Christy Mack

CASS CARRIER:

Christy Mack, social entrepreneur + change maker.

1.     Tell us a little about your current work 

I’m focused on new concepts that bring social change, especially setting up and funding models that create more inclusive equitable and sustainable communities.  I like to think about it as “making good on good”.

I currently work with an East Bay non-profit, White Pony Express to secure funding and expand the programs and services they offer for fee to low-income and un-housed people.  We are creatively looking at how to rescue and redistribute the abundance that exists all around us and use it to fill gaps in basic needs from food and clothing to mobile hygiene services.  The hyper-local model of identifying surplus intrigues me, saving it from being wasted and redirecting for those in need.

I also support 100 Plus Women Who Care Contra Costa County and the Women’s Legacy Fund at the San Luis Obispo County Community Foundation to ensure funding reaches non-profits and community organizations serving the people who need the most. 

2.  What’s your ideal day?


Ah - it all starts with waking up without an alarm clock and then making a big pot of coffee. I’d tidy up the house and then eat breakfast with my family. After that it’d be off to yoga and then onto the market to pick up whatever is looking yummiest for dinner that night. But, before cooking dinner, I’d hit the neighborhood trails with my husband and son. At dinner time, I’d love to have our family or close friends in the kitchen with us, enjoying wine and sharing in our meal. Stargazing and telling stories outside before bedtime. Oh, wait - somewhere in there, post hike and pre dinner I’d love a long, hot shower! The perfect soundtrack? Internet radio. Jazz Wyoming in the am, KUTX in the afternoon, and KCRW all evening long.



3.  What feeds your head, heart and soul?



Art. Art. Art. Art is the most beautiful, powerful way I know to tell and share our stories; to see each other in new ways, to examine our place in time. I think art feeds into how we understand ourselves and our place and role in life - family, community, civic, and professional life. If we can reconcile even just of part of this, then I believe we become more able to see each other and to see beyond ourselves; maybe we become more human. Maybe we are less scared of one another, maybe we make different decisions individually, eventually even collectively. 



Most recently I co-founded Art Moves Project with some other bad-ass Cass-clutch carrying women to use public art as a means to explore how we are living in this place at this time. I also am working on hanging original art, especially vintage art and objects, at a local brewery. The art tells the stories of people from various times and places. I think many more stories will be shared and heard in this space because of it. Important and special. 

4.  Who are a few women that inspire you?



An impossible question to answer because there are so many women I adore! Maybe it’s the characteristics I will focus on. I’m continually inspired by women who are willing to be vulnerable, to be messy, to be imperfect, to try new things on, to sit with pain, to say it as it is, to keep going, and to do it with love.



5.  What outfit do you feel most authentically you in?



My well-worn comfy black leggings, a soft graphic t-shirt, long chenille sweater with big pockets (comfy like a bathrobe, but street wear), knit socks, vintage cowboy boots, and chunky rings. And leg warmers if it’s cold.

6.  You’re the proud owner of 2 Cass bags. How did you choose your colors, and which one is your go-to?



Yes, I’m lucky - I have 2 Cass bags! Stinson Amber was my first love. Then Tahoe Blue was born, and I fell in love yet again. It’s the colors of both that I could not resist - they just call my name. Suede has never been so pretty. I got my Amber Cass 3 years ago and have carried it with me almost every day since. I’m not afraid to take it anywhere. It’s been to the rainforest, beach, mountains, and it shows in the most loved, worn-in way imaginable. If I’m not carrying my Amber Cass “lovey” then I’m carrying my Tahoe Blue Cass. It’s my elegant go-to; what I grab when I’m all dressed up. It’s divine. 




7.  What are the “must-haves” in your bag (Cass or not)?



All the essentials - full wallet, complete with all the necessary IDs and credit cards, Sharpie pens(!), Carmex and pink lipstick, Dentyne peppermint gum, pony tail holders, measuring tape, a toothbrush, dental floss, grocery lists (call me old-fashionedbut I still like to write them on paper), and my phone

Off The Cuff: 

Rock Or Rap?  
Rap. The lyrics tell the stories of people I want to hear more from



Ocean, Mountain Or Lake?  Can I have another choice? A farm in the California countryside. Beam me there!



Beer, Wine Or Cocktail? Wine. French wine - any of it, really. Or, a great California Pinot Noir


Exercise Yea or Nay? Yea. I love it. Keeps me from getting stuck. Makes me a better being .



Butter Or Olive Oil? Butter with sea salt on bread. Olive oil on everything else


Tea Or Coffee?   Coffee. Straight up black 



Pen Or Pencil?
Sharpie pen in black. Addicted 



Nude Or painted lips? Nude. But if painted, pink. Bright matte pink 



Reality Show Or Documentary?  Documentary. Always



Dark Or Milk Chocolate? Dark. The darker the better

Check out Christy’s IG account here.