Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Hornsby a.k.a. Jolly Ol St. Mick
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I’ve always been a big fan of the Christmas season. First and foremost, it is about the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ. But I do still remember my thoughts as a young child and the magic and mystery of Santa Claus. I never thought one time that I might be him. NEVER, not once! For me, it all started with a request from my daughter (Cara Burk), “Dad, I want you to be Bobbi’s (her daughter) first Santa”. It was an odd request, but I am always up for something new and love a good challenge.
I had a year to prepare. being a man of girth, some of the tasks was already done. I grew my hair and beard out… well by golly if I didn’t look a lot like the man himself. I couldn’t go anywhere without someone saying “Hey Santa” and still can’t today. Next, I rented a suit. You know, I’ve always heard that there is something magical about that suit, but I never put much thought into it. Then you put it on… your voice deepens a little, you smile a little different, a twinkle appears in your eyes, you feel a little more jolly even though the suit weighs about 20 lbs. Oh… and the things that you witness while you wear it are the BEST. The jaw drop of a 6-8-year-old when you round the corner. The excitement of anyone and everyone who you come in contact with. And then for me, the deal sealer, an 80-year-old who lets go of her walker to literally run over to give you a hug. From 80 to 8 in 2 seconds. AMAZING !!!
That was it, I was hooked. I spent the next year learning everything I could about the man. The right mannerisms, the right things to say when a tough question or request is asked, the items you need to have with you to validate who you really are (such as a magical key) and then I even designed my own suit. Custom made out of rich suede just for me, by a true friend who fully understood the need for it to be PERFECT. Jingle bells on my sleeves that ring when I wave. Jingle bells on my boots that add a little music to my walk. Even the belt, is hand-carved by someone who shared the dream too.
I promise you, when people see me, they know I am REAL and I want to be that perfect Santa for anyone I come into contact with and I truly want to do it for the right reasons.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Ha! Overall we have had a smooth road to travel. Some items that stand out… that first year, when we rented a suit. Let’s just say… one size does NOT fit all and wearing a suit that was been worn dozens (maybe hundreds) of times by almost as many different people is less than a jolly experience. Like all new startups, that first year was a little rough financially. So many things to buy to get ready for the season and such a small window to recoup what was spent. We finished in the hole our first year, but this endeavor is not, nor ever will be about the money.
What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc. What are you most proud of? What sets you apart from others?
Like I just said, this is and will never be about the money. It is about spreading Joy to others, specifically those that may not get the opportunity or have the ability to be in joyous situations. 90-95% of all the events we do are free of charge to the patrons, pictures included. We do this by partnering with other businesses to pick up the cost or sometimes just flat giving away our services so that there is no cost to absorb. We do events at schools, elderly living spaces, State/County Well Living events and even our local Ronald McDonald House that are free events for those attending. In addition, we partner with several local businesses to attend free pics with Santa at their location.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
There have been a few that have shared our vision and contributed their talent or skills at little or no cost to us to help this dream. Lynda Strittmatter has now sewn two different suits for me to wear, one formal and one casual. Lyndsey Doyle hand-carved the belt I wear and I have yet to see one that can match it, right down to a red rhinestone placed at Rudolph’s nose. Sharon Ivins (my sister who is and my helper Elf at most of my events. Chris and Cara Burk with B Family Films who supply the photography And last but certainly not least, my wife Donna who is Mrs. Claus at a lot of the events and has helped and supported me to get Jolly Ol’ St. Mick off the ground.
Contact Info:
- Address: 2223 Harrison Ave
- Website: jollyolstmick.com
- Phone: 817-948-5019
- Email: santa@jollyolstmick.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/B4YP5qXAtw7/?igshid=c6x46bzujqiv
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jollyolstmick/
Image Credit:
Chris and Cara Burk and B Family Films
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