When I was 5, my mom started a business doing holiday decor in the Chicago area. I watched her transform big, beautiful houses into cozy classic Christmas scenes in a matter of hours. I admired her confidence — the way she'd climb a high ladder and how she understood a client's style.
So in 2013, I decided to move back to Chicago. I became a co-owner of The Ultimate Elf and made that my seasonal job from October to January. We also find out whether the client has their own decorations or they want us to source items. We usually start buying Christmas decor in the summer from wholesalers so we're prepared when the season starts.
Megan Clauson offers decorating services for other holidays, but the main focus is the Christmas season.