UWG Alumnae Named to Inc. Magazine’s Female Founders 500 List Share this page
Two University of West Georgia alumnae – Christa (Aebersold) Pitts ’97 and Chanda (Aebersold) Bell ’96 – have been named among the most dynamic women in business by Inc. Magazine.
The twin sisters, co-founders of The Lumistella Company, are named in the publication’s annual “Female Founders 500” list, being recognized for their dedication, creativity and leadership. The Lumistella Company, home of The Elf on the Shelf®, is a family-owned, women-led business reaching families in 29 countries.
What started as a holiday storybook has grown into an internationally recognized home of Christmas brands that include animated specials, toys and other products that delight families around the world. Today, The Lumistella Company continues to build on that success, ever-expanding its Santaverse™, the enchanted world of Santa Claus, into new mediums like novels and gaming in 2025.
Pitts, a mass communications graduate, has remained connected to UWG through her involvement on the UWG Foundation board of trustees and by establishing the Christa Aebersold Endowment for Student Entrepreneurial Education. The endowment supports programs and opportunities for UWG students who dream of building something of their own.
“Being recognized on Inc.’s 500 Female Founders list is an incredible honor and a deeply personal milestone,” said Pitts. “It’s a testament to the power of grit and passion – and a reminder of how far we can go when we stay true to our vision. As a proud alumna of the UWG, I’m humbled by my roots and grateful for the foundation that helped shape my journey. I am honored to stand alongside so many inspiring women who are redefining industries and paving the way for future generations.”
Bell, recognized internationally as “Santa’s Chief Storyteller,” is the driving force behind all creative development at The Lumistella Company. Throughout her career, she has leveraged her education degree from UWG to connect with audiences of all ages.
“Our goal has always been to create joyful moments that bring families together,” Bell said. “Being recognized in this way is incredibly meaningful – not just because it is a reflection of our journey, which includes our years spent at UWG – but because it celebrates the hard-fought battle of the entrepreneurial spirit and the dedication it takes to bring stories and characters to life. As a female founder, I’m inspired to be part of a community of pioneering women leaders who are shaping the future of business.”
The Female Founders 500 list was culled from thousands of entries, looking specifically at an entrepreneur's bona fides in the past year. Criteria included quantifiable metrics like sales, revenue growth, funding and audience size. Inc. also looked for qualitative metrics like social media momentum and stories of impact.
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