in
that same time period of the recession, I had just
(11:49):
moved back from Italy and I was living with him
starting my business, and I remember him sitting on the
foot of his bed and just he was crying. And
I remember walking in and immediately feeling like, this is whatever,
this is happening, is nothing I want a part of.
It felt so scary and it made me take a
(12:10):
different look at entrepreneurial things. But I also saw how
he was in charge of his own destiny and could
quickly refocus. But you have to take the good with
the bad. I mean, money and uncertainty in life is
all scary.
Speaker 2 (12:27):
It's all scary just managing. I think it's being able
to give yourself grace as well. Especially I can only
imagine the stress of being like a soul provider for
a family. But I just know kind of coming into
adulthood and realizing, Okay, adulting's not cheap, no, and really
just working hard to set myself up to where I
(12:48):
can give my kids the best chance at life and
like everything that they could ever want. It is really
giving yourself grace too, because you can't have improvements without
trying things, and unfortunately trying things also can lead to failure.
It's just the equations, the equation of life. And I
would rather try six things and fail five times then
(13:10):
still be sitting on my couch and being like this
is a great idea, Like I should try this.
Speaker 1 (13:14):
Yeah, We've all had that moment where you think of
something and then you look it up and somebody already
created it. You don't never want to sleep on something a.
Speaker 2 (13:21):
Bit correct, correct, And I don't know, I just I
also had one of those moments of when I came
home from New York City and I just realized I
was so much happier in Florida. That's another thing, is
what does wealth mean to you? Right? And to me,
happiness was a big part, big part of the conversation too.
But I was living in New York because I was
(13:42):
chasing what I thought I needed to do the next accolade,
like what's the most impressive I want to be editor
in chief one day of like a big fashion editorial.
But I was so unhappy and I was missing the
important ethos in my life that has always grounded me.
And coming home and just kind of reevaluating that. You know,
(14:02):
I think wealth also should encompass happiness.
Speaker 1 (14:05):
One hundred percent, because if you're chasing something that is
not filling your cup, there's no way.
Speaker 2 (14:12):
It's going to stay. Money won't fix that.
Speaker 1 (14:15):
Money will not fix it.
Speaker 2 (14:16):
I will disagree when people say money can't buy happiness.
I do think it can help with happiness because again,
growing up in a household where there was a lot
of conversation about money not being there, it definitely takes
a stress off, but there is so much more to
the conversation as well. It's almost like a whole I
don't know, and all encompassing. You have to talk about health,
(14:37):
you have to talk about financial stability and happiness and
all of those things, all of it.
Speaker 1 (14:41):
And you're totally right. I always say, you know, when
that saying comes up. Money makes everything easier. It gives
people options. So if you're chasing money to make you happy,
we need to reevaluate that. But man, it does make
it easier because I you know, personally, I remember watching
my mom where if something unexpected happened, God forbid, same
(15:04):
thing with our family when I got sick, there was
no extra to pay for all of the things that
come with a medical emergency, but even something little like
the dishwasher brakes, I know that is huge. So that's
where I think when you don't have it, it seems
like the people that do are happy, and their happiness
(15:26):
is not from the money. It's just hopefully from the
ease of having options to make life better. Oh wow, well, okay,
So when you first were walking in today, I commented
on your amazing, beautiful dress and you it's from your line,
(15:46):
So tell us about that. I'm a lover of fashion,
and I love that you pivoted to now being a
business owner, So tell us how that happened and what
that's been like.
Speaker 2 (15:58):
I've had a few very true transformative experiences in my life,
the different ali ways, I guess, like, yes, detours that
I've taken, but this one has been such a constant
in so many different chapters. And it's because when something's
your own, like, it's very fulfilling to you, and every
little win is just incredibly gratifying. So I started this
(16:20):
clothing brand with ten thousand dollars that I saved up
from minimum wage jobs in New York City and some
that I've saved up from college and I knew that
I always wanted to do something great. I just didn't
have the confidence. My boyfriend, an incredible person, very entrepreneurial,
not as riskd versus I am. He just really said,
(16:41):
you know what you want to do this like do it.
Let's leap of faith, Let's do it. What's the worst
that can happen? You're down ten grand? Like in the
scheme of it, you tried something, you learned from it,
and I said, you know what, You're right. I took
to YouTube. I watched YouTube videos probably for four days straight.
I had a notebook completely filled with what I wanted
(17:02):
my niche to be, where I wanted to source the
products from kind of my timeline of Okay, so I
have to start by private labeling. When do I see
myself designing to creating? Made some calls all of a sudden, you're,
you know, talking to people overseas or like trying to
figure out what are the minimum order quantities? And it
truly like started in such grassroots efforts like I we
(17:23):
were talking about this earlier, the things that I showed
up to my first year of owning a clothing brand
just in this name of exposure. I mean some of them.
Some of them were brutal. There's been days where I've
sold one item for fifteen dollars and I'm just like,
I'm like, I'm like, how do I have something worth
fifteen dollars on this rack? Like how is that even possible?
(17:45):
And it doesn't even cover the gas to get there?
But you know what is Then I would have days
where I would meet hundreds of women who look at
my items and they're just like, this is beautiful and
it's affordable and it will last. And my goal always
was when I lived in New York City, I feel
like fast fashion was just everywhere, but then you would
(18:07):
see that one person in the crowd and You're like, Wow,
she's timeless. And that's what I wanted it to represent.
I wanted my items that I was able to source
and bring to women to be things that they'll have
throughout different chapters that if it accidentally got thrown into
the washer, it's not going to disintegrate. And also play
my part and contributing to healthy fashion. And I don't know,
(18:29):
I just want women to feel confident in what they wear.
Because I remember distinctly as a young girl, it was
between seventh grade and eighth grade, I really started honing
in on what style was and it completely changes the
way you look at yourself and the way that you
show up.
Speaker 1 (18:43):
It's wild because when you are and we're in a
culture right now where things have shifted so much, where
people you know, it's sweatpants and sweatshirts. And when I
grew up, I remember my grandmother saying, I mean, you
don't leave the house with out looking pulled together. And
when you're flying you I mean when I remember when
(19:03):
I was first dating my husband, his brother came to
pick me up at the airport flying to Connecticut and
he said, I knew you'd be here in a blazer
and heels, and I remember thinking, well, I'm on an airplane,
of course, And that was, you know, ten years ago,
and I think I see people how they travel now,
and it's just it's totally different. But it does affect
(19:24):
how you show up. And regardless of what you know,
people's opinions are on how we view others. I think
that those first impressions everything. It matters. Yeah, it matters
how you show up, and not only is it going
to shape the perception of the audience you're talking to,
but it matters to you and your confidence and your
(19:48):
ask and what your message or your platform is. So
I love that you consider that, and I hope that
more people think through that. I try and tell my
ten year old little boy every day because he's in that,
you know, don't you dare tell me what to wear?
Speaker 2 (20:05):
Is he a sneakerhead? I feel like that's when it
starts developing.
Speaker 1 (20:07):
He is a sneak your head and comes by it
naturally his dad and uncles and all of them. But
I'll tell him all the time and he goes, well, Mom,
it doesn't matter, and I'll say, well it it does matter.
People are looking. And when we go to church on
the weekends, I will He'll say, Mom, God doesn't care
what I'm wearing as long as I go to church.
(20:29):
And I will look at him and say, you are right.
God doesn't care, But Mom cares.
Speaker 2 (20:34):
Mom? Does I care?
Speaker 1 (20:35):
Your reflection of us? Like brush your hair? Kid? So
it's important.
Speaker 2 (20:39):
Yeah. I get asked a lot as Miss Florida what's
more important beauty or brains? And I always say, beauty
gets you in the door. Brains is what keeps you
at the table.
Speaker 1 (20:48):
Oh my god, I love that.
Speaker 2 (20:50):
But it's true, like you, how you show up is
how people perceive you and your abilities and.
Speaker 1 (20:57):
Quickly, I think, perceive you or your worthiness of being
at the table, because it doesn't matter how smart you are.
If you show up somewhere and you don't look the part,
people will automatically discredit you before you even open your mouth.
(21:19):
It's wild.
Speaker 2 (21:20):
And I think too to make the distinction between like,
it's not attractiveness level, Like, I don't think that's really
what it's about. It's about how do you take care
of yourself? Like are you showing up ready for the
job that first day? Or do you go to church
and like really still look put together. I mean, there's
a difference between attractiveness level, is that even a word?
(21:40):
Attractiveness level and just looking confident and showing up excited
and read the best version of yourself.
Speaker 1 (21:49):
Well, and it's funny that you say that because so
many people immediately are like, it shouldn't matter what I
look like and it They are absolutely right, but does right?
But it does?
Speaker 2 (22:02):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (22:03):
So, going through the journey of becoming an entrepreneur and
launching your brand, how were there any moments of either,
oh my gosh, that was the best decision I made
with money to prepare me for this, or are there
any any moments that you can share with the listeners
(22:24):
that you would say this was a turning point of
something I did wrong that I wish I hadn't. I
feel like we all have those moments where we're like, oh,
this was important.
Speaker 2 (22:34):
Right all the time. I think entrepreneurship is a constant
ebb and flow of being like, this is the best
decision I ever made, and this is the worst decision
I ever made. And again it goes back to giving
yourself grace And sometimes I need someone else to look
at me and say, look at what you've built. If
the same Casana was looking at what you've built all
those years ago, would you be proud? And I think
(22:55):
that's what's important because you're I guess the bar of
what you're trying to reach continues to go higher and higher,
and it should because that's what can build a successful business.
But it's just also keeping that perspective of continuing to
show up and even when you have those bad days,
trusting the process. That's the biggest thing I've learned in
(23:17):
every component, whether it be working for years to win
miss Florida placing third runner up at Miss America. Like
getting my MBA. I'm in corporate finance right now, say
a prayer because I do have an examine three days.
Oh my god. I think the constant theme is you
have to love the journey. You can't just love the winds.
And when you start to love the journey and start
(23:38):
looking at it through that lens, one bad day won't
make you want to throw your hands up and say
I can't do this anymore.
Speaker 1 (23:46):
Right, And it's like, it's always good to remember that
version of yourself that was ten years old, sixteen years old,
twenty years old, whatever it was. She would think that
you were amazing, I.
Speaker 2 (23:56):
Know, and she would I was such a I was
such a How did I become that?
Speaker 1 (24:03):
Every time I see that, I think, I mean with
my story and being a shopaholic, trying to fill whatever
leukemia hole was left with happiness of shopping, having no job.
I was a total dumpster fire when it came to
finances and planning and wealth building. And I think if
(24:26):
that twenty three year old girl met me now, she'd
be like, you are lying. This is not what you're
passionate about and doing for the rest of your life.
But it's good to remember that in those days that
you're like was today.
Speaker 2 (24:38):
When I think so cool?
Speaker 1 (24:40):
I think, so, what was your experience like going through
building this brand as a young woman, because I know
when I did it, there were plenty of these men
that were around me that were more than willing to
help and more lovely, but they definitely were a little dismissive.
I felt like the pat on the head, Oh this
(25:02):
is so cute. Who is your dad helping you? Are
you married? And I'm like, I'm twenty five and I'm
not married, But what was it like for you?
Speaker 2 (25:09):
I mean, I think it was one of those things
that with the work and effort that I was putting in,
it was taken more seriously at first because I had
just moved home from COVID and because I was flailing
a little bit and not quite sure like where my
purpose lied. I did have to prove myself a little
bit because they were like, oh my gosh, what what
are we doing here? Like what is this the side
(25:31):
quest that she's doing? But again, I had the most
supportive boyfriend who like really believed in the power of
entrepreneurship and what I'm really proud of is like I
put in the time on the research end so that
if there was a question, I was like, don't worry,
I've already thought about that, which, of course, like the
plan never goes accordingly, And there has been times when
(25:53):
I would go through slow seasons where people would ask like,
are you still doing that? Like really, like you're that's
still something you're into. But again, it's just showing up.
And I think by building upon that, by continuing to
show up, by by having confidence in research and working hard,
it's hard for people in your life to look at
(26:14):
you and challenge it. I guess because they're like, Okay,
she loves this, she's putting the work in consistently. Consistency,
I think is what brought comfort.
Speaker 1 (26:24):
It is the magic bullet I think for so much,
no matter what you're talking about, health, building, wealth, showing
up for yourself, working through being a parent, a marriage,
a friend, you have to do things well consistently.
Speaker 2 (26:41):
Social media, social I think that that is such a
great metaphor.
Speaker 1 (26:44):
Oh my god, it's I know, I know, it's a
full time job. Even if you have people doing.
Speaker 2 (26:49):
It, it is a full time job. And that's something
I've really tried to pour into this year because it's
hard to fail if you do have a strong social
media following, honestly, because that is like your crew. People
want to see you succeed. I feel if it is
a really engaged following. But man, oh my gosh, it's hard.
Speaker 1 (27:10):
We just went to Spain for a friend's birthday and
my team said, okay, just get some content. This will
be great. And I still, even though it's been you know,
a while that I've been doing this, it does feel
so funny. And my husband is the best Instagram husband ever.
Speaker 2 (27:29):
Well trained.
Speaker 1 (27:30):
Oh yeah, I mean he knows how to hold the
cameras and his friends are laughing at him, but he's like, listen,
I've perfected this.
Speaker 2 (27:38):
So that's a man that loves you. I want to
that is a man that has so much love for you.
And my boyfriend did the same thing, and it's so
funny because he was going to film a video one
time and so he gave the camera to someone else
and he was like, Okay, listen, you need more space
above the head, like the bottom of the angle needs
to be right up to the shoes.
Speaker 1 (27:56):
And I was prouder and.
Speaker 2 (27:58):
I was just like you love me that much that
I like this man has done some research to ensure
that I'm getting the best Instagram photos, And yeah, I think,
I honestly think it is a currency for love. I'm like,
that is a love language. Is getting Instagram photos? It is?
Speaker 1 (28:13):
Because it's not easy. No, it's not figuring it all out. Yeah,
it's wild. And so speaking of social media and pictures,
you are obviously well versed in this because of the
title that you hold, and I think for most of
us listening, we don't know what that world is like.
So can you give us a little peek behind the curtain?
(28:35):
What is the pageant world like? What was it like
to hear your name when you won? And once you win?
What happens? Are there financial rewards to being a titleholder?
Speaker 2 (28:47):
Yes? So Miss America organization is the largest scholarship provider
for young women in the world. And again, I really
started to pour myself into this because I needed to
go to college and my family didn't have the money
to send me to college. And I fell in love
with it because there's such an emphasis on service. So
sometimes when people think Miss America, they think beauty pageant. Well,
(29:11):
they have completely rebranded themselves to be a scholarship competition
because they don't want the emphasis on the beauty part
we have. We all have service initiatives that we pour into.
So for example, Mind's organ donation, and every young woman
who competes in the missmeric Organization has theirs. So any
cause that you can think about, women are pouring into
(29:32):
their communities, their states, their nations, and that really just
also reinstilled in me what can be changed with service
because I'm surrounded by a young women her role like minded.
So that is the background story of the missmeric Organization.
But there's also components that you compete in. Miss Florida
is a week long competition a week a week long competition,
(29:54):
and you have to win at a local level too.
So I was missed Tampa last year because that's where
more transplants, more life was based out of and the
most incredible year. But you do a lot in your community,
you do a lot for your service initiative, and then
you have to prep on stage, which is we have talent.
So I grew up as a competitive dancer. At twenty six,
(30:14):
it's a little harder to do that.
Speaker 1 (30:16):
But what type of discipline was your specialty?
Speaker 2 (30:19):
I've always loved contemporary lyrical so I did growing up.
I know you mentioned that earlier, and I feel like
a dancer truly knows how hard it is to stay
a dancer as you get older. And so I was
training in the studio multiple times a week. I was
going on three or four appearances asthmas tample like local level,
I was partnering with hospitals and politicians past legislation. We
(30:44):
have a ten minute interview with a panel of judges
where they can ask you about anything under the sun.
You can get asked about abortion, gun rights, you can
get asked about your community service initiative, you know, beauty
or brains like any question you have to be completely
prepared for. Then you have on stage quest, which is
you answer again any question under the sun in front
of a thousand people. We have a lot of pressure
(31:08):
on stage. Question is really where my nerves? Oh? I
hate it? I hated it. And then we have evening
gown and fitness because they.
Speaker 1 (31:16):
Don't they do fitness now instead of the bathing suit
thing right now.
Speaker 2 (31:19):
Yes, they do fitness instead of the bathing suit. Again,
really trying to rebrand it not as not as beauty
and that's not what it's about. And so I went
to Miss Florida three times. I was first runer up.
My second time completely crushed me. But oh my god,
I can't imagine. You get so close in hard work
and out of forty girls, you're like, am I ever
(31:40):
going to get this high again? Like? Am I ever
going to place this well again? Or is my dream
kind of this? Is that as far as I'll ever go.
And that's why I really wanted to make sure next
time I came back as Miss Florida, there was not
a doubt in the judge's mind that I was capable
and ready. That's when I started working heavy with more transplants,
more life ashead of Operations, I went back for my masters.
(32:01):
I really poured into the unverified. I wrote a book
and basically gave them out because I just wanted this
to be like a free resource and I just tried
to make myself better in every element of my life.
And I came back the next year and one, and
you would think at that point you're like, oh man,
I made it. My dream was achieved. But immediately you're like, okay,
(32:22):
I have to get ready for Miss America.
Speaker 1 (32:24):
Now, how long do you have between So it used
to be.
Speaker 2 (32:27):
In September, so you only had two months to prepare.
My year was in it. I left on December twenty eighth,
So during Christmas, everyone's opening up gifts, and all I'm
thinking about is, oh my goodness, oh my goodness, oh
my goodness, Like, am I ready? Am I ready?
Speaker 1 (32:42):
So what happens if you're just get this title Miss Florida,
and then let's say you win Miss America, then you
have to give up. You give Florida to the runner up.
Speaker 2 (32:52):
First runner up takes over Florida duties, and I don't know.
There's always a part of me I was like, there's
no way I'm going to win Miss my Like there's
just no way. And then you get there and you're like,
you are capable of doing this, and then to place
third runner up. I mean, if you would have asked
me a year ago, I would have said there's no way.
But again, honestly, I think my harshest flaw in my
(33:17):
life is the fact that I don't trust myself enough.
And with entrepreneurship, with money management, whatever it may be,
you have to trust yourself and you have to understand
that you are so much more capable than you give
your self credit, and I think women struggle with that
more than men.
Speaker 1 (33:33):
I hope that all of you are writing this down
on the side of the road or wherever you're at.
Speaker 2 (33:39):
Y just pull over, safe driving, Yeah, step away from
the stove while you're cooking.
Speaker 1 (33:44):
But it is so true. It all comes back to
believing in yourself, not having imposter syndrome. You deserve to
be at the table, fight for what you think you
deserve and are worth, and the world is yours. We
do such a bad job as women. I don't know.
(34:04):
I think we're getting better about emulating it for each other.
I think, you know, as friends were a little bit less.
We're less in a culture of being competitive with each
other and uplifting each other hopefully, but yeah, we have
to do better.
Speaker 2 (34:22):
Yeah, because it's where it all starts. I agree. You
have to truly be able to look to the women
to your right or left and know that they have
your back and they have your best interest, and that
they'll hold a mirror up and show you how great
you are. Which I was very doubtful that I would
find such genuine friendships at Miss America, and God just
has a way of working. The first night we were
(34:44):
at orientation in this huge ballroom, there was eight seats
at each table. We sat down a group of eight
of us, and it was just such fate because those
are the girls that I still group chat to this day.
You do. And I got deathly sick during Miss America,
like sicker than I've ever been two days in to
ten days, and they were the ones who were praying
over me and like making sure, you know, does my
(35:07):
mom need to go pick medicine up for you? I'm like, no,
it's okay. My boyfriend just showed up with three hundred
dollars from CBS of old medicine. Yes, but you have
to trust that the women in your life were there
for the right reasons, and if not, I've just learned
in life it's it's not worth it.
Speaker 1 (35:23):
Cut and run, get your village, and don't accept anybody
that isn't equally as invested in the relationship.
Speaker 2 (35:30):
Right.
Speaker 1 (35:31):
Do you guys have to buy all of the clothes
that you wear for state level?
Speaker 2 (35:36):
Yes? Once I won Miss Florida, I had a dress
sponsored an incredible dress shop here in Orlando called Regalia
Apparel in downtown. I think downtown Orlando and we went
up to New York City. I designed it with Jovanni
and I was able to wear that on Miss America.
I won evening gown at Miss America with that, which
again was one of those moments where it's just it's
(35:59):
so wild because I didn't believe in any of these strengths,
and then I don't know, just as life progresses, you
see it, you do. And my attire, my outfits that
I wear at appearances are sponsored by a boutique down
in Homestead called Anne Marie Boutique. I have a dental sponsor,
I have an incredible group of sponsors. My car sponsored.
Speaker 1 (36:20):
That's wonderful.
Speaker 2 (36:21):
I know for the year, you definitely do live like
a queen, but it is hard work and you do
have to put your life on pause to serve. And
I don't know if people fully realize that.
Speaker 1 (36:32):
But because it's more than beauty, it is truly an
act of service.
Speaker 2 (36:36):
Right, And it was always really important for me as
Miss Florida to not only represent those who are showing
up to the really nice galas or like the high
dollar contributors. I wanted to be a Miss Florida that okay,
I got invited to an event that's in the middle
of the forest to raise money for wildlife. I'm gonna
say yes to it because it's not just my duty
(36:56):
to represent a niche group of people. I wanted to
represent all of Florida, and I think when you lead
with that, it's just inevitable that you're going to change
for the better.
Speaker 1 (37:06):
What is next for you?
Speaker 2 (37:09):
I am really trying to go the broadcast route. I
would love to be able to do that on the
side of also continuing to run my business. I just
realized through this year that I have such a strength
of relationship building, communicating, storytelling, and I don't want a
moment in my life to go by where I didn't
at least try to completely grow in my strengths. It
(37:31):
took me a long time to realize what my strengths were,
and now that I'm here, I really want to go
into TV. But I also love fashion, so something where
I can incorporate it all, which I guess sounds like
a lot to incorporate in once. But just looking at
the trajectory of my life, I've been able to juggle
a couple of things at a time, and hopefully that'll
be what's dot for the chapter.
Speaker 1 (37:51):
Is not a doubt in my mind that you're going
to do it.
Speaker 2 (37:53):
Thank you.
Speaker 1 (37:53):
I just hope you stay local so we can all
see you and love on you in Orlando.
Speaker 2 (37:57):
I do love my Orlando family. I've definitely become c.
Speaker 1 (38:00):
I'm sure it's hard not to fall in love with
this place. So okay, what is one as we kind
of wind down here? What is one tip that you
have learned through all of these different chapters You've lived
around money that you think may help someone that's listening.
Speaker 2 (38:21):
Invest in yourself, whether that be in your education and
starting a business and getting investing in your health, a
procedure that really will enhance your life. When you decide
to invest in yourself and not look at it like
it's a selfish act. That's really when you can see
(38:43):
your life transform. And it's scary, and you might be
sitting there and saying, well, why would I invest ten
thousand dollars in me when I could invest in my kids?
But you have to realize the ten thousand dollars that
you're investing in yourself and for a better future could
completely generationally change the trajectory of your kids, and that
means a lot more than you know buying all these
(39:04):
outfits for your child. I wish I understood how much
one dollar towards myself and my future would have gone
a long time ago. But if you're willing to invest
in yourself, it's only natural that it'll come back tenfold.
Speaker 1 (39:22):
That's amazing advice because the more fulfilled and complete you feel,
you're only going to be able then to pour into
others that are hoping to get something from your experiences.
So it's so true, pour into yourself first, invest in yourself.
Do not feel guilty. It's something we all do so frequently.
(39:47):
And I have one more thing, yes, of course, what
is the most dreadful question you ever got or that
stumped you? Was there ever anything that you remember that
you were.
Speaker 2 (39:57):
Like, really?
Speaker 1 (39:57):
Did I just get asked this question during like the
pageant stuff.
Speaker 2 (40:02):
Well, Miss Florida A couple of years ago. I got
asked about gerrymandering in my interview, which is I don't
want to butcher it on here, but the reallocation of
lines for voting points basically in certain areas, and I
like somehow skated my way through the answer. But it's
(40:22):
questions like that or I also got asked about gun
control on stage in front of a thousand people, and
you could answer it as eloquently as possible, You're still
probably offending half so many people. But I think with
those things, it's just you know, how can you how
can you truly stand by your opinion but say it
(40:43):
in a way that gives room for empathy for all?
And that's always been my goal.
Speaker 1 (40:48):
I love that. How can people find you? How can
people learn more about organ donation, about your current business
and baby, how do we follow along on this amazing journey.
Speaker 2 (41:02):
Well, my personal page on Facebook, TikTok and Instagram is
at Cassanna Fink. My business is the Unverified And if
you want to know more about organ donation or you're
considering becoming an organ donor, which saves lives, lives like
my father's, you can go to donate Life org or
Donatelifeflorida dot org and sign up to be an organ donor.
Speaker 1 (41:24):
Thank you so much for all of the work that
you're doing in not only the that space, but the
message that you're giving to so many women who inevitably
see you and look up to you. I have had
the best time. You are delightful you, and I hope
(41:45):
that everyone listening, I hope that you can feel it.
But if you're watching, she is so genuine and I'm
so so thankful that you joined us today. As always, ladies,
there is so much work to be done to change
the way women think and feel about money. How you
(42:06):
write your story, what success looks like. Today's the day,
find somebody who inspires you. We have a great example.
But let's keep doing the good work as always, like subscribe, share,
and until next time, let's keep changing the way women
think and feel about money together
Let's know the welcome. Welcome, we Talk Wealthy to Me.
I'm Michelle Taylor, founder of Women and Well and wen
from breaking money myths to building wealth and achieving financial freedom.
We're here to empower you to create your own path.
Path you talk wealth. Now join the conversation and let's
change the way women think and feel about money. Are
(00:22):
you ready? Hi, everybody, Welcome back to the Talk Wealthy
to Me podcast. I'm Michelle Taylor, your host, and I
am so excited to have a special guest with us today.
Kasana Fink is a University of Florida graduate, current NBA Candidate,
Award winning advocate for organ donation, and Miss Florida of
(00:44):
twenty twenty four. After her father's life saving liver transplant,
she founded Give to Live, Donate Life at just fourteen
years old, launching a decade long mission to educate and
empower transplant patients and their families. She has since reached
over four hundred thousand individuals across Florida and authored The
Gift of Life, a children's book on donation now placed
(01:06):
in every county library in the state. Casana has served
as Chief operating Officer of more Transplants More Life, where
she worked to improve access, education, and equity in the
organ donation system. Her impact has earned her recognition as
Donate Life Florida's Ambassador of the Year and a nominee
for Donate Life America's Pinnacle Award. In addition to her
(01:29):
advocacy work, Casana is an entrepreneur and a business owner.
She is the founder of The Unverified, a fashion brand
rooted in resilience and individuality, built upon her studies at
the Condy Nast College of Fashion and Design in London.
Kasana's journey is proof that purpose and passion, when paired
(01:50):
with action, can spark change that touches lives far beyond
our own. Hi, everybody, I am so so excited for
this episode. I am joined today by the current Miss Florida,
Casana Fink. Welcome to this show.
Speaker 2 (02:06):
Thank you. I'm so honored to be a part of this.
Speaker 1 (02:09):
Well. I think we're all in for a treat because
you have done so much and so much good, and
I think that the story we're about to hear is
one that everyone will benefit from.
Speaker 2 (02:22):
Thank you.
Speaker 1 (02:22):
You're welcome. So first, tell us a little bit about
you and how you got here.
Speaker 2 (02:28):
My little elevator pitch, Yeah, that I try to make short.
So I think it all starts when I was fourteen
years old, my dad was found unresponsive in our front lawn.
He was rushed to the hospital. We were told that
he would need a transplant, and that turned into a
year long journey in and out of the ICU. At
that time, my mom was working two jobs. She was
by his bedside every night. As a fourteen year old,
(02:51):
you think the world revolves around you. So I think
that was my first kind of entrance into reality. And
we also lost a soul or a income provider for
our house. And not only did that experience really show
me how life can change so quickly, but it also
showed me what it truly means to be an advocate
because my mom seeing that in certain areas of the hospital,
(03:14):
my dad wasn't receiving the best care. She was demanding
better care on the top floor with executives at the
hospital and saying that patients deserve to be treated better.
So not only was she representing him, but she was
representing every patient on his floor. And that's when, at fourteen,
I decided I wanted to do something as well. I
started a nonprofit give to Live amazing. Thank you. I
(03:36):
don't know if I knew what I truly was like
getting myself into I just remember my mom always had
a service heart, and I just wanted, I think, to
be more like her. And I started at my nonprofit
very quickly. I was thrown in front of my peers
to share about organ and tissue donation because it's really
one of those things until you are directly impacted by it,
(03:56):
you don't see the importance of it. And since then,
I've just continued to build upon that I am in
two years ago, so twenty twenty three, I was advocating
at Intellahassee for organ donation and trying to get some
legislation passed, and I was like, you know what, I think,
I'm kind of like decent at this. Maybe I'll be
a lobbyist. And someone put me in touch with a
(04:19):
longtime lobbyist double lung transplant recipient, and he basically talked
me out of being a lobbyist. He was like, you
do not want to do this, but he asked if
I would head operations that is nonprofit. This is something
I'd been doing for years, but I think as a
woman sometimes self doubt creeps in and I just was like,
I don't know if I'm your girl, Like I don't
(04:39):
know if I'll be able to do what you're asking.
But for a year and a half, like we developed
out six programs from a podcast that you could share
with patients about the inner workings of waiting for a
transplant after transplant, to building bridges between marginalized communities and
healthcare providers, everything work with different communities so that they
(05:02):
could trust healthcare. We just wanted everyone to know what
organ donation was before they're sitting at the bedside of
a loved one having to make that decision on the
hardest day of their life. And that was such a
beautiful journey. When I was at Miss America this year,
though he did get an infection in his lungs and
ended up passing away, he was the best boss in
the world and I tell everyone that. But he also
(05:22):
really showed me that no task is too big and
if you take every win by the one percent rule
of every day, if you're one percent closer, that's what
you need to focus on. Not looking at this mountain
saying how could I ever climb this? And so I
really integrate that into everything that I do. Now I'm
a University of Florida graduate. Go Gators. I'm graduating with
(05:43):
my master's in business this fall. I studied at Contenast
College in London, lived in New York, worked in fashion
for a while. I know this is kind of all
over the place.
Speaker 1 (05:53):
But what a life it means.
Speaker 2 (05:55):
Yeah, it's been amazing, and especially being Miss Florida, I
say I've lived a thousand lives because every day it
was so important for me to say yes to things
and show up. And when you do those things, it
completely transforms your life. So that's my elevator pitch. I
might have forgotten something, but it's been crazy.
Speaker 1 (06:12):
That was perfect. So I think that what you did
at such a young age showed that you were a
perfect person in personality to have a platform to reach
people like Miss Florida and also to be an entrepreneur,
because the one thing that's kind of tricky to teach
(06:35):
is the grit and tenacity it takes to just jump in.
And it sounds like you started showing that at fourteen.
And if I was sitting here with your mom, she'd
probably say that it was when you were five.
Speaker 2 (06:46):
Yeah, I definitely was a little bit of a crazy child.
She'd probably say that too, But I think there does
have to be a sense of you can't think too
much about it because that'll paralyze you. And I did
do that. I did teen for three years. So Miss
Florida's tea kind of prepares you, but it allows you
to win scholarship dollars. So when my dad got sick,
they were like, well, you gotta find money or you're
(07:07):
not going to college. And I did that, and then
I took a long break until I finally felt that
I was ready to compete as a miss from Miss Florida.
But the truth is is like I never really felt ready,
and I think I just kept talking myself out of
it because I was so fearful of failure. But it's
when you jump into the deep end, you just you
can't allow yourself to think too much because you'll just
(07:27):
never feel prepared.
Speaker 1 (07:29):
You are preaching to the choir. We talk about this
so often amongst other women, friends and business owners. You
are never ready now. You are never ready to have
a baby, You're never ready to get married, You're never
ready to jump in blindfolded. But that's the only way
to move forward, and that's what I mean. To know
that you did that in so many aspects and times
(07:51):
of your life is incredible.
Speaker 2 (07:53):
Thank you. YouTube was a great teacher. That's how I
learned so much information.
Speaker 1 (07:58):
The world has totally totally changed in that regard. The
information's there, you just need to filter it out, find
what's useful, then partner with someone to say does this
apply to me, and then go after it. So do
you think, and obviously we talk all here about money
and success and what that all feels like when you
(08:21):
saw your family shift down to one income, do you
think that that impacted the way that you felt about
money or the money stories that you grew up telling
yourself and was it good or bad?
Speaker 2 (08:36):
Absolutely? I have a lot of financial insecurity even to
this day, where like, I just have a really weird
relationship with money and I'm always scared that it's fleeting.
And I think that comes from first of all, to
go even further back, my mom grew up in a
wealthier family, but her dad passed away very suddenly when
(08:59):
she twelve, and it completely flipped to where you know,
her mom was sewing her prom dresses and so she
always instilled in me how important a pinion is, which
I think is a great thing to know, right you
should understand how far a dollar can go if used properly.
But it also kind of instilled the sphere in me
of like things can change any day. And then my
(09:23):
dad was hit really hard by the recession. He is
an appraiser, he was an investing in some land, really
trying to do everything to provide a better life. Very
hard worker. But when the recession came along, it completely
decimated everything. But then that only got intensified when my
dad got sick. Because truly it's a God sent that
(09:47):
we were able to keep the house. What happened was
the bank I think, went belly up and lost our mortgage,
and through a numerous reasons like we were able to refinance.
That is why we kept house. But if it weren't
for that, we would have lost absolutely everything. And again,
that was just a moment where it's really hard to
(10:08):
convince yourself that money is stable and that it will
be there forever. And I even hold that to this day.
You know, I have been able to convince myself to
really invest in myself, but it wasn't without some dissonance,
and it wasn't without a little bit of panic, But
I think the confidence does come over time, just realizing
(10:29):
that it always works out. And it's not just money
investment that you have to give yourself. It's also work.
And when you show up with the right work ethic
and you create the right relationships, yep, that's also wealth.
Speaker 1 (10:41):
One hundred percent. And it's learning to take those stories,
take what you can from them, and then making them
work for you. So I imagine, and we talk about
this often. Women tend to be a little bit more
apprehensive about taking risk by nature, but also with money
of course. And then also you know, we are the nurtures,
(11:05):
so we're more likely to take a step back out
of the workforce and take care of others and put
ourselves last. So it is it's that balance of capturing
whatever you need to move the needle forward and rewriting
your money story and not putting yourself last in other
areas of your life. It's it's a wild it's a
(11:29):
wild thing. It's so hard. Yes, And I remember, it's
funny you bring up the recession and your dad. So
my dad is also an entrepreneur, and I learned so
much watching him and riding around in his truck when
he was building a window and door company. And in
that same time period of the recession, I had just
(11:49):
moved back from Italy and I was living with him
starting my business, and I remember him sitting on the
foot of his bed and just he was crying. And
I remember walking in and immediately feeling like, this is whatever,
this is happening, is nothing I want a part of.
It felt so scary and it made me take a
(12:10):
different look at entrepreneurial things. But I also saw how
he was in charge of his own destiny and could
quickly refocus. But you have to take the good with
the bad. I mean, money and uncertainty in life is
all scary.
Speaker 2 (12:27):
It's all scary just managing. I think it's being able
to give yourself grace as well. Especially I can only
imagine the stress of being like a soul provider for
a family. But I just know kind of coming into
adulthood and realizing, Okay, adulting's not cheap, no, and really
just working hard to set myself up to where I
(12:48):
can give my kids the best chance at life and
like everything that they could ever want. It is really
giving yourself grace too, because you can't have improvements without
trying things, and unfortunately trying things also can lead to failure.
It's just the equations, the equation of life. And I
would rather try six things and fail five times then
(13:10):
still be sitting on my couch and being like this
is a great idea, Like I should try this.
Speaker 1 (13:14):
Yeah, We've all had that moment where you think of
something and then you look it up and somebody already
created it. You don't never want to sleep on something a.
Speaker 2 (13:21):
Bit correct, correct, And I don't know, I just I
also had one of those moments of when I came
home from New York City and I just realized I
was so much happier in Florida. That's another thing, is
what does wealth mean to you? Right? And to me,
happiness was a big part, big part of the conversation too.
But I was living in New York because I was
(13:42):
chasing what I thought I needed to do the next accolade,
like what's the most impressive I want to be editor
in chief one day of like a big fashion editorial.
But I was so unhappy and I was missing the
important ethos in my life that has always grounded me.
And coming home and just kind of reevaluating that. You know,
(14:02):
I think wealth also should encompass happiness.
Speaker 1 (14:05):
One hundred percent, because if you're chasing something that is
not filling your cup, there's no way.
Speaker 2 (14:12):
It's going to stay. Money won't fix that.
Speaker 1 (14:15):
Money will not fix it.
Speaker 2 (14:16):
I will disagree when people say money can't buy happiness.
I do think it can help with happiness because again,
growing up in a household where there was a lot
of conversation about money not being there, it definitely takes
a stress off, but there is so much more to
the conversation as well. It's almost like a whole I
don't know, and all encompassing. You have to talk about health,
(14:37):
you have to talk about financial stability and happiness and
all of those things, all of it.
Speaker 1 (14:41):
And you're totally right. I always say, you know, when
that saying comes up. Money makes everything easier. It gives
people options. So if you're chasing money to make you happy,
we need to reevaluate that. But man, it does make
it easier because I you know, personally, I remember watching
my mom where if something unexpected happened, God forbid, same
(15:04):
thing with our family when I got sick, there was
no extra to pay for all of the things that
come with a medical emergency, but even something little like
the dishwasher brakes, I know that is huge. So that's
where I think when you don't have it, it seems
like the people that do are happy, and their happiness
(15:26):
is not from the money. It's just hopefully from the
ease of having options to make life better. Oh wow, well, okay,
So when you first were walking in today, I commented
on your amazing, beautiful dress and you it's from your line,
(15:46):
So tell us about that. I'm a lover of fashion,
and I love that you pivoted to now being a
business owner, So tell us how that happened and what
that's been like.
Speaker 2 (15:58):
I've had a few very true transformative experiences in my life,
the different ali ways, I guess, like, yes, detours that
I've taken, but this one has been such a constant
in so many different chapters. And it's because when something's
your own, like, it's very fulfilling to you, and every
little win is just incredibly gratifying. So I started this
(16:20):
clothing brand with ten thousand dollars that I saved up
from minimum wage jobs in New York City and some
that I've saved up from college and I knew that
I always wanted to do something great. I just didn't
have the confidence. My boyfriend, an incredible person, very entrepreneurial,
not as riskd versus I am. He just really said,
(16:41):
you know what you want to do this like do it.
Let's leap of faith, Let's do it. What's the worst
that can happen? You're down ten grand? Like in the
scheme of it, you tried something, you learned from it,
and I said, you know what, You're right. I took
to YouTube. I watched YouTube videos probably for four days straight.
I had a notebook completely filled with what I wanted
(17:02):
my niche to be, where I wanted to source the
products from kind of my timeline of Okay, so I
have to start by private labeling. When do I see
myself designing to creating? Made some calls all of a sudden, you're,
you know, talking to people overseas or like trying to
figure out what are the minimum order quantities? And it
truly like started in such grassroots efforts like I we
(17:23):
were talking about this earlier, the things that I showed
up to my first year of owning a clothing brand
just in this name of exposure. I mean some of them.
Some of them were brutal. There's been days where I've
sold one item for fifteen dollars and I'm just like,
I'm like, I'm like, how do I have something worth
fifteen dollars on this rack? Like how is that even possible?
(17:45):
And it doesn't even cover the gas to get there?
But you know what is Then I would have days
where I would meet hundreds of women who look at
my items and they're just like, this is beautiful and
it's affordable and it will last. And my goal always
was when I lived in New York City, I feel
like fast fashion was just everywhere, but then you would
(18:07):
see that one person in the crowd and You're like, Wow,
she's timeless. And that's what I wanted it to represent.
I wanted my items that I was able to source
and bring to women to be things that they'll have
throughout different chapters that if it accidentally got thrown into
the washer, it's not going to disintegrate. And also play
my part and contributing to healthy fashion. And I don't know,
(18:29):
I just want women to feel confident in what they wear.
Because I remember distinctly as a young girl, it was
between seventh grade and eighth grade, I really started honing
in on what style was and it completely changes the
way you look at yourself and the way that you
show up.
Speaker 1 (18:43):
It's wild because when you are and we're in a
culture right now where things have shifted so much, where
people you know, it's sweatpants and sweatshirts. And when I
grew up, I remember my grandmother saying, I mean, you
don't leave the house with out looking pulled together. And
when you're flying you I mean when I remember when
(19:03):
I was first dating my husband, his brother came to
pick me up at the airport flying to Connecticut and
he said, I knew you'd be here in a blazer
and heels, and I remember thinking, well, I'm on an airplane,
of course, And that was, you know, ten years ago,
and I think I see people how they travel now,
and it's just it's totally different. But it does affect
(19:24):
how you show up. And regardless of what you know,
people's opinions are on how we view others. I think
that those first impressions everything. It matters. Yeah, it matters
how you show up, and not only is it going
to shape the perception of the audience you're talking to,
but it matters to you and your confidence and your
(19:48):
ask and what your message or your platform is. So
I love that you consider that, and I hope that
more people think through that. I try and tell my
ten year old little boy every day because he's in that,
you know, don't you dare tell me what to wear?
Speaker 2 (20:05):
Is he a sneakerhead? I feel like that's when it
starts developing.
Speaker 1 (20:07):
He is a sneak your head and comes by it
naturally his dad and uncles and all of them. But
I'll tell him all the time and he goes, well, Mom,
it doesn't matter, and I'll say, well it it does matter.
People are looking. And when we go to church on
the weekends, I will He'll say, Mom, God doesn't care
what I'm wearing as long as I go to church.
(20:29):
And I will look at him and say, you are right.
God doesn't care, But Mom cares.
Speaker 2 (20:34):
Mom? Does I care?
Speaker 1 (20:35):
Your reflection of us? Like brush your hair? Kid? So
it's important.
Speaker 2 (20:39):
Yeah. I get asked a lot as Miss Florida what's
more important beauty or brains? And I always say, beauty
gets you in the door. Brains is what keeps you
at the table.
Speaker 1 (20:48):
Oh my god, I love that.
Speaker 2 (20:50):
But it's true, like you, how you show up is
how people perceive you and your abilities and.
Speaker 1 (20:57):
Quickly, I think, perceive you or your worthiness of being
at the table, because it doesn't matter how smart you are.
If you show up somewhere and you don't look the part,
people will automatically discredit you before you even open your mouth.
(21:19):
It's wild.
Speaker 2 (21:20):
And I think too to make the distinction between like,
it's not attractiveness level, Like, I don't think that's really
what it's about. It's about how do you take care
of yourself? Like are you showing up ready for the
job that first day? Or do you go to church
and like really still look put together. I mean, there's
a difference between attractiveness level, is that even a word?
(21:40):
Attractiveness level and just looking confident and showing up excited
and read the best version of yourself.
Speaker 1 (21:49):
Well, and it's funny that you say that because so
many people immediately are like, it shouldn't matter what I
look like and it They are absolutely right, but does right?
But it does?
Speaker 2 (22:02):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (22:03):
So, going through the journey of becoming an entrepreneur and
launching your brand, how were there any moments of either,
oh my gosh, that was the best decision I made
with money to prepare me for this, or are there
any any moments that you can share with the listeners
(22:24):
that you would say this was a turning point of
something I did wrong that I wish I hadn't. I
feel like we all have those moments where we're like, oh,
this was important.
Speaker 2 (22:34):
Right all the time. I think entrepreneurship is a constant
ebb and flow of being like, this is the best
decision I ever made, and this is the worst decision
I ever made. And again it goes back to giving
yourself grace And sometimes I need someone else to look
at me and say, look at what you've built. If
the same Casana was looking at what you've built all
those years ago, would you be proud? And I think
(22:55):
that's what's important because you're I guess the bar of
what you're trying to reach continues to go higher and higher,
and it should because that's what can build a successful business.
But it's just also keeping that perspective of continuing to
show up and even when you have those bad days,
trusting the process. That's the biggest thing I've learned in
(23:17):
every component, whether it be working for years to win
miss Florida placing third runner up at Miss America. Like
getting my MBA. I'm in corporate finance right now, say
a prayer because I do have an examine three days.
Oh my god. I think the constant theme is you
have to love the journey. You can't just love the winds.
And when you start to love the journey and start
(23:38):
looking at it through that lens, one bad day won't
make you want to throw your hands up and say
I can't do this anymore.
Speaker 1 (23:46):
Right, And it's like, it's always good to remember that
version of yourself that was ten years old, sixteen years old,
twenty years old, whatever it was. She would think that
you were amazing, I.
Speaker 2 (23:56):
Know, and she would I was such a I was
such a How did I become that?
Speaker 1 (24:03):
Every time I see that, I think, I mean with
my story and being a shopaholic, trying to fill whatever
leukemia hole was left with happiness of shopping, having no job.
I was a total dumpster fire when it came to
finances and planning and wealth building. And I think if
(24:26):
that twenty three year old girl met me now, she'd
be like, you are lying. This is not what you're
passionate about and doing for the rest of your life.
But it's good to remember that in those days that
you're like was today.
Speaker 2 (24:38):
When I think so cool?
Speaker 1 (24:40):
I think, so, what was your experience like going through
building this brand as a young woman, because I know
when I did it, there were plenty of these men
that were around me that were more than willing to
help and more lovely, but they definitely were a little dismissive.
I felt like the pat on the head, Oh this
(25:02):
is so cute. Who is your dad helping you? Are
you married? And I'm like, I'm twenty five and I'm
not married, But what was it like for you?
Speaker 2 (25:09):
I mean, I think it was one of those things
that with the work and effort that I was putting in,
it was taken more seriously at first because I had
just moved home from COVID and because I was flailing
a little bit and not quite sure like where my
purpose lied. I did have to prove myself a little
bit because they were like, oh my gosh, what what
are we doing here? Like what is this the side
(25:31):
quest that she's doing? But again, I had the most
supportive boyfriend who like really believed in the power of
entrepreneurship and what I'm really proud of is like I
put in the time on the research end so that
if there was a question, I was like, don't worry,
I've already thought about that, which, of course, like the
plan never goes accordingly, And there has been times when
(25:53):
I would go through slow seasons where people would ask like,
are you still doing that? Like really, like you're that's
still something you're into. But again, it's just showing up.
And I think by building upon that, by continuing to
show up, by by having confidence in research and working hard,
it's hard for people in your life to look at
(26:14):
you and challenge it. I guess because they're like, Okay,
she loves this, she's putting the work in consistently. Consistency,
I think is what brought comfort.
Speaker 1 (26:24):
It is the magic bullet I think for so much,
no matter what you're talking about, health, building, wealth, showing
up for yourself, working through being a parent, a marriage,
a friend, you have to do things well consistently.
Speaker 2 (26:41):
Social media, social I think that that is such a
great metaphor.
Speaker 1 (26:44):
Oh my god, it's I know, I know, it's a
full time job. Even if you have people doing.
Speaker 2 (26:49):
It, it is a full time job. And that's something
I've really tried to pour into this year because it's
hard to fail if you do have a strong social
media following, honestly, because that is like your crew. People
want to see you succeed. I feel if it is
a really engaged following. But man, oh my gosh, it's hard.
Speaker 1 (27:10):
We just went to Spain for a friend's birthday and
my team said, okay, just get some content. This will
be great. And I still, even though it's been you know,
a while that I've been doing this, it does feel
so funny. And my husband is the best Instagram husband ever.
Speaker 2 (27:29):
Well trained.
Speaker 1 (27:30):
Oh yeah, I mean he knows how to hold the
cameras and his friends are laughing at him, but he's like, listen,
I've perfected this.
Speaker 2 (27:38):
So that's a man that loves you. I want to
that is a man that has so much love for you.
And my boyfriend did the same thing, and it's so
funny because he was going to film a video one
time and so he gave the camera to someone else
and he was like, Okay, listen, you need more space
above the head, like the bottom of the angle needs
to be right up to the shoes.
Speaker 1 (27:56):
And I was prouder and.
Speaker 2 (27:58):
I was just like you love me that much that
I like this man has done some research to ensure
that I'm getting the best Instagram photos, And yeah, I think,
I honestly think it is a currency for love. I'm like,
that is a love language. Is getting Instagram photos? It is?
Speaker 1 (28:13):
Because it's not easy. No, it's not figuring it all out. Yeah,
it's wild. And so speaking of social media and pictures,
you are obviously well versed in this because of the
title that you hold, and I think for most of
us listening, we don't know what that world is like.
So can you give us a little peek behind the curtain?
(28:35):
What is the pageant world like? What was it like
to hear your name when you won? And once you win?
What happens? Are there financial rewards to being a titleholder?
Speaker 2 (28:47):
Yes? So Miss America organization is the largest scholarship provider
for young women in the world. And again, I really
started to pour myself into this because I needed to
go to college and my family didn't have the money
to send me to college. And I fell in love
with it because there's such an emphasis on service. So
sometimes when people think Miss America, they think beauty pageant. Well,
(29:11):
they have completely rebranded themselves to be a scholarship competition
because they don't want the emphasis on the beauty part
we have. We all have service initiatives that we pour into.
So for example, Mind's organ donation, and every young woman
who competes in the missmeric Organization has theirs. So any
cause that you can think about, women are pouring into
(29:32):
their communities, their states, their nations, and that really just
also reinstilled in me what can be changed with service
because I'm surrounded by a young women her role like minded.
So that is the background story of the missmeric Organization.
But there's also components that you compete in. Miss Florida
is a week long competition a week a week long competition,
(29:54):
and you have to win at a local level too.
So I was missed Tampa last year because that's where
more transplants, more life was based out of and the
most incredible year. But you do a lot in your community,
you do a lot for your service initiative, and then
you have to prep on stage, which is we have talent.
So I grew up as a competitive dancer. At twenty six,
(30:14):
it's a little harder to do that.
Speaker 1 (30:16):
But what type of discipline was your specialty?
Speaker 2 (30:19):
I've always loved contemporary lyrical so I did growing up.
I know you mentioned that earlier, and I feel like
a dancer truly knows how hard it is to stay
a dancer as you get older. And so I was
training in the studio multiple times a week. I was
going on three or four appearances asthmas tample like local level,
I was partnering with hospitals and politicians past legislation. We
(30:44):
have a ten minute interview with a panel of judges
where they can ask you about anything under the sun.
You can get asked about abortion, gun rights, you can
get asked about your community service initiative, you know, beauty
or brains like any question you have to be completely
prepared for. Then you have on stage quest, which is
you answer again any question under the sun in front
of a thousand people. We have a lot of pressure
(31:08):
on stage. Question is really where my nerves? Oh? I
hate it? I hated it. And then we have evening
gown and fitness because they.
Speaker 1 (31:16):
Don't they do fitness now instead of the bathing suit
thing right now.
Speaker 2 (31:19):
Yes, they do fitness instead of the bathing suit. Again,
really trying to rebrand it not as not as beauty
and that's not what it's about. And so I went
to Miss Florida three times. I was first runer up.
My second time completely crushed me. But oh my god,
I can't imagine. You get so close in hard work
and out of forty girls, you're like, am I ever
(31:40):
going to get this high again? Like? Am I ever
going to place this well again? Or is my dream
kind of this? Is that as far as I'll ever go.
And that's why I really wanted to make sure next
time I came back as Miss Florida, there was not
a doubt in the judge's mind that I was capable
and ready. That's when I started working heavy with more transplants,
more life ashead of Operations, I went back for my masters.
(32:01):
I really poured into the unverified. I wrote a book
and basically gave them out because I just wanted this
to be like a free resource and I just tried
to make myself better in every element of my life.
And I came back the next year and one, and
you would think at that point you're like, oh man,
I made it. My dream was achieved. But immediately you're like, okay,
(32:22):
I have to get ready for Miss America.
Speaker 1 (32:24):
Now, how long do you have between So it used
to be.
Speaker 2 (32:27):
In September, so you only had two months to prepare.
My year was in it. I left on December twenty eighth,
So during Christmas, everyone's opening up gifts, and all I'm
thinking about is, oh my goodness, oh my goodness, oh
my goodness, Like, am I ready? Am I ready?
Speaker 1 (32:42):
So what happens if you're just get this title Miss Florida,
and then let's say you win Miss America, then you
have to give up. You give Florida to the runner up.
Speaker 2 (32:52):
First runner up takes over Florida duties, and I don't know.
There's always a part of me I was like, there's
no way I'm going to win Miss my Like there's
just no way. And then you get there and you're like,
you are capable of doing this, and then to place
third runner up. I mean, if you would have asked
me a year ago, I would have said there's no way.
But again, honestly, I think my harshest flaw in my
(33:17):
life is the fact that I don't trust myself enough.
And with entrepreneurship, with money management, whatever it may be,
you have to trust yourself and you have to understand
that you are so much more capable than you give
your self credit, and I think women struggle with that
more than men.
Speaker 1 (33:33):
I hope that all of you are writing this down
on the side of the road or wherever you're at.
Speaker 2 (33:39):
Y just pull over, safe driving, Yeah, step away from
the stove while you're cooking.
Speaker 1 (33:44):
But it is so true. It all comes back to
believing in yourself, not having imposter syndrome. You deserve to
be at the table, fight for what you think you
deserve and are worth, and the world is yours. We
do such a bad job as women. I don't know.
(34:04):
I think we're getting better about emulating it for each other.
I think, you know, as friends were a little bit less.
We're less in a culture of being competitive with each
other and uplifting each other hopefully, but yeah, we have
to do better.
Speaker 2 (34:22):
Yeah, because it's where it all starts. I agree. You
have to truly be able to look to the women
to your right or left and know that they have
your back and they have your best interest, and that
they'll hold a mirror up and show you how great
you are. Which I was very doubtful that I would
find such genuine friendships at Miss America, and God just
has a way of working. The first night we were
(34:44):
at orientation in this huge ballroom, there was eight seats
at each table. We sat down a group of eight
of us, and it was just such fate because those
are the girls that I still group chat to this day.
You do. And I got deathly sick during Miss America,
like sicker than I've ever been two days in to
ten days, and they were the ones who were praying
over me and like making sure, you know, does my
(35:07):
mom need to go pick medicine up for you? I'm like, no,
it's okay. My boyfriend just showed up with three hundred
dollars from CBS of old medicine. Yes, but you have
to trust that the women in your life were there
for the right reasons, and if not, I've just learned
in life it's it's not worth it.
Speaker 1 (35:23):
Cut and run, get your village, and don't accept anybody
that isn't equally as invested in the relationship.
Speaker 2 (35:30):
Right.
Speaker 1 (35:31):
Do you guys have to buy all of the clothes
that you wear for state level?
Speaker 2 (35:36):
Yes? Once I won Miss Florida, I had a dress
sponsored an incredible dress shop here in Orlando called Regalia
Apparel in downtown. I think downtown Orlando and we went
up to New York City. I designed it with Jovanni
and I was able to wear that on Miss America.
I won evening gown at Miss America with that, which
again was one of those moments where it's just it's
(35:59):
so wild because I didn't believe in any of these strengths,
and then I don't know, just as life progresses, you
see it, you do. And my attire, my outfits that
I wear at appearances are sponsored by a boutique down
in Homestead called Anne Marie Boutique. I have a dental sponsor,
I have an incredible group of sponsors. My car sponsored.
Speaker 1 (36:20):
That's wonderful.
Speaker 2 (36:21):
I know for the year, you definitely do live like
a queen, but it is hard work and you do
have to put your life on pause to serve. And
I don't know if people fully realize that.
Speaker 1 (36:32):
But because it's more than beauty, it is truly an
act of service.
Speaker 2 (36:36):
Right, And it was always really important for me as
Miss Florida to not only represent those who are showing
up to the really nice galas or like the high
dollar contributors. I wanted to be a Miss Florida that okay,
I got invited to an event that's in the middle
of the forest to raise money for wildlife. I'm gonna
say yes to it because it's not just my duty
(36:56):
to represent a niche group of people. I wanted to
represent all of Florida, and I think when you lead
with that, it's just inevitable that you're going to change
for the better.
Speaker 1 (37:06):
What is next for you?
Speaker 2 (37:09):
I am really trying to go the broadcast route. I
would love to be able to do that on the
side of also continuing to run my business. I just
realized through this year that I have such a strength
of relationship building, communicating, storytelling, and I don't want a
moment in my life to go by where I didn't
at least try to completely grow in my strengths. It
(37:31):
took me a long time to realize what my strengths were,
and now that I'm here, I really want to go
into TV. But I also love fashion, so something where
I can incorporate it all, which I guess sounds like
a lot to incorporate in once. But just looking at
the trajectory of my life, I've been able to juggle
a couple of things at a time, and hopefully that'll
be what's dot for the chapter.
Speaker 1 (37:51):
Is not a doubt in my mind that you're going
to do it.
Speaker 2 (37:53):
Thank you.
Speaker 1 (37:53):
I just hope you stay local so we can all
see you and love on you in Orlando.
Speaker 2 (37:57):
I do love my Orlando family. I've definitely become c.
Speaker 1 (38:00):
I'm sure it's hard not to fall in love with
this place. So okay, what is one as we kind
of wind down here? What is one tip that you
have learned through all of these different chapters You've lived
around money that you think may help someone that's listening.
Speaker 2 (38:21):
Invest in yourself, whether that be in your education and
starting a business and getting investing in your health, a
procedure that really will enhance your life. When you decide
to invest in yourself and not look at it like
it's a selfish act. That's really when you can see
(38:43):
your life transform. And it's scary, and you might be
sitting there and saying, well, why would I invest ten
thousand dollars in me when I could invest in my kids?
But you have to realize the ten thousand dollars that
you're investing in yourself and for a better future could
completely generationally change the trajectory of your kids, and that
means a lot more than you know buying all these
(39:04):
outfits for your child. I wish I understood how much
one dollar towards myself and my future would have gone
a long time ago. But if you're willing to invest
in yourself, it's only natural that it'll come back tenfold.
Speaker 1 (39:22):
That's amazing advice because the more fulfilled and complete you feel,
you're only going to be able then to pour into
others that are hoping to get something from your experiences.
So it's so true, pour into yourself first, invest in yourself.
Do not feel guilty. It's something we all do so frequently.
(39:47):
And I have one more thing, yes, of course, what
is the most dreadful question you ever got or that
stumped you? Was there ever anything that you remember that
you were.
Speaker 2 (39:57):
Like, really?
Speaker 1 (39:57):
Did I just get asked this question during like the
pageant stuff.
Speaker 2 (40:02):
Well, Miss Florida A couple of years ago. I got
asked about gerrymandering in my interview, which is I don't
want to butcher it on here, but the reallocation of
lines for voting points basically in certain areas, and I
like somehow skated my way through the answer. But it's
(40:22):
questions like that or I also got asked about gun
control on stage in front of a thousand people, and
you could answer it as eloquently as possible, You're still
probably offending half so many people. But I think with
those things, it's just you know, how can you how
can you truly stand by your opinion but say it
(40:43):
in a way that gives room for empathy for all?
And that's always been my goal.
Speaker 1 (40:48):
I love that. How can people find you? How can
people learn more about organ donation, about your current business
and baby, how do we follow along on this amazing journey.
Speaker 2 (41:02):
Well, my personal page on Facebook, TikTok and Instagram is
at Cassanna Fink. My business is the Unverified And if
you want to know more about organ donation or you're
considering becoming an organ donor, which saves lives, lives like
my father's, you can go to donate Life org or
Donatelifeflorida dot org and sign up to be an organ donor.
Speaker 1 (41:24):
Thank you so much for all of the work that
you're doing in not only the that space, but the
message that you're giving to so many women who inevitably
see you and look up to you. I have had
the best time. You are delightful you, and I hope
(41:45):
that everyone listening, I hope that you can feel it.
But if you're watching, she is so genuine and I'm
so so thankful that you joined us today. As always, ladies,
there is so much work to be done to change
the way women think and feel about money. How you
(42:06):
write your story, what success looks like. Today's the day,
find somebody who inspires you. We have a great example.
But let's keep doing the good work as always, like subscribe, share,
and until next time, let's keep changing the way women
think and feel about money together
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