Creative Burlington Couple Ties the Knot, Kicks Off New Biz

         
Crowdfunding Campaign Key to Launch of New Arts Studio 

When local comedian, producer and writer/director Nathan Hartswick and his fiancee, actor and vocalist Natalie Miller were planning their wedding this September, the last thing they expected to do was start a new business at the same time.

But when a new space opened up on Flynn Ave in Burlington two weeks before their nuptials, they felt compelled to grab it. The pair teaches lessons and workshops in theater, music, comedy and movement for kids and adults.

Was the timing challenging? Sure. But the couple decided to embrace the craziness by shooting a fundraising campaign video at their wedding, asking for help to renovate the space. Then, they launched the campaign on their wedding night.

Within one week, the campaign had reached its goal of $3,500, and after their five-week campaign, they had reached $5,100. The couple received coverage in the Burlington Free Press and on WPTZ, and IndieGoGo (the crowd funding site that is hosting the campaign) featured them on their home page and as their Twitter "campaign of the day."

The couple attributes the success of the campaign not only to the "wedding stunt," but also to the goodwill they've built in the community over the years.

"So many people believe in us, and were confident enough that we'll succeed that they spoke with their wallets," Miller said. "It's so humbling; we're amazingly grateful for the amount of support we've received."

The new business is called "Spark Arts;" it is located at 180 Flynn Ave. Nathan and Natalie also plan to host intimate events in the space, such as artist Q&As, storytelling events, film screenings, and the like. And with Nathan booking comedy shows and Natalie doing casting for local production companies, the space will serve as an office for the newlyweds as well. 

"You know, some people buy houses after they get married, some people have babies," Hartswick mused. "We're launching a new business. And we couldn't be more excited."

View the video the couple shot on their wedding night:

For more info:

Facebook: facebook.com/sparkartsvt 
Twitter: twitter.com/sparkartsvt
Website: sparkartsvt.com 
IndieGoGo: indiegogo.com/sparkarts

CLICK FOR MORE PICS OF THE SPACE!

CLICK FOR PICS OF THE VIDEO SHOOT (PLEASE GIVE PHOTO CREDIT TO: Elizabeth Henry-Hooker)

Want to read the story of the video shoot? Click here! 

We did it!