How Gen Z’s favorite “big sister” turned creativity into community

There’s a particular kind of magic that happens when creativity stops being intimidating and starts feeling like an invitation. Cassidy Montalvo has mastered that magic.

A lifestyle creator, fashion influencer, and digital big sister to millions, Cassidy has quietly become one of the leading voices in Gen Z’s DIY fashion movement. With over 3 million followers across TikTok and Instagram, her content doesn’t just rack up views—it builds confidence. Her motto, “If I can’t find it or buy it, I make it,” has become a rallying cry for a generation eager to reclaim creativity, individuality, and agency in how they dress, decorate, and express themselves.

From hand-customized jewelry to upcycled outfits and playful home projects, Cassidy’s videos feel less like tutorials and more like FaceTime calls with someone who genuinely wants you to try. Her approachable tone, rooted in affordability and experimentation, makes fashion feel accessible again—especially for those who never had a “big sister” to show them the ropes.

Behind the viral DIYs is something deeper: a community built on encouragement, shared creativity, and permission to try—even if it’s messy.

We caught up with Cassidy to talk about how DIY became her creative superpower, why Gen Z is embracing handmade fashion, and what it really means to show up as a big sister online.

You’ve become Gen Z’s unofficial “big sister” in the DIY fashion space. What moment or project first made you realize this was more than content—it was a community?

There wasn’t one viral moment — it was the DMs. Girls telling me they tried something because I made it feel less scary, or that they finally wore the “too much” outfit because they felt seen and encouraged. When my sweet gals started saying in my comments, “you feel like a big sister,” I realized this wasn’t about trends or views. It was about being present for those who really needed someone. That’s really when my content shifted from content to community.

Your motto, “If I can’t find it or buy it, I make it,” has clearly struck a chord with millions. Where did that philosophy originate, and how has it shaped your creative identity?

Honestly, it came from frustration and necessity. If I want something, it’s hard for me to let the idea go. You could call it a lack of self-control, but it’s also what cracked my creativity wide open. I grew up in a low-income family, and we didn’t have the money for me to keep up with trends, so instead of buying the look, I figured out how to make my own version with hand-me-downs and thrift store finds.

That mindset never left me. Now, when I fixate on an idea, it’s natural for me to try and make it. What started out as more of a survival tool turned into self-expression and my own creative outlet. I am so thankful I can share that and help others now! Twelve-year-old me cutting up a dress and tee wouldn’t believe it!

DIY is having a major resurgence right now, especially among younger creators. Why do you think Gen Z is gravitating toward handmade, custom fashion as a form of self-expression?

I think it’s a mix of reasons. Gen Z is incredibly aware of overconsumption, fast fashion, and the sameness we see trend after trend. DIY is a way for someone to be unique, and it’s affordable in a rough economy. Gen Z especially seems to crave individuality, which I love. DIY naturally aligns with that.

Your projects often feel approachable and aspirational at the same time. How do you strike the balance between creativity, affordability, and fashion-forward storytelling?

I never want anyone to feel like fashion is gatekept. I try to show that creativity matters more than budget. Mixing pieces with something handmade or styling something unexpected is really where the magic is, and everyone can be a part of it.

Aspirational doesn’t have to be unattainable, and I feel like so many accounts have lost sight of that. Content creation at its core is about helping others — whether that’s making someone laugh, sharing a recipe, or a hack. My way of helping is making fashion approachable, and I never want to forget that.

You’re constantly breathing new life into old trends. What’s a style or era you’re loving right now—and how do you put your signature Cassidy spin on it?

Ohh, I don’t think I can pick just one! It depends on the day, my mood, and what music I’m listening to. Lately, I’ve been pulling a lot from the ’70s meets early 2000s. I really love to mix eras and vibes — a little western, a little cottagecore, a little hippie, a little bit of whatever I feel like that day.

I always say, dress in what makes you happy that day and the confidence and your own style will follow.

Many of your followers see your content as a form of comfort or guidance. How intentional are you about cultivating that “big sister” energy online?

It comes very naturally to me. I am a big sister, and I have big sisters — I come from a family of six girls — so being a girl’s girl and a sister is just who I am at my core. I share the things my sisters have taught me or things I share with them.

I often say I just take my sister group chat to my community. If someone feels calmer, braver, more confident, or just less alone after watching my content, I’ve done my job.

Edited in Tezza with: Vintage

Your community often recreates your pieces, putting their own twist on them. Has any fan-made interpretation ever surprised or inspired you?

All the time! Nothing makes me more excited than being tagged in someone taking my idea and making it their own — and usually better! The creativity I’ve seen truly blows me away.

As someone with millions of followers, what’s the behind-the-scenes reality of constantly creating, styling, crafting, and staying innovative?

It’s beautiful and exhausting. Creativity is something I’ve learned I need to protect. It’s very easy to get burnt out, especially when sharing with so many people. You constantly have hundreds of opinions coming at everything you do, and that can be hard to handle.

I absolutely adore what I do and I’m so, so thankful for this life, but there are times I need to step back, be inspired by my surroundings again, and recharge.

DIY for many people has become a tool for self-care or stress relief. How has crafting served you personally—emotionally, creatively, or even spiritually?

It grounds me. Making something slows my brain down. I can dump any stress around me while focusing on a craft, and it’s really become my escape when life feels overwhelming. There’s something so satisfying and healing about creating something tangible in a digital world.

Looking ahead, what do you want the next chapter of your influence to look like—more fashion, more entrepreneurship, a full DIY empire, or something totally unexpected?

The sky will always be the limit in my book! I want to build something lasting — something that stretches outside of social media and really helps communities. It’s a process I’m working on, but I’ll get there.

For now, I’ll keep showing up for my amazing crew and hopefully helping people find their own creativity and trust themselves more.

Cassidy Montalvo isn’t just teaching people how to make things—she’s reminding them they can. In a digital world obsessed with perfection and consumption, her work feels refreshingly human: imperfect, encouraging, and rooted in the joy of trying. And for millions of followers, that might be the most powerful accessory of all.