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Business Movers
An Elf-Made Success | How the Elf On The Shelf Found a Place at Christmas | 1
Dec 26, 2024
Discover how a mother-daughter duo transformed a cherished family tradition into a bestselling children’s book. Explore their struggles with major publishers and their decision to self-publish, igniting a holiday phenomenon. Dive into the controversy over the Elf on the Shelf and its implications in today's world. Hear the inspiring story of their rise from grassroots to cultural icon, leading to an animated special. Additionally, learn about the creation of The Mensch on a Bench, a new holiday tradition inspired by their success.
34:36
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Quick takeaways
- Shanda Bell and Carol Aebersold successfully transformed a family tradition into a self-published book, overcoming initial rejections from major publishers.
- The success of The Elf on the Shelf led to significant brand expansion, evolving into a multi-million dollar franchise that reshaped Christmas traditions.
Deep dives
The Birth of an Idea
In the fall of 2004, Shanda Bell and her mother, Carol Ebersold, were inspired to create a children's book titled The Elf on the Shelf, based on a family tradition featuring a scout elf who watches over children during Christmas. This idea sparked when Shanda noticed her childhood elf, Fisbee, and believed that other families would enjoy adopting a similar tradition. They aimed to share their personal experiences in a story form, hoping to spread the elf phenomenon beyond their home. Despite their enthusiasm, the duo faced skepticism about the uniqueness of their concept, leading to a determination to make their book stand out.
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