Performer transforms love of stage into business plan

Dylan Kaercher is taking his love of performance to the next level.

The 19-year-old Austin man will soon open Enchantertainment, the combination of several side businesses he already runs. Want a singing telegram? He’s taking orders for Valentine’s Day. Need to rent a colorful costume? Stop by the store, opening in Oak Park Mall this Saturday. Want a themed party for your friends or children? Kaercher has Disney princesses, Elvis, Marilyn Monroe, cowboys and more ready to entertain and delight your guests.

“There’s a great market here we can try to reach and really get them on board to things we offer,” Kaercher said.

Yet Kaercher didn’t decide to open Enchantertainment until about four weeks ago. He has done singing telegrams for the past five years, joining his aunts and other family members in a longtime family tradition. He runs theater camps in the summer for children and is heavily involved in the area’s performing arts. And he’s collected many costumes over the years as part of his theatrical interests.

All that came together last month, when Kaercher decided he would combine many of his activities into one business. After talking with friends who run similar businesses in other parts of the U.S., Kaercher found a storefront inside the mall, came up with a name and is now booking parties.

One of the highlights of Enchantertainment is the themed parties they offer. Residents can book all manner of guests to entertain at parties, whether it’s a cowboy for a western party or Disney princesses for a child’s birthday.

The Disney princesses will come to a party ready to read, sing or demonstrate their princess talents for a spell, according to Kaercher. There’s even a full princess package, where the princesses of your choice will give lessons on how to be a true princess — from waving your hand to singing songs.

“All the things that are important to being a Disney princess,” Kaercher said.

Kaercher has booked three parties thus far, and a handful of singing telegrams. In addition, he has hired and trained about 30 independent contractors to perform in various roles for themed parties, and he has plans to train another 15 in the coming weeks.

“No matter who you get, you’re going to get the same experience,” Kaercher said. “I want to keep bringing in people and expand what we offer.”

Kaercher has set up a Facebook page for Enchantertainment, and interested residents can contact Kaercher either by phone at 507-438-0221 or at his location, across the way from Vision World in the mall.

Kaercher is excited to spread into nearby markets like Rochester, Owatonna and Albert Lea as well, once the business starts running. He’s confident people will want all the magic Enchantertainment offers.

“We try to make it affordable for everyone to have a little Enchantertainment in their life,” he said.