Today we’d like to introduce you to Dean Yeager.
Hi Dean, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I earned a degree in Graphic Design and spent years working in an industry that ebbs and flows with the economy. After experiencing the unpredictability of that field, I realized I wanted to carve out my own path—one where I had more control over my future. While exploring different business ideas, I took a job with a restaurant promotions company and found a role I truly enjoyed. It felt like a recession-proof career—until COVID-19 hit, and restaurants shut down overnight.
At that turning point, I revisited an idea I had considered a decade earlier: a Christmas décor rental business. I loved the idea of curating stunning holiday displays for homes and businesses, offering a hassle-free way for people to enjoy festive décor without the work of setting up or taking it down. Over the next few years, I grew that business while also gaining valuable experience working at The Christmas Shoppe in Boerne.
That journey ultimately led me to open my own storefront—Santa’s Sleigh Christmas Shoppe—right in the heart of New Braunfels. Today, I get to share my passion for Christmas year-round, helping customers bring the magic of the holiday season to life in their homes and businesses.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Starting a business from scratch has come with its own set of hurdles. In the early days of my Christmas décor rental business, I had to build trust with customers and establish a reputation in a niche market. Educating potential clients on the benefits of renting high-quality, professionally curated holiday decorations took time. Transitioning from a rental business to a full-fledged storefront brought new challenges—finding the right location, securing inventory, managing seasonal demand, and ensuring that people even knew the shop existed. Spreading the word and building a loyal customer base has been an ongoing effort, requiring creativity and persistence.
These struggles haven’t disappeared, but they have shaped my journey and continue to push me to grow as a business owner. Every challenge has been a learning experience, teaching me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of community connections. Today, seeing the joy that my store brings to customers makes every challenge worthwhile.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Santa’s Sleigh Christmas Shoppe?
Santa’s Sleigh Christmas Shoppe is more than just a store—it’s a festive experience designed to bring the magic of Christmas to life year-round. We specialize in carefully curated holiday décor, unique ornaments, and one-of-a-kind gifts that capture the spirit of the season. While Christmas is at the heart of what we do, we also offer decorations for other major holidays throughout the year, along with thoughtful gifts for every occasion—whether it’s a birthday, graduation, or anniversary.
What sets us apart is our dedication to creating a warm, enchanting atmosphere where people can relive cherished holiday memories while making new ones. We take pride in sourcing high-quality, distinctive décor that you won’t find in big-box stores. Our personalized customer service, attention to detail, and love for all things festive make shopping with us a truly magical experience. Beyond retail, we also provide Christmas décor rentals, setup, takedown, and in-store or mobile gift wrapping services—making holiday celebrations even easier and more joyful.
Brand-wise, I am most proud of the sense of wonder and nostalgia our shop brings to customers. There’s something special about seeing a child’s eyes light up at a beautifully decorated Christmas tree or helping someone find the perfect ornament that reminds them of a beloved tradition.
More than anything, I want readers to know that Santa’s Sleigh Christmas Shoppe is a place where the holiday spirit is alive every day. Whether you’re decorating for the season, searching for a meaningful gift, or simply looking to immerse yourself in the joy of celebration, we’d love to welcome you into our shop and share the magic with you!
How do you think about luck?
Luck—both good and bad—has certainly played a role in my journey. Some of the biggest challenges I’ve faced came from circumstances completely out of my control. Working in graphic design, I saw how the economy could dictate success or struggle, and just when I thought I had found stability in restaurant promotions, COVID shut everything down overnight. Those moments of bad luck forced me to reevaluate my path and ultimately led me to pursue my long-held dream of starting my own business.
On the flip side, I’ve also been fortunate in many ways. Finding a role I truly enjoyed in restaurant promotions before the pandemic gave me the confidence to step into entrepreneurship. Working at The Christmas Shoppe in Boerne helped me gain invaluable experience in holiday retail. And perhaps most importantly, I’ve been lucky to have an incredibly supportive community that has embraced my shop and helped spread the word.
Luck continues to play a major role, and I expect it always will. The retail world is unpredictable, with factors like tariffs, supply chain disruptions, and economic shifts constantly shaping the landscape. But I believe success happens when preparation meets opportunity. While I can’t control everything, I can stay ready to adapt, seize the right moments, and make the most of whatever luck—good or bad—comes my way.
Pricing:
- Budget-friendly options: Starting as low as $5 for small ornaments and decorations.
- Mid-range items: Unique, high-quality pieces like themed décor, gift items, and ornaments priced between $20 and $75.
- Premium items: Luxury décor and specialty items, with prices ranging from $100 to $1,500+ for specialty or unique pieces.
- Gift wrapping services: Available in-store and mobile, with prices starting at $4 for small gifts.
- Christmas décor rental services: Pricing varies depending on the size and scope of the setup, with packages available to suit various business and residential needs.
Contact Info:
- Website: Our website isn’t currently live, we hope to have it finished before July 2025. It is currently situated at santassleightx.com, but will soon be marketed as santas-sleigh.com. Delaying the article until our website is complete would be appreciated. We’re still a new store trying to get all our ducks lined up.
- Instagram: @santassleighshoppe
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SantasSleighShoppe/
