Meet Nicole Kasper | Co-Founder and Head of Management – Odyssey Entertainment Group

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nicole Kasper and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nicole, how has your background shaped the person you are today?

I grew up in Salinas, CA, an agricultural heartland renowned for its affinity for country music. I started singing Country music at 9 years old, thanks to my mom introducing me to LeAnn Rimes, The Chicks, and Trisha Yearwood on our drives. The sounds of Leann Rimes and Patsy Cline fueled my ambitions to become a country music artist.

This dream led me to UCLA, where I delved deeper into music history’s nuances and the music business. After a memorable trip to Nashville during high school, which was a graduation gift, my fascination with this musical city grew tenfold. I became obsessed with the vibrant culture, the heartfelt people, and the undeniable aura of ‘Music City’. So, just three weeks post-graduation, with no concrete job in sight, I took the bold step of relocating to Nashville.

My initial journey was full of challenges. I balanced multiple roles, from being a Lyft driver to babysitting and hosting at a restaurant. However, my resilience and dedication, led me to my dream role at Big Machine Records. My next stops included CAA and Warehouse West Entertainment.

Paige, my future business partner, came on board as an intern and quickly became my other half. She is a marketing genius! Our mutual intrigue with the growing creator economy of 2020 set the stage for our next adventure. We recognized the gaps in the industry – talented individuals skyrocketing to fame but often lost in the vast world of digital business. Drawing from our combined expertise, we began venturing into influencer marketing, connecting creators with our music artists.

The thrill and potential of this new domain led us to launching our own business in February 2021. Today, we proudly manage a diverse and talented roster of 60 creatives across multiple regions, from music artists to comedians and finance creators with over 60 million followers combined. Every day brings its own set of challenges and rewards.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?

What differentiates Odyssey from others is our unwavering dedication to seeing through not just moments, but movements. Our commitment to building and nurturing the careers of creatives, coupled with our comprehensive range of services, has allowed us to stand out in the vast field of talent management.

We take pride in our holistic approach to talent management. Unlike many other agencies that may focus on just one aspect, we provide a 360° management experience, encompassing everything from brand partnerships to agency relations. We are working on all kinds of exciting projects at this time from launching Podcasts, book publishing deals, fashion collaborations, and music releases. But what truly sets us apart is our commitment to Outstanding Communication. In the ever-evolving world of entertainment, being in constant sync with our talent is imperative, and we pride ourselves on being always available and receptive.

The journey to establishing Odyssey was not without its bumps. Like any venture, there were times of uncertainty and setbacks. But every challenge was an opportunity in disguise, teaching us invaluable lessons about perseverance, adaptation, and the importance of a dedicated team. One significant lesson we’ve learned is that while individual talent is essential, collaboration magnifies success. By fostering a supportive and collaborative environment, we ensure that our talent doesn’t just succeed, but thrives.

However, beyond business metrics, what we are genuinely proud of is the positive impact we’ve been able to make. We champion diversity, believing success shouldn’t be restricted by background, orientation, or niche. We’re excited about a future where more voices get heard, where dreams aren’t just dreamt but realized.

Our brand’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance, passion, and collaboration. Odyssey is here to redefine talent management, ensuring every creative gets their moment in the spotlight.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
My ideal day outside the main hub of Nashville would start early with a quick coffee and pastry stop at Crema Coffee. I’d head straight to Bowie Nature Park for a morning hike. After the hike, a visit to Hewitt Garden & Design would be next on the agenda to browse their plant collection, always looking to expand my own. By afternoon, I’d make my way to Leiper’s Fork, grabbing another coffee at the Red Byrd to enjoy during a drive along the Natchez Trace, appreciating the straightforward beauty of the route. The day would conclude with a meal at Chauan Masala, one of Nashville’s standout Indian restaurants, a testament to the city’s diverse culinary scene.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

Absolutely, the journey to where I am today was not one I traversed alone, and I am forever indebted to many who’ve crossed my path.

Firstly, my deepest gratitude goes out to my mother. Her introduction to Nashville and, more vitally, to country music, essentially carved out the blueprint of my life. It’s not just about the melodies or the city’s charm; it’s about the series of events that led me to meet two of the most significant people in my life – my husband and my business partner.

The early days in Nashville were both exciting and challenging. Mentors like Dave Beller and Jaime Feldman opened doors and lent their mentorship, ensuring my entry into dream destinations like Big Machine Records. Speaking of invaluable, Paige, my business partner, is the cornerstone of our venture, Odyssey. She complements my strengths and embodies the spirit of our business.

And in our journey, Jessy Grossman, Jess Hunichen, Kim Smith, and Nechelle Vanias have been amazing mentors as well. Their expertise, guidance, and genuine willingness to share and uplift are the lifelines that powered our business inception and growth. They exemplify the true essence of an abundance mindset in the influencer marketing landscape.

And then there’s the talent we represent – the heart and soul of our business. A massive shoutout to Sarah Hambly, Britt Ostofe, and Becca Bastos. As some of our first clients, their belief in our vision and their unparalleled talent have been the driving force behind our success. We are, and always will be, incredibly grateful for the trust they placed in us and the collaborative magic we create together.

Lastly, my husband’s unwavering faith and support have been my anchor. Through highs and lows, his constant belief in my capabilities has been a driving force.

In essence, my narrative is interwoven with the support, love, and dedication of these incredible individuals. Each one has played a pivotal role in crafting our story, and for that, my gratitude knows no bounds.

Website: odysseyentgroup

Instagram: nicolekasper4

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-dovolis-kasper-43447448/

Image Credits
Alex Blake