How did it all begin?
Wardrobe selection.
In December of 2017, I helped a group of high school students prepare a float for the MainX24 parade in downtown Chattanooga. Our float’s theme was Toy Story, so we were instructed to dress up in one of two themes for the parade: either Toy Story or Christmas. Elf is my favorite movie, and once I found out that my neighbors had an elf costume, I asked if I could borrow it. They said yes. The first time I ever dressed up as an elf was December 1, 2017.
Test run.
At the beginning of the parade, I walked alongside our float with everyone else. Before long, our driver suggested I walk in front of the float instead. Sure enough, as soon as I took my energy and excitement out front, everything fell into place. I had so much fun, and people responded enthusiastically. In the next couple weeks, I was invited to a few other events as an elf, and it was a blast. I had such a great time, I knew I had to try to do this more.
Makeover.
Over the next 10 months, I worked with my wife and mom to upgrade my costume piece by piece. We all worked together to create the templates, and my mom and I did the sewing. Each piece seemed like its own DIY challenge - from the belt buckle to the curly-toed shoe coverings to the yellow stripe around the cone-shaped hat. Once my wife patiently helped find the right color of tights and I grew out my hair to replace the wig, the costume was complete!
The first time I ever dressed up as an elf was December 1, 2017.
Opportunities.
At that point in time, with only an elf Facebook page, my online presence was limited, to say the least. Nevertheless, I was blessed to still book multiple parties and other events for the 2018 season, primarily through word of mouth. As I went through the season, each event seemed to lead to another opportunity, sometimes multiple. At the same time, I was growing my confidence.
Growth.
In 2019, I expanded my horizons with my first Elf & Me Workshop making serving trays for Mother’s Day. As we rolled around into the Fall of that year, I had begun booking even more parties, both corporate and private, including several for repeat customers. I was invited for other, more unique events as well, like photo shoots and cookie-making sessions.
Potential.
I booked my first “Christmas in July” event in 2020, and I feel like I’m getting more direction and confidence by the day. I am now more excited than ever for what the future holds for me as an elf. It seems wide open as I continue to expand my skills, my offerings, and my reach. Even now, I find each event is special and unique. I still love being an elf!