Meet Casey Kilroy

We recently connected with Casey Kilroy and have shared our conversation below.

Casey, so great to have you on the platform and excited to have you share your wisdom with our community today. Communication skills often play a powerful role in our ability to be effective and so we’d love to hear about how you developed your communication skills.

When I was in middle school, my Dad took a job with the Labor Union that represented him at his workplace. My world was surrounded by watching how he used his voice to fight for the rights of the people in the workplace, making sure they weren’t being taken advantage of by the boss. I immediately fell in love with the idea that I could use my voice to stand up for others too. Communication is key when advocating for your rights, and I learned the importance of building coalitions and working together with others in the process as well. Around this same time, I also fell in love with the performing arts – specifically musical theatre. Now I was starting to use my communication skills to embody a character and tell a story with not only my words, but through movement and music as well. I made both the world of Politics/the Labor Movement as well as the world of theatre a major part of my life for many years.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

My current world is now spending time building my handcrafted bath and body business, the Pittsburgh Worsh Company. I started this business during the pandemic, after I had been laid off from my job as a teaching and performing artist with a theatre company. I needed a creative outlet, I had already taken a soapmaking class the year before and had the basic supplies, and I was learning there was a desire for people to have quality products for self care at home during a time when many brick and mortar businesses were closed.
I celebrate and honor Pittsburgh’s rich history, culture and experiences through my work. Named after city landmarks, events and cultural traits, my products offer a tangible way for individuals to connect with this beloved hometown. Every product made is a different formulation created by me in house including the “Baum Blvd” lip balm which won first place at the Handcrafted Soap and Cosmetic Guild, of which I am a member and certified cold processed soap maker. “Worsh” in Pittsburghese is simply “Wash” and is a nod to the Scottish and Irish Immigrants who came to Pittsburgh in the late 1800’s – including my ancestors – and are mostly attributed with many of the linguistic patterns that still remain and widely identify our region.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

I think being a good listener, in addition to being fully present and holding space for those you are spending time with is really important to building good relationships with those around you. I also think it’s really important to not be afraid of others who have businesses in the same industry. For example, in my region we are very saturated with bath and body vendors. I have confidence not only in the quality of my product but also my brand story to set me apart without feeling the need to compete or copy what anyone else is doing in the industry. It’s ok to be friends with them too! Just be confident in who you are and what you have to offer and not sad about anyone you feel is “competition.” Everyone has value, everyone has something good to offer, and there is room at the table for all of us.

Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?

I have an amazing partner and husband. For the first part of our dating and then marriage, I was away for many months at a time traveling as a performing artist in dinner theaters, national tours and later cruise ships. He knew that was what made my heart sing (literally!) and even though we had a long distance relationship, we made it work. During the pandemic when I started planning to launch a business, something I had zero experience doing and no background in, he was there every step of the way. Now especially during these last few months of the year, when online sales and in person markets really kick up and I’m less focused on running the household, he picks up the slack to keep things humming along. He truly keeps me going, and gives me the inspiration to “just keep swimming” (movie reference… IYKYK!) when I’m feeling down, challenged or frustrated. I would not be doing what I am right now if it wasn’t for his unwavering support and love. It’s this place of comfort that allows me to take risks and be true to myself without fear of judgment. I may joke and refer to him as my “handsome assistant” but he’s so much more than that and I’m very blessed he is a core person in this journey.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.pghworshco.com
• Instagram: @pghworshco
• Facebook: https://Facebook.com/pghworshco
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caseykilroy-pghworshco

Image Credits

Photo Credits: Cristin Goss @gossboss (Casey headshot) Casey Kilroy @pghworshco (product photos)