Today we’d like to introduce you to Cassidy Jones.
Hi Cassidy, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My story started in a small town called Newnan, GA; Born and raised. As a kid growing up I was always very introverted, observant, independant and very smart. I came from a very traditional upbringing where God and Family came first. My mom worked her whole life in warehouses with hard labor. I was taught to go to school, get good grades, go to college, and get a good job. So I left Newnan and attended college at Savannah State University. There is where I was really able to spread my entrepreneurial wings. I was really into entertainment marketing/promotions so I started interning for an up-and-coming hip hop magazine. After college, I went on to obtain my master’s degree in Sports & Entertainment Management with hopes of continuing working in the entertainment marketing space but life pulled me in a different direction. However, I never lost that passion for entrepreneurship and entertainment. Later, I started a nightlife app called Social Yuppies; the Groupon for nightlife. It was supposed to be the game-changer for nightlife promotions and partygoers. However, although the idea was great, it never took off. Bills were piling up so I had to find an actual job with steady paychecks and benefits, so I started working for T-Mobile as a manager. From there I worked my way up to a District Manager. There is where I gained my people development and leadership skills. A few years later I was recruited by the City of Atlanta Department of Watershed Management. Here is where I developed my experience and passion for process improvement and project management. Fast forward to now, these skills, passion and drive for entrepreneurship, and the failures prepared me to own and operate CRU Lounge – Edgewood and become a full-time entrepreneur with additional brands coming soon.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My journey hasn’t been a straight and narrow one. In my pursuit for entrepreneurship, I have had several failed start-ups and lost a lot of money. I wasn’t brought up around people who wanted to pursue the same path as me so most of my journey was trial and error. I didn’t have anyone to guide me and keep me from making the beginner’s mistakes people make in business. My circle has always been those that followed the traditional path of going to college and getting a good job. However, as life continues to unfold for me, I am slowly adding like-minded people to my circle. This is key to growth and success.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
My company owns the CRU Lounge – Edgewood franchise located at 367 Edgewood Ave. We have become one of the top CRU locations within the company. The CRU Franchise specializes in small plates, curated hookah and drinks, and swaggy ambiance and vibes. We like to say that we created the “grass wall” and the saying “catch a vibe.” I am very proud of the CRU brand because it is the only black-owned nightlife and fastest-growing franchise in the world.
LOL Burger Bar is a merging concept that will take the place of Ssam Burger on the Upper Westside of Atlanta in the Underwood Hills Community. The concept will offer delicious gourmet burgers, wings, and freak shakes.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
I absolutely love audible. I was recently introduced to it and I am so mad that I have been going through life without it lol. A few books that really have had an impact on me are: “Think and Grow Rich” by Napoleon Hill, “Buy Then Build” by Walker Deibel, and “The Wealthy Franchisee” by Scott Greenberg. I am also a really big fan of the “Earn Your Leisure” podcast.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.leafrestaurantgroup.com www.lolburgerbar.com
- Instagram: @cruedgewood @lolburgerbar @only_one_cassidy
