What does it really take to build a global brand from nothing?

In Episode 2 of A Life of Play, Israel Cannan sits down with entrepreneur and Kings of Neon founder Steve Pastor to unpack the journey from working as a wedding DJ to building a $30 million global ecommerce brand.

What began as a creative side hustle quickly evolved into one of Australia’s most recognisable custom neon brands - shipping products around the world, working with major celebrities and companies, and navigating the chaos that comes with rapid business growth.

But beneath the success is a deeper story about risk, obsession, identity, creativity, and the emotional rollercoaster of entrepreneurship.

In this conversation, Steve shares the realities of scaling a business from the ground up, the sacrifices that come with ambition, and the mindset shifts required to survive the pressure of modern entrepreneurship.

We also explore the importance of personal branding, building culture inside a fast-growing company, and why so many founders struggle once they finally “make it.”

This episode is about more than ecommerce.

It’s about creativity, resilience, reinvention, and the pursuit of building a meaningful life while chasing big dreams.

In this episode we explore:

• Steve Pastor’s journey from wedding DJ to founder of Kings of Neon

• How Kings of Neon became a global ecommerce success story

• The realities and pressures of scaling a fast-growing business

• Creativity, branding, and standing out in a crowded market

• The emotional highs and lows of entrepreneurship

• Building culture, leadership, and a strong team

• The relationship between ambition, identity, and fulfillment

• Why play, curiosity, and creativity still matter in business

About A Life of Play

Hosted by storyteller and entrepreneur Israel Cannan, A Life of Play explores the mindset of people who have chosen an unconventional path - athletes, entrepreneurs, creatives and thinkers who are building meaningful lives through curiosity, courage and creativity.

New episodes explore the intersection of performance, storytelling, business, family and personal growth.

What does it really mean to find flow in life?

In the first episode of A Life of Play, Israel Cannan sits down with former professional surfer Ace Buchan to explore the mindset behind peak performance, navigating life after elite sport, and the deeper philosophy of living with purpose.

Ace spent years competing on the World Surf League Championship Tour, chasing waves across the globe and learning what it takes to perform at the highest level. But like many elite athletes, his journey has also involved reinvention - transitioning from professional sport into business, family life, and raising the next generation.

In this conversation, Ace shares what surfing taught him about focus, resilience, and the elusive state of flow - the feeling when everything clicks and time seems to disappear.

We also dive into the challenges of parenting young athletes, supporting kids with big dreams, and helping them develop confidence without losing the joy of play.

This episode is about more than sport.

It’s about learning how to navigate ambition, identity, and the different seasons of life.

In this episode we explore:

• The psychology of flow state and peak performance

• What professional surfing teaches you about risk and resilience

• Reinventing yourself after a competitive career

• The balance between discipline and joy in sport

• Parenting and supporting young athletes with big dreams

• Why curiosity and play might be the key to a meaningful life

About A Life of Play

Hosted by storyteller and entrepreneur Israel Cannan, A Life of Play explores the mindset of people who have chosen an unconventional path - athletes, entrepreneurs, creatives and thinkers who are building meaningful lives through curiosity, courage and creativity.

New episodes explore the intersection of performance, storytelling, business, family and personal growth.