The Story behind the Byers’ Choice Carolers
"No two Byers Choice Carolers
are ever the same. Our artisans create a unique character and personality in
each figure by using a variety of techniques and materials. Each crafter leaves
a little bit of herself in every figure she touches. As many as ten people will
work on one Caroler. Consequently, it is almost impossible to find two Carolers
that are exactly alike." - Joyce Byers
What does Christmas look like to you? It was the late 1960's and Joyce Byers,
an amateur artist with a degree in fashion design, was disappointed in what she
was seeing in the stores: aluminum tinsel trees with garish blue lights. She was
looking for holiday decorations with warmth that showed respect for timeless
traditions and her own memories of Christmas.
"A scrap of fabric, part of my mother's old fur coat, some hair from the
kids, a coat hanger, some plaster and paint. The first ones were made with
simple things that I had around the house," says Joyce Byers. "I dressed them in
plaids and made them cheerfully singing because that reminded me of Christmas."
The first Carolers graced the Byers' dining room table that Christmas, and
they received compliments from all of the relatives. On a tight budget, Joyce
knew what to make for presents the following year. A neighbor suggested taking
some to a local store, where they sold quickly.
Joyce pressed her husband, Bob, and their two sons into service to help
produce the figures each autumn. It wasn't long before the Carolers overwhelmed
the dining room table, where the family gathered to work together. "Every year
the house would be a total wreck, and I'd say that we're never doing this
again!" remembers Joyce.
But when a downturn in the economy hurt his construction business, Bob looked
around and saw some potential in the Carolers. He decided to devote more of his
energies to the fledgling business, and in 1978, the couple hired their first
employee, and turned the garage into a workshop.
The unique appearance and handcrafted quality of the Carolers quickly gained
a following. Each year, Bob & Joyce would work with their crew of trained
artisans up until Christmas Eve putting the finishing touches on Carolers.
The two sons joined the company upon graduating from college and have played
an important role in the growth of the firm, with Bob working in production and
Jeff helping with marketing and design. "We always say that mom's hobby has
gotten a little out of control," jokes Jeff.
The company now resides on a park-like campus near Chalfont, PA. Collectors
are invited to tour the facility and watch the artisans at work.
In the spirit of Christmas, Byers' Choice donates over 20% of its profits to
charity each year.
| 
