The Dream Begins
Fifteen years later, newly married and still carrying her dream, Linda travelled to the mountains of Japan to study merchandising and design. But her dream only crystallized when she travelled to Vancouver. There, surrounded by evergreens, mountain air, snow-covered streets, and dazzling Christmas lights at the Festival of Lights, she knew:
A Leap Toward Canada
Without telling her husband, Jerry, she applied for Canadian immigration. When she was conditionally approved, she learned the condition: she had to start a Canadian business.
Jerry was content working in his mother-in-law’s successful angel tree topper business, supporting his pregnant wife and their young son. The idea of starting from zero in a new country, with a new language, was overwhelming. Jerry decided to stay behind and provide financially while Linda and the children moved to Canada.
A Family Reunites
Two years later, overwhelmed with raising two young sons alone, Linda called Jerry. She didn’t ask for help with business. She asked for something simpler:
Come home to the family.
That call changed everything. Jerry left behind security, familiarity, and comfort and boarded a flight to Vancouver.
Inspiration Strikes
As he packed, inspiration struck: he could sell what he already knew and loved — his mother-in-law’s angel tree toppers. It would fulfill the immigration requirement, support his family, and perhaps, just maybe, make Linda’s dream real.
One Challenge Remained
His mother-in-law, the head of the angel tree topper business, did not want to provide him with product to sell. She feared it might interfere with her existing customer base in North America, even though most were located in the United States.
Family Found a Way
With the help of Linda’s sister, they quietly gathered a few sample angels and hand-carried them to Canada.
It was just enough to start.
Shop Our CollectionThe Birth of Starlight Collection
Their very first trade show, the CGTA Edmonton Gift Show, was an overwhelming success. Retailers crowded their booth; by the end of the day, Jerry’s hand was raw from writing orders. Their fear disappeared. Their dream had arrived.
They had made it to Canada — together.
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2025 Full Catalog, Christmas Ornaments, Traditional & Unique, Winter Show Specials
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2025 Full Catalog, Father Christmas, Holiday Figurines & Animals, Winter Show Specials
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2025 Full Catalog, Christmas Ornaments, Home & Hardware, Winter Show Specials
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2025 Full Catalog, Gnomes & Elves, Holiday Figurines & Animals, Winter Show Specials
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2025 Full Catalog, Autumn Decorations, Halloween Decor, Winter Show Specials
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Thirty Years Later
Starlight Collection remains a testament to dreams, courage, and family. What began with angel tree toppers has grown into all things Christmas and even Halloween décor. Today, Starlight Collection is Canada’s leading distributor of angel tree toppers, with customers across North America.
Still a Family Business
With more than 65 years of combined experience in Christmas wholesaling:
- Jerry and Linda still design the catalogue every year.
- Their sons, Peter and David, handle operations, accounts, and IT.
Built on Magic and Dedication
Starlight Collection remains proudly family-owned — built on dedication, laughter, sacrifice, and holiday magic.
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