In this episode of The Seasonal Operator Podcast, Nicole is joined by Jake Harlow from Jake Decorates for an honest conversation about the business behind Christmas decorating.Jake shares how a lifelong love of Christmas, combined with a background in marketing and filmmaking, led him into professional Christmas styling. He talks through how the business has grown, what actually goes into creating high-end Christmas installs, and the less-visible work that sits behind the finished result — planning, prep, pricing and time management in a very short selling window.The conversation explores what it’s like running a seasonal business where most of the revenue is made in just a few weeks, how Jake thinks about valuing his work, and why systems, boundaries and the right clients matter as much as creativity. There’s also a practical discussion around marketing — using social media as a portfolio, the role of a strong website, and why older-school channels like print can still work when they suit your audience.Jake also shares how he approaches trends without losing sight of what clients actually want, the importance of referrals and industry relationships, and why collaboration has played a role in growing his business.This episode is for Christmas decorators, installers and seasonal business owners who want a clearer picture of how to build a creative business that’s commercially sustainable, not just visually impressive.You can find Jake at:www.jakedecorates.com.au Instagram @jakedecorates.Subscribe to The Seasonal Operator Podcast for weekly conversations focused on the business of Christmas and seasonal trade. Instagram: @theretailmarketersWebsite: theretailmarketers.comYouTube Channel: youtube.com/@theretailmarketers

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