Today we’d like to introduce you to Amber Hughes.
Hi Amber, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
How it all began… In January 2015, my mom and I purchased King Size Bows, Inc. from the previous owner/founder of the business. I had been in a bad car accident months earlier and lost my voice due to injuries sustained in the accident. I had been a Radio Dispatcher for the Orange County Sheriff’s Department for several years, and due to my injuries could no longer perform my job duties, as I could not speak. I had sewn since I was a child and always loved design and being creative. When my mom presented the idea to me of going into business together, and she would be the voice of the business and I would be the creative/design part, it was a natural fit. During the first year, I worked on healing, honing my skills, and learning the business. After a year, my voice returned. We began improving quality control, expanding our client list, and growing the business. Over the next couple years, my mom retired, we expanded our product line in both ready-to-ship bows and custom bows; we grew the business from mainly car bows to most of our business is custom bows for buildings and houses, health awareness ribbons, car bows, bows for commercials and tv shows, along with consumers. It was important for us to have price points that consumers could make the dream of having a big bow a reality, as well as seeing it on TV, so we have both ready-to-ship bows and Custom Bows. While our Ready-to-Ship Bows can be used for a single or short-term use, our Custom Bows can be used for several seasons. We make all our bows and locally source our materials. Our Custom Bows are all handcrafted and made to order. They are not made by a machine. King-size bows symbolize celebrating honor and Remembering. For us, it is important to always find a reason to celebrate! Honor and remember those who have contributed to our lives and society in a meaningful way to acknowledge their impact and preserve their legacy.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
As with any business, there have been challenges along the way, but the largest has definitely been since the pandemic. Many suppliers either went out of business or had diminished inventory, there was a definite shift in client purchasing, shipping costs skyrocketed, and costs of goods also increased. The last few years have been a challenge but also one of gratitude for continued business and the opportunity to learn, grow, and explore new ways to market our business.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
We make BIG… King Size Bows! We are known for the bows you see on car commercials, TV, and game shows (the box that Channing Tatum jumped out of on the Ellen DeGeneres Show for her 60th birthday with the big bow on top), buildings, houses, and grand openings. We specialize in custom bows to make a special occasion memorable. I am most proud of our growth and being able to continue to offer our clients hand-crafted, USA-made products locally. Our quality and attention to detail sets us apart from the rest. Our clients have told us our custom bows are second to none.
Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
One of my favorite childhood memories was sitting in my grandmother’s studio, talking with her and watching her paint. My grandmother was a professional artist, and it was magical for me to watch her work. My love of color, textiles, and creativity comes from her.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kingsizebows.com
- Instagram: @kingsizebowsinc
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kingsizebowsinc
Image Credits
Carsten Tice Photography
King Size Bows Studio
