New Business Makes 'Bow-tiful' Gifts

Creating fashion statements motivated Brett Steckler of , and her friend Brandi Schmidt, to let their hair down, so to speak, to help other people put their hair up. This fall, they established a home-based business called BB bows, which offers a unique, interchangeable hair accessory system. The products are anchored by a sophisticated magnetic approach.

"Our love for girlly hair bows, and all things BB-Beautiful, led us to the development of BB Bows," said Steckler.

Customers can pair a bow or flower with any fabric-covered button, and change their look as often as they change their mind, she said. "Not only can you wear the flower or bow and BB combo in your hair, you can also put it on a crochet hat, headband, purse, necklace, or shawl. The possibilities are endless," said Steckler.

BB bows' products can be viewed on their website. They offer a turkey button for Thanksgiving time, and indicate that six new Christmas styles soon will be available. Other options include monogrammed buttons, a BB storage board, hats, and a BB storage bucket.

Custom orders for groups, such as cheerleaders, also are available upon request.

BB bows has a patent pending and is represented by Edward C. Vancil. Steckler said they have successfully filed a provisional patent on their new invention with the hopes of a full patent in the coming year.

The duo just recently participated in their first school craft fairs. They are planning to be at these upcoming fairs:

• Nov. 19 >> Bear Boutique, Ballwin Elementary from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Dec. 3 and 4 >> Oakville Senior High School Arts & Crafts Fair from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Dec. 10 >> St. Charles West Warrior Band 26th Annual Arts and Crafts Fair from 9 a.m. 4 p.m.

They accept cash, checks, or MasterCard and Visa credit cards; with a minium purchase of $10 for credit card processing.

Steckler and her husband, Keith, both grew up in St. Louis. She currently works in pharmaceuticals, and he is a local police officer. They live in Eureka with their two daughters, Lucy, 4 years old, and Libby, 2 years old.

Schmidt and her husband, Thommy, also are St. Louis natives. They live in her husband’s hometown of St. Charles with their three children:  a son Bailey, 13, and two daughters Sylvia, 3 and Madelyn, 9 months.