We were lucky to catch up with Shaun Stover recently and have shared our conversation below.

Shaun, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s jump to the end – what do you want to be remembered for?

First and foremost I always want to be original and create my own way. Most of my satisfaction comes from being able to create my own pieces. I’m never trying to do anything that someone has ever done, unless that is what the client asks for but even then, to me, it’s always how can we separate and make a certain piece the clients. I always want my legacy to be one that is me always being creative, always thinking outside of the box and every piece drives me to do that. I thank god for that ability and I hope that when it’s all said done that’s what I’m remembered for.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I spent most of my adult life doing blue-collar work. When 2020 came and everything shut down, I knew it was time to pivot. Hunting and the outdoors have always been my passion but so has drawing and sculpting . In the past, I was lucky enough to be around some great taxidermist, and I’ve always tried to soak up the knowledge. So, when 2020 came, I knew what I wanted to do, and I thoroughly believe that god gave me the vision. I am blessed to have a great Taxidermist in Casey Watterson at Loneleaf Taxidermy, which also is a school. That point, I moved forward, attended the school, and ended up being #1 in the class. As a kid, I’ve always been artistic and creative. I was able to contact a good friend mine that I went to high school with Jason Ault Owner of Coffman Media to really get the ins and outs of business, he’s still my go to for a lot of questions, he’s been amazing. So, once I was out of school, I got my LLC, created my logo, created some merch, and never looked back! So, as of 2021, I became a full-time Taxidermist! I couldn’t do it without the support of my wife and my 2 beautiful, creative daughters. Who knows, maybe one day they’ll carry it on! I believe between social media, there are upwards of 5,000 people who follow my work! I’m a strong believer that hard work definitely pays off, and in this case, it has. I will not be taking my foot off the gas and continue to push boundaries and be creative with these wonderful animals god created!

I believe the toughest part of this is really just having the courage to step out and do something on your own. Which is easier said than done? I could not have done it without the support of my wife. Financially for the first 6-8 months were tough. Trying to buy equipment and things I need to operate, but with god, all things are possible. I also believe, though, if you have the passion and love for something, you will find a way!

As a Taxidermist, most of my job consists of skinning, fleshing, and tanning, then finishing an animal to be mounted to be hung up or placed on a table or mantle. With being in the Midwest, most of my work consists of Whitetail Bucks. I also do Elk, Bears, and coyotes. Also, waterfowl and upland birds! I think, honestly, what sets me apart from others is my attention to detail and artistic and creative ability. I see quite few taxidermist but not a lot of artists. Everything I put out I genuinely care about each piece. I’m extremely perticular almost to a fault sometimes. I’m extremely proud of the journey, many times when you’re down and you can push through, and the pressure is on, that’s when diamonds are made!

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

I spent most of my adult life doing blue-collar work. When 2020 came and everything shut down, I knew it was time to pivot. Hunting and the outdoors have always been my passion but so was drawing and sculpting. In the past, I was lucky enough to be around some great taxidermists, and I’ve always tried to soak up the knowledge. So, when 2020 came, I knew what I wanted to do, and I thoroughly believe that god gave me the vision. I am blessed to have a great Taxidermist in Casey Watterson at Loneleaf Taxidermy, which also is a school. That point, I moved forward, attended the school, and ended up being #1 in the class. As a kid, I’ve always been artistic and creative. I was able to contact a good friend mine that I went to high school with Jason Ault Owner of Coffman Media to really get the ins and outs of business, he’s still my go to for a lot of questions, he’s been amazing. So, once I was out of school, I got my LLC, created my logo, created some merch, and never looked back! So, as of 2021, I became a full-time Taxidermist! I couldn’t do it without the support of my wife and my 2 beautiful, creative daughters. Who knows, maybe one day they’ll carry it on! I believe between social media, there are upwards of 3,000 people who follow my work! I’m a strong believer that hard work definitely pays off, and in this case, it has. I will not be taking my foot off the gas and continue to push boundaries and be creative with these wonderful animals god created!

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

Honestly just working my normal job and just having some money saved. I believe the toughest part of this is really just having the courage to step out and do something on your own. Which is easier said than done. I could not have done it without the support of my wife. Financially for the first 6-8 months were tough. Trying to buy equipment and things I need to operate, but with god, all things are possible. I also believe, though, if you have the passion and love for something, you will find a way!

Contact Info:

• Website: http://stover-taxidermy.myshopify.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stovertaxidermyllc?igsh=ZGZ6OWZrY25iMGo3&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077521093043&mibextid=LQQJ4d

Image Credits

Shaun Stover