The WAGS Work Series aims to show our readers that we are more than the stereotypes you might be familiar with--we're creative, hard-working, driven, and willing to do whatever it takes to make this lifestyle work. We also hope to inspire women in all walks of life to get creative and think outside the box when it comes to working and creating the lives of their dreams. Please reach out to the women featured in this series if you have questions or want to learn more about what they do.

TELL US WHO YOU ARE, HOW YOU GOT INTO THE BASEBALL WORLD, AND A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOU  AND YOUR HUSBAND.  

My name is Kadence Neuse. I’m married to Sheldon Neuse, who’s been in pro ball since 2016! We’ve been with the Nationals, Athletics, and Dodgers. He is now playing his second year in Japan with the Hanshin Tigers! 

WHAT INSPIRED YOU/HOW DID YOU GET STARTED?

I really wanted a small/easy way to support my husband and my kids be able to use it as well. It gets exhausting and expensive constantly ordering T-shirts/Jerseys through MLB/MILB or finding his name/number on things if he hasn’t been with the team for a while. So I created an affordable way for wives/parents and fans to support their favorite player in a small/cute way! 

TELL US ALL ABOUT YOUR JOB, WHAT DO YOU DO, AND HOW LONG YOU’VE BEEN WERKIN’ IT.  

I own Gameday Keychains, I make customized jersey keychains for any sport, team or player. Whether it’s for baseball for your significant other, or your kids little league team, high school team, you can rep them! I’ve been working on it since last year and finally launched the end of January 2024. 

WAS YOUR SUCCESS IMMEDIATE OR DID IT TAKE TIME?

So far everyone has loved Gameday Keychains! It’s been surreal to see the orders come in and has been so fun making all the different teams/jerseys! 

WHAT OBSTACLES HAVE YOU FACED AND HOW DID YOU PERSEVERE IN HARD TIMES?

Getting started was the scariest part for me. Finding an engineer to bring my idea to life, then working through manufacturing, supplies, and the details of everything. My husband was my biggest fan truly, every time I felt like I had imposter syndrome, he reminded me how far I had already come and kept encouraging me. 

HOW DO YOU BALANCE RUNNING A BUSINESS AND LIVING THE BASEBALL LIFE?

I’m still trying to figure that out, but my biggest help has been outsourcing! As well as taking advantage of nap time with my two kids LOL.

HOW DID STARTING A BUSINESS IMPACT YOUR LIFE PERSONALLY, AND FOR THE TWO OF YOU?

Starting Gameday Keychains has been the most fun, chaotic venture we’ve done aside from the baseball life. It’s cracked open my creative side and made me believe in myself and my ideas more. 

WHAT’S A TYPICAL WORK DAY FOR YOU IN THE SEASON? IN THE OFF-SEASON?

Since we’ve just launched, it’s been an interesting balancing act to try and get as much work done without slacking in other areas. Right now I work between nap times, school, and when my kids go to sleep. Most all of the Gameday Keychains are made in the night hours when my kids are asleep haha 

WHAT’S BEEN THE HARDEST PART SO FAR? WHAT’S BEEN THE BEST?

The hardest part has been trying to get Gameday Keychains name out and balancing work/mom life. 

The best part has been seeing everyone love their Gameday Keychains. I still get the cheesiest smile when I get feedback from customers or messages telling me how much they love them. I’ll never tire of it! 

WHAT ARE YOU CURRENTLY WORKING ON AND WHAT IS NEXT FOR YOUR BUSINESS?

I’m currently working on hiring my first employee so that I can remain open when we leave to visit my husband in Japan. Next is expanding to having an office space (eek!)

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR OTHER WAGS WHO HOPE TO START A BUSINESS?

Find something you’re passionate about and DO IT. No matter how long it takes (I’ve been working on this since May 2023). Gameday Keychains has awakened my creative side and given me something to look forward to every day! We all struggle with finding our own identity in this life, me included, and creating Gameday Keychains has made me feel empowered and excited for not only our future, but mine as Kadence. 

WHERE CAN WE FIND YOU ONLINE? HOW CAN WE KEEP UP WITH YOU?

Right now I’m solely taking orders via order forms until my website is up. I’ve linked it below! You can also find me on socials @gamedaykeychains. 

Order form link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdvKvkAxSikRYpSlcOHd5x91qxNxb6SII0EjkoKEI_kCJc7yQ/viewform