Stories from Our DLG Girls: Cassie

What started with a surf trip led Cassie halfway across the world to a new home, a new community, and the confidence to bring her Pilates vision to life.

In this edition of Stories from Our DLG Girls, we’re excited to introduce Cassie,  an Australian Pilates instructor turned entrepreneur, whose leap of faith led her all the way to the Netherlands (and soon, her very own studio!)

Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

Feels like a speed dating question! Hi, I’m Cassie, 29, Australian living in the Netherlands, Pilates teacher, future studio owner, and proud dog mum.

What inspired your move abroad?

About a year and a half ago, I moved from Australia to the Netherlands to live with my Dutch boyfriend. We had actually met only six months earlier while we were both on surf holidays in Bali. It all happened quickly, but I’ve always been a “what’s the worst that could happen?” kind of person.

For me, the worst case was simple: if things didn’t work out, I’d still have gained an adventure and a story. Thankfully, it’s been the best decision. I’ve always loved travelling, and while I see myself returning to Australia one day, right now I’m loving life in the Netherlands, making new friends, building a home, and even adopting a dog.

What was life like before joining Dream Life Getaway?

I feel like I was still finding my feet after having moved to another country, and wanted to do some more travelling, but didn't necessarily want to go solo. I also hadn’t surfed in a WHOLE YEAR after moving countries, so I was keen to see the sun, and catch some waves! I was getting pretty into surfing back in Aus before I moved and I missed it so much. Work wise I had been looking at opening my own pilates studio, and this was very present on my mind when on the DLG trip.

What made you decide to join Dream Life Getaway,  and why Morocco?

Honestly, it started with a few Google searches for surf retreats. Then I started seeing DLG pop up on Instagram, and the energy Mascha had created instantly resonated with me. The vibes were warm, genuine, and community-driven, exactly what I was looking for.

I’d never been to Africa and didn’t want to go alone, so the timing felt perfect.When I jumped on a call with Mascha, then it was confirmed, I loved her energy and trusted that she would create an awesome group of girls. I was also on maybe the third trip that DLG had, and I love supporting other young people pursuing their dreams, so this made me also choose DLG over bigger, more established trips that were similar.

What sparked your dream of owning a Pilates studio?

Pilates has always been about sustainable movement for me; it keeps you strong, mobile, and connected to your body. In Australia, I practiced reformer Pilates regularly, but after moving to The Hague, I realized there was only one small studio with five machines!

That gap made me want to create something of my own. I’ve always wanted to run a business, and opening a reformer studio felt like the perfect fit. The only challenge has been finding the right space, but that’s part of the journey.

How did the trip influence your motivation or confidence when you got home?

Seeing the other girls,  especially Mascha, running their own businesses and owning it was incredibly inspiring. Before Morocco, I’d been debating whether to keep searching for a studio space or just let the idea go after a year of dead ends.

But being surrounded by women chasing their dreams reignited my determination. I came home more motivated than ever to keep pushing forward.

Dream Life Getaway is all about connection and community, how has that continued to show up in your life since Morocco?

The friendships I made during that week have definitely lasted beyond the trip. There were two other Dutchies in my group, and the three of us caught up for drinks a few months later. I’ve also seen Mascha a few times since, in fact, I’m writing this from a café in Amsterdam after we did hot yoga together this morning!

I still love following the other girls online and seeing them go after the dreams they talked about in Morocco, seeing them do the things they wanted or travel to the places they said they would.

Looking ahead, what are you most excited about, personally and professionally?

Definitely opening my Pilates studio, Mellow Pilates, this December! It’s been such a long time coming. I’m also really looking forward to spending my second ever Christmas in winter, so cozy, and having my mum visit me in March. I haven’t seen her since moving, so showing her the life I’ve built here will be so special.

Finally, what advice would you give to someone considering joining a Dream Life Getaway?

So cliché, but truly,  just do it. What’s the worst that could happen? If you’ve found DLG, it’s probably for a reason. Especially if you’re nervous about solo travel, this is the perfect bridge. You’ll make real friendships, support local communities, and create memories that last a lifetime.

We’re so grateful to Cassie for sharing her story with us. Her warm personality, go getter spirit, and her drive to build something of her own has inspired everyone who’s met her, both in Morocco and beyond. And to all of our Dutch ladies… stay tuned to see Mellow Pilates come to life in The Hague in The Netherlands! We’re so excited for you Cas and can't wait to support your brand new small business!