Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Sasha Cottrell of West Midtown

Sasha Cottrell shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Sasha, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
What I feel I’m being called to do right now is truly enter adulthood. I’m sure many can relate, and some might think it foolish at this age, but as I just entered my 24th year of living, I still have no idea what I’m doing…

I have always been a very organized and driven person, but I have never felt in control. Going into adulthood, I’m realizing that to take the reins of my own life, I have to start truly depending on myself and my abilities, both at work and in life. I’m being called to take action on my own, work harder than I ever have before, and rely on myself for the success of my future.

I’ve always been afraid of growing up and not living up to my potential. However, with aging comes the realization that there is no growing and learning without failure. I am so thankful for everyone in my circle who is so supportive, but it’s time to rely on my own skills and start giving back to those who have helped me in my journey to becoming an adult.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Sasha Cottrell, a SCAD Fashion Marketing graduate, a Freelance fashion Stylist, and a Key Holder at Free People Movement. Although when people ask what I do, I respond with “Stylist,” I like to think of myself more as a hustling artist. As someone who can’t sit still, I love working on multiple projects of diffrent mediums and interests, no matter how much time it takes or how little I’m getting out of it.

It’s hard to describe my brand in one word since I feel I do a lot of things under diffrent umbrellas of art, but my best try would be “fun”. Not only do I put together unique outfits for photoshoots, which I hope to make into a full-time career, but I’m also an avid crafter! I find a lot of joy in crocheting and love to incorporate it into photoshoots. For one Villan-themed shoot, I crocheted a devil horn balaclava and decorated it with silver pericings, which added the perfect dramatic touch to the outfit. Styling is my passion and is so special to my heart, especially when I can incorporate my own special touch to the shoot.

Another special piece of mine I’d love to shout out is part one of a three-part series. It’s a self-portrait consisting of a 5-foot canvas covered in only yarn. Although from far away it might look like a painting, up close and to the touch, you can see all the intricate linework and meticulous details of each placed yarn strand. This started as a passion piece in collage, but since graduation, I wasn’t able to leave the idea alone and have been avidly working on piece number two between styling and working retail.

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
There is one exact moment that shaped how I see the world, that I think about during my happiest and lowest moments.

It was the summer of 2016, and I had spent three months in South Africa with all my closest friends and family. Well before the trip, I had been diagnosed with depression and didn’t see a lot of light in the world. For months, I couldn’t recall a moment that made me smile. However, being back home and reconnecting with my loved ones put me in a better place.

I was very upset to leave a place that had such a good feeling, and go home to what seemed like a hopeless pit of despair. On my last night, I went down to my favorite beach by myself. For hours, I stood on one rock and took in the beauty and all the great memories I made on the beach. I took a deep breath in and out, really putting myself in the moment, and ensured myself that whenever I felt like I’d never smile again, there has been, and will be another good moment. And when that moment happens, take a pause and relish it.

As someone who still struggles with depression, this one memory reshaped how I enjoy the good moments and get through the bad ones.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
There have been many, many times iv almost given up. Circling back to my depression, not only does it make you feel like you’re not good enough, but when you can’t even get yourself out of bed, it’s hard to see yourself being successful in anything. As someone who has almost given up on life, there have been many times I have attempted to give up on professional and personal activities.

I could go on and on about times iv almost given up. I almost didn’t go to college or dropped out, I almost gave up on jobs because I felt like an impostor. I almost gave up on friends and family because I didn’t feel I deserved their love and support. The important part is not giving up. It’s better to let it play out, even if it turns out to be a failure, because as long as you keep going, you are just as likely to succeed.

I feel like there’s a very negative stigma against giving up, that if you do, you’re a failure. Even though in the examples I gave I didn’t give up, I have given up on other things, because I simply didn’t want to or couldn’t do it. I would never shame anyone for giving up, but my advice would be that having a good support system makes it easier to get back up and try again. There’s no shame in reaching out to friends and family, wanting to give up doesn’t have to be a silent struggle.

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What truths are so foundational in your life that you rarely articulate them?
A truth that is foundational in my life, but I rarely articulate because I don’t think many will agree, is “fake it until you make it”. This was often a saying my mom would teach my sister and me. At first, I rejected it, thinking it was blunt and disingenuous, but as I mature into the workforce, I’m learning that it’s more prevalent than ever.

I don’t take it in such a literal sense, but through personal experience, I’ve learned there’s a time and place to share your personal and even professional grievances. I am usually an emotional person who doesn’t always think before I speak. So one of the greatest lessons I took from the saying is that in some situations, it’s better to keep to yourself, slap on a smile, and let some time pass to think and take everything in.

Fake it until you make just reiterates that everyone’s going through something, and we’re all trying our best to make it. Although it seems like harsh advice, sometimes acting happier than you are can get you further in your goals.

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Have you ever gotten what you wanted, and found it did not satisfy you?
One of my favorite songs is “Making the Bed” by Olivia Rodrigo. It starts with “Want it, so I got it, did it, so it’s done.
Another thing I ruined I used to do for fun.” I feel this whole song, especially this lyric, is very relevant to my life and getting things that I find do not satisfy me.

I’m a big daydreamer; I feel I live most of my days in my imagination. I have a strong longing for things, whether it’s a job, a handbag, or a person. I feel so deeply excited for potential opportunities or material objects that when I finally get them, there’s a moment of pure joy, but very quickly, a depression followed by doubt or wanting the next thing.

I feel an opportunity for me is to manage expectations and live more in reality, especially as I’m trying to become more of a full-fledged adult. I feel like I still dream like a kid, which I would say can be one of my strengths, but when it comes to reality, it can be a constant letdown.

Not that I’m not grateful for what I have gotten, I am very appreciative of everything I have and all the people whom I love. But the part that I can’t help is getting exactly what I wanted, and still being sad after, despite the temporary joy.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://sashacott23.myportfolio.com/work
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sashas_styling/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sasha-cottrell-86a7b6199/
• Other: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sashas_crafty/

Image Credits
Sabrina Costley
Rowin Hernandez
Sarah Eaves
Lindsay Grace
Kysani
Kare Chenell
Ze Wang
Lily Goodman
Mikey Busch
Megan Harper