A small 3D printing shop in Cutlery Bay unknowingly helped decorate the White House for this year’s holiday season.
Be 3D Printshop was commissioned in October to custom make 56 tree ornaments, each nearly 6 inches tall, before Nov. 21.
What the veteran- and Latino-owned family business didn’t know at the time was that this order came directly from the White House, and now all of the ornaments are proudly displayed on the 2025 White House Christmas Tree.
The tree sits in the center of the Blue Room and commemorates Gold Star families, those who have lost a loved one in active-duty military service. The White House says the ornaments feature “the official bird and flower of every U.S. state and territory—a tribute to the resilience, bravery, and sacrifice of our military personnel and their families.”
The owners of the company, Joel and Aida Velez, moved from Puerto Rico 16 years ago in order to pursue a better life on the mainland.
PHOTOS: Small South Florida business ends up on the White House Christmas Tree
They shared with NBC6 that they were incredibly honored to be part of the project, and were one of only two small businesses selected to 3D print the ornaments. The other was based in New York.
The inception of Be 3D Printshop came from the passion Velez had for experimenting with 3D printers, and was catalyzed by the sad loss of their pet dog Davinci in 2022. After seeing an old picture of Davinci, Joel Velez was inspired to use his 3D printer to make something special in order to cheer up his wife.
Aida Velez posted the lithophane night light on social media, and the rest is history. The couple said the business took off from there.
“From something sad, came something so beautiful, and that’s what we do, we bring to life your most cherished memories,” Joel Velez wrote on their website.
Although the original White House designs are copyrighted, Be 3D Printshop offers their own original designs that you can buy to capture the same spirit and elegance.
“When you display this ornament, you’re bringing a piece of White House history to your home while honoring the brave families who have given so much for our freedom,” the printshop states.
