A Small, Special Collection
A collector at heart, Melissa Kraehenbuehl has surrounded herself, and her home, with the pieces she loves – Jim Shore and Disney.
The 31-year-old market researcher fondly remembers her first Disney experience,
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Life on the Shore
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Never Too Old for Disney
Jim Shore’s unique take on iconic Disney characters as well as his own lines of traditional figurine pieces has made him extremely successful, and a household name among Disney fans and collectors. Melissa’s collection has continued to grow, and her home is now full of Jim Shore figurines, Pop Funko’s, Hallmark Itty Bitty’s, Mystery Mini’s and souvenir pins.
Melissa still recalls the moment when her Disney collection officially began and she purchased her first piece,
“My first Disney piece was Tiana. Disney wasn’t for a year or so after discovering Jim Shore. I was trying to resist but they are so good!”
After that, a lifelong addiction was formed. Since then, Melissa has grown to become a big fan of Disney with her favorite character being Tiana,
“I think I love Tiana the most because she did her own thing and really had good values to teach to kids. I also think that the movie was such a wonderful display of color! I watch that movie and I am just amazed at the color! Also, I love the music It's probably my favorite Disney soundtrack ever.”
Every Disney fan knows that the ultimate dream lies in visiting one magical place: Disneyland. Melissa has been fortunate enough to have visited the Happiest Place on Earth several times – starting when she was just six months old! Melissa also had the opportunity to visit again when she was just ten years old, and then again at her college graduation. She even lived in Orlando, Florida for three years where she was able to visit Disney World regularly, and attends the live Disney on Ice show near her home.
“I love the parks, but it’s a marathon, not a race there. So much to see and do!”
A Lifelong Collection in the Making
Melissa’s family are not Jim Shore or Disney fans, so they don’t always understand her passion for her collection,
“They think it’s silly, really. I like that they make me smile so really who cares what they think!”
Clearly, her family’s feelings are not going to cramp Melissa’s style. She’s been adding to her collection again this week,
“I just got my first Jim Shore basket today. I can see how people get hooked on his Easter baskets!”
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