"From Pandemic to Possibilities" Artrepreneur Spotlight feat. Caskey Hunsader

Here at Big Leap, we believe artists make extraordinary entrepreneurs. In fact, I've written several blogs on the subject. See here! 

With an artistic background myself, it is pure joy to see someone else in the arts & entertainment world succeed in their new business endeavor. Caskey Hunsader, founder of Stagedoor Candle Co. is the prime example of the artrepreneur "artist and entrepreneur." 

In Caskey's Spotlight, he shares his definition of success, advice for other entertainment folks looking to start a business, and how he navigates being a stage manager / business owner. 

And with that . . . cue the interview! (Stage Manager jokes, you get it 😆) 

 How did you get your start in the biz?

 "I originally went to college for musical theatre performance with dreams of being a big Broadway star. A few years after school, I had the opportunity through a friend to work as a production assistant for the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. That job got me to move to NYC and shortly after, I booked my first national tour as a Stage Manager for “Love, Janis”. Stage Manager work resulted in more Stage Manager work and 14 years later, I’ve made a full-time job out of it. I’m even headed back to my original NYC workplace, Radio City Music Hall this season for my seventh season working as a Stage Manager on the Christmas Spectacular."

What was the inspiration / motivation for creating Stagedoor Candle Co.? 

"During the pandemic, our industry was totally shut down. People were stuck in their homes and one day it just struck me that I could start a home business where I can bring the spirit of Broadway into peoples homes. Even though they might not be able to see a Broadway show, they could still light up a candle inspired by their favorite character, play a cast album, and experience a little bit of Broadway magic in their own homes."

How have you found being both an entertainment professional AND entrepreneur?

"I think that the two are very intertwined already. Working in the entertainment industry means you’re already running your own small business…the business of you. The hustle and drive that it takes to find gig after gig, year after year means you already know how to promote and sell yourself. I also credit my stage management skills for helping me keep the business and financial side of the company together. My paperwork skills mean that I have impeccable record keeping for everything related to the candle company. It’s been really nice having something to keep me occupied during this downtime for the industry. It’s given me something to do and helped me keep many of the skills I use in theatre sharp."

Do you have any advice for artists / industry folks looking to start a business? 

"There probably isn’t a single business idea around that 1,000 people haven't already done, so If you want to be successful, find something that makes yours special. You can get a candle anywhere, but with my products, I’m specifically tying them to the experience of Broadway musical characters…that’s something nobody else is doing. When you give your business a special hook like that, customers can really relate to your offerings. "

How do you define success?

"There’s no one definition for success, even in my own company. Being profitable is sure one part of it, but I also look at the positive reactions I get from my customers over my products. I’ve had so many people post and contact me about how they’ve used the Wicked candles as a special gift to a musical theatre friend from across the country to help stay in touch during the pandemic or sent Les Miz candles to their kid in college because it’s their favorite show. To see your customers truly enjoy your products means you’re doing something right. I think that’s pretty successful."

What is your favorite project you've worked on?

"My time at the Radio City Christmas Spectacular is at the top of the list. It is a world famous show and the fact that I have spent half my professional career in that historic building being part of the most iconic Christmas show in the world is never lost on me. Right up there would be my time on the “A Night With Janis Joplin” national tour. Mary Bridget Davies (Tony nominated star of the show as Janis Joplin) and I have known each other for 15 years. We actually worked on a different Janis Joplin musical way back before I even moved to NYC. Coming back to that material and to travel the country with a dear friend and watch audiences cheer for her every night from the wings in an electric show like that has been one of the best times I’ve had on the road."

Do you have a favorite quote or inspirational message? 

"Say yes!"

Describe Stagedoor Candle Co. in three words.

"Bring Broadway Home."

I love love love what Caskey said about "the business of you." As entrepreneurs we are constantly pitching ourselves / products / services. The concept of selling "you" as an artist intertwines nicely with pitching your company as an entrepreneur. As Caskey mentioned, the skillsets are incredibly similar - your experience as an artist / entertainment professional only informs you more as an entrepreneur. 

In Caskey's about page, he mentions how he went "from pandemic to possibilities," and I think that is the most epic way to look at starting a business in these unprecedented times. With a clear vision, determination, and a "say yes" mentality, the possibilities are endless! 

If you are thinking about starting a business of your own, or looking to grow your business, feel free to email me at monica@bigleapbrands to chat more about the possibility of working together!