Meet Amber Jaynes Casanave | Brand Architect & Marketing Strategist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Amber Jaynes Casanave and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Amber, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Before launching CAS + COMPANY, I often thought, “There has to be a better way!” A better way to juggle motherhood, work, and excelling as a marketing executive. At that time, I was the Vice President of Consumer Marketing for one of the world’s largest and most notable public relations consultancy firms.
Although I loved the nature of the work, I was pregnant with my son, new to Houston, and tired of the long commutes. Not to mention, the work culture and leadership dynamics often left me feeling drained. I just knew there was more for me to accomplish and a better way to do it.

I’ll never forget the day I put in my resignation. Before a routine meeting with my former boss, I called my husband and asked, “Can I quit?” He was already aware of my unhappiness and after a candid chat, he gave me the green light to leave and pursue my dreams, and I haven’t looked back since.

Two days after putting in my resignation, my former boss from the National Urban League contacted me with an amazing consulting opportunity that I couldn’t turn down. CAS + COMPANY was officially birthed, and within that same week, I was contacted to lead a marketing and communications project for the Houston Super Bowl Host Committee (Super Bowl LI). I knew I could only go up from there, and as they say, the rest is history.

Today, CAS + COMPANY is a comprehensive marketing agency catapulting client profit and industry influence with cutting-edge strategies built to win and last. Combining innovation, strategy, and real-time industry insights, my team and I make businesses healthier, customers happier, and it doesn’t get much better than that!

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
CAS + COMPANY is a comprehensive marketing agency leading with authority, building brand profitability and confidence. We transform the way brands communicate with consumers and convey their unique value. With extensive experience directing complex, multi-functional teams, I lead experts who build and integrate innovative marketing and communications strategies producing profitable results for Fortune 500 companies, celebrities, the Federal Government, non-profit entities, and tech startups. We unlock the human and cultural story behind every data point, challenge assumptions, empower creatives, and position clients to achieve and exceed their communications’ goals.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I love adventure of all kinds and I’m a foodie, so we’d definitely have a great time. I live in a suburb right outside of Houston where the Town Square is the place to be for great shops, music, and good eats. Japaniero’s is a Japanese and Latin fusion restaurant that’s an absolute must-try!

Some of Houston’s hot spots for fellow foodies are Mo’Better Brews (Vegan), Frenchy’s Chicken, Lucille’s, and Mikki’s Soulfood Café just to name a few. To grab a nice cup of coffee, Day Six Coffee Co. and ThroughGood Coffee are always winners. When I want to explore culture, I love venturing off to the Museum of Fine Art, Houston Museum of African American Culture, Black Cowboy Museum, Buffalo Soldiers National Museum, Ensemble Theatre, and during February and March, the Houston Livestock & Rodeo show is always a hit!

For some action, a Houston Astros game or a visit to City Centre with my family is my happy place. And to relax and unwind, a trip to the Trellis Spa is always in order, along with the views from Skylawn, Houston’s famous rooftop park. When it’s time to recharge my spirit to do all that I do, The Fort Bend Church led by Pastor Byron C. Stevenson is where it happens!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First, I want to thank my loving husband Donovan for believing in me, my talents, and creative ability. I’m beyond grateful that he gives me the freedom to pursue my dreams and navigate my career in a way that’s been so beneficial to our family. Thank you Don.

I’d also like to give a HUGE shout-out to my incredible parents, who also gave me the opportunity to dream big after high school. I remember filling out college applications and telling my parents I wanted to major in Communications. After a long pause from my father, an honors Harvard graduate, he asked, “Can you make a living off of that?” After a bit of convincing, he allowed me to spread my wings and soar into the field of my dreams.

There’s no way CAS + COMPANY would be successful without my incredible team of digital creators, marketers, and designers who are creative champions and successful entrepreneurs in their own right. Together, we are one big family!

I’d also like to shout-out to Kimberley Berry, Dyana Williams, Helen Little, Jackie Rhinehart, Rhonda Spears-Bell, and Patricia Coulter. Those women are remarkable and have been key components of my professional development. I’m forever grateful to them for always encouraging me to bring my passion and creativity to the table, and exemplifying how to be a strong and successful black woman without succumbing to negative stereotypes and narratives. Lastly, I must shout out my circle of talented brand builders and strategic marketers whose support is appreciated and cherished: Simone Jones Tyner, Layla Nielsen, Simone Jordan, Megan Flynn and Somalia Alsobrooks.

Last but not least, I want to give a heartfelt thank you to my amazing mentees and clients who believe in my talent, vision, and creativity. Thank you for giving me the platform to fulfill my purpose and destiny. Your trust and confidence is appreciated beyond measure.

Website: https://www.cascocreates.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cascocreates/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amberjaynescasanave/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CasCoCreates/