(Courtesy photo)
By PETE BANDA
Special to the NEWS
For six years, Cassandra Castillo spent her days working as a dental hygienist to pay the bills, with thoughts of pursuing a career in music long forgotten.
A talented singer from a young age, Castillo prioritized a stable and secure career while helping to support her budding family. While the 33-year-old was making good money, she always felt somehow out of place – until some encouraging words from her fiancé changed everything.
“When I was working as a dental hygienist, I just felt like it was something I had to do too, but I knew I was meant for something else,” Castillo said. “I tried changing careers and the feeling was still there. I still remember the exact moment of questioning what is my thing? What am I missing? My fiancé mentioned singing as a career, and it just clicked… I went all in right away, and it led to all this.”
Castillo, a star member of the San Benito High School Choir and Mariachi Club before graduating in 2008, began filming herself singing and posting them on social media. After receiving positive feedback, the Resaca City native knew she wanted to take the next steps toward a full-blown music career. She reached out to a family member in the music industry.
Once all the right connections were made, Castillo began developing her first single – Vida de Rico. While the process was complicated and longer than expected, the finished product vaulted Castillo into a surprising spotlight, shooting up various Tejano music charts across Texas. The single was so well received, it led to a prestigious award nomination at the upcoming 5th annual Guadalupe Tejano Awards Ceremony in San Antonio.
“It was a complete shock to receive the award nomination because I had just released my first single in August, and the awards ceremony is on November 19,” said Castillo. “I was on a trip with my family when I got the news, and being able to celebrate with my fiancé and my daughters made the moment even sweeter.”
Want the story in its entirety? Pick up a copy of the San Benito News, or subscribe to our e-Edition by clicking HERE!
Recent Comments