Craig Wilkinson, Founder of Lunar. "I enjoy living here. Let's create something cool"

The Knot

Can you be creative and entrepreneurial without following a conventional path? Is Staffordshire the best place for big dreams, ambitious projects, and unexpected opportunities?

Craig Wikinson’s story is one of reinvention, taking risks, and embracing the unexpected. From a love of film to starting a business in the world of immersive brand experiences, Craig has forged his own path in a way that’s anything but traditional.

Craig’s journey started growing in Dudley, then travelling the world with film festivals, before a career with immersive events in London and now a life in Staffordshire.

Craig has taken everything he's learned from his decades of experience in film and events and is applying them here in Stoke and Staffordshire through LUNAR at World of Wedgwood and Albert's Cafe in Stafford.

Craig's a true entrepreneur that is bringing great experiences to Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire. He's someone that sees the untapped opportunity.

In this episode of The Knot Pod, we dive into Craig's extraordinary career, including:

• Craig's early life and connections to Staffordshire
• A chance encounter with film industry legend Doug, leading to the creation of the Stratford-upon-Avon Digital Film Festival
• How exploring the world led to discovering a love for event management and brand experiences
• Moving from freelancing to creating his own agency, Coalition Events
• The surprising link between Staffordshire and acting — and how a first audition in Stafford inspired Craig's next chapter
• The challenges and rewards of running creative businesses in a more unconventional location
• The role of Staffordshire in fostering his creativity and entrepreneurial spirit
• Life in London vs Staffordshire — why Craig chose to return home after years of living in the hustle and bustle of the big city
• Insights into how you can follow a creative career in Staffordshire — and why location doesn't always limit your ambition

Tune in for an inspiring conversation that proves there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to creativity or success — and sometimes the best opportunities come from the most unexpected places.