This is the first in our series of profiles of the team behind Ugly Christmas Party. We hope you enjoy getting to know each of us!
Name
Tyler Turney
Position
CEO
Describe your role at Ugly Christmas Party
It's hard to say, because I have my hand in a little bit of everything, but for the most part I oversee our day to day operations and develop our longterm strategies.
How long have you worked here?
Since the beginning. When I got out of college, the recession had hit, and I couldn't even get an interview at In N Out, so I started selling clothing online from my bedroom with a startup capital of about $500. That became, over the course of 9 years, the company it is today. It's been a really awesome ride so far, and I can't wait to see how far we take it.
What's your favorite thing about working at Ugly Christmas Party?
I love having the ability to run a small business and set my own rules. I bring my dog to work every morning, I have my son on my lap while I review samples. I don't think I would be able to thrive in a strict corporate environment after working here for so long.
What's your favorite Ugly Christmas sweater?
"One Night Only," which is naked Santa on a bear skin rug. It takes a chance and it's hilarious. I like sweaters that are edgy and borderline offensive. We make something for everybody, but those are the ones I gravitate towards.
How has Ugly Christmas Party changed since you started?
The company has grown from a couple of totes in my closet to a full-fledged business, with a warehouse and employees. We've become more efficient and focused on the things we do best. Now that we've decided to put our attention solely on Christmas sweaters, we have the time to really hone our brand and develop new initiatives to help support it.
Describe Black Friday/Cyber Monday in one word.
Tiring.
Do you have any particular memories from previous Christmases?
Christmas season is almost always a blur. You work year round for 45 days of craziness, putting in 18 hour days, only getting 3 hours of sleep because you wake up at 2am so anxious that you just have to go in and ship some sweaters out and get ahead of the orders coming in.
What are you looking forward to about this upcoming Christmas?
I don't want to spoil any surprises, but we have some really exciting things coming up. I can't wait for people to see the designs we have this year.
What's your favorite holiday song?
Merry Christmas, Darling. I love it when my wife plays it on the piano and sings it.
What's your favorite holiday movie?
Elf, for sure. Will Ferrell always makes me laugh out loud.
What's your favorite thing about the holidays?
Getting together with friends and family. We threw a Christmas party last year with a Yankee Swap and just had so much fun. I also love eating all of the amazing food.
What do you picture for the future of Ugly Christmas Party?
My dream is to keep the business around long enough so that eventually my son gets to work alongside me and my dad.