About Us

About Us

At Red Nose Factory, we believe clowning is more than a costume — it’s an art form, a tradition, and a way of bringing joy into the world. Our mission is simple: to elevate the art of clowning by crafting functional, expressive, and iconic noses that performers are proud to wear.

Our Story

What began as one handmade nose in founder Chad Stender’s garage has grown into a global go-to for clowns, performers, and playful spirits who care about comfort, character, and craft. Each nose is artist-made, self-attaching, and full of personality — just like the people who wear them.

Meet Chad

There is a unique relationship between a clown and their nose. One that should be taken seriously despite its function. Red Nose Factory founder Chad Stender was doing just that in his garage in Oakland, California in 2014. Making the perfect nose. One that fit snug, stayed on comfortably and suited his character perfectly.

Through experimentation, trial and error and the kind stubborn resilience only a clown could muster he developed something that had never existed before; the world's first professional, self- attaching costume nose.

Since then, Chad has handmade over twelve thousand noses and sent them all over the planet to help clowns do the hard work of showing up and humiliating themselves in service to others. Red Nose Factory noses are still handmade one-by-one by Chad at his home in Klamath Falls, Oregon.

Why We’re Different

We aren’t here to make novelty toys. We’re here to make performance gear that honors both the history of clowning and its ongoing evolution. Every nose is:

  • Handcrafted: Individually cast, cut, and finished by hand.
  • Self-attaching: No straps or adhesives — just easy on, easy off.
  • Unique: No two noses are ever quite alike.

  • Our Vision

    To celebrate and elevate the art of clowning — uniting tradition and innovation in every piece, and empowering performers everywhere to express their truest selves with confidence, comfort, and craft.

  • Our Promise

    Whether you’re a professional clown, a stage performer, a costumer, or simply clown-curious, Red Nose Factory noses deliver character, comfort, and craft in every piece.

    We don’t just make noses. We make tools of play — designed to move, to last, and to inspire.

Our Core Values

🎨 Craftsmanship

Every nose is individually cast, cut, and finished by hand.

🤝 Integrity

Honest materials, honest process, honest work.

🌟 Individuality

Every wearer, every character, every nose is unique.

❤️ Respect

Honoring both the history of clowning and the creativity of its future.

🎈 Buoyancy

Light, uplifting, and resilient in spirit — just like clowns themselves.