Our Mission
From the beginning, our mission has been to bring JOY through holiday lighting. Using the highest quality materials and products available and our unmatched customer experience, we seek to provide the industry’s leading holiday lights service.
Our Vision
We strive to be the nations leading holiday lighting service provider and installer.
Our Story
What began as a side hustle, created while on their honeymoon in 2014, Jess and John have grown Winter Star into the regions leading installer of luxury residential and commercial Christmas lights. Since 2020, Winter Star has been woman owned and lead by a super star team of “Ninja Girls.” One of our long time clients gifted the crew of all female installers the nickname in 2021 when they showed up dressed in all black and quickly and efficiently installed a custom lighting job on their home in the Asheville area.
Since its inception in 2014, Winter Star’s sole focus has been to provide the best possible holiday lighting service in Asheville, Woodfin, Weaverville, Hendersonville, Brevard, and Waynesville.
For the full story Listen Here
aka Mrs. Claus
Jess Averette
Owner, Co-Founder
After receiving her BFA in Graphic Design from the Savannah College of Art and Design, Jessica pursued a dual career in web design and massage therapy. With an entrepreneur’s spirit, she was eager to begin Winter Star after daydreaming with John on their honeymoon. Her creative mind and keen eye give Winter Star a unique design advantage. Since beginning the business in 2014 she has had the privilege to bring their two boys Sam and Eli into the world. So far they love lights as much as she and John do.
Lead Elf
Nikki Friend
Project Manager, Crew Lead
Originally from Raleigh, NC, Nikki has been living in the mountains of WNC for the past 5 years. With a background in welding and customer service, she brings a creative, yet mechanical approach to the team. Nikki is an incredibly talented team leader with a detailed eye and an enthusiasm for all things WinterStar. She spends her spare time kayaking, hiking and adventuring around with her husband and their pack of dogs.
aka Mr. Claus
John Averette
Co-Founder
Since beginning Winter Star with Jessica in 2014, he has hung up his hammer to become a Psych PA and loves the opportunity to help people living in the region he grew up in. Whether it is rock climbing, running, cycling, archery, or scampering around on ladders and rooftops in the cold, John is neurotic about his need to be outside. He has boundless energy and a contagiously positive attitude. He is WinterStar’s biggest fan and cheerleader.
““I love Christmas! I love everything about it, but most especially, I love when John and Jess Averette put the holiday lights up for us here at the Carolina Bed & Breakfast. It’s magical, a festive celebration and my guests are delighted when they pull up to the Inn. It’s a gorgeous three story Arts and Crafts house and it’s lit up with “Charlie Brown” big multi-colored lights. People slow down as they drive past the Carolina at Christmas to take a good look because it’s simply joyful. The Winter Star Holiday Lights team are amazing and completely professional. They take safety seriously as they are putting the lights up on the highest peaks and windows using ropes and harnesses to ensure that they are safe and you have sparkling lights everywhere you want them. I can’t wait to see them again this year!!””