SmallBiz: Hixson enterpreneur puts bow on ribbon business

photo Dewayne Stoker, left, and Elizabeth Cox roll spools of ribbon after it has been printed at Ribbons and Bows Oh My, a business that designs ribbons. Staff File Photo

Name: Ribbons and Bows Oh My

Location: 2415 Apex Lane, Hixson

Contact information: 866-538-2416, www.ribbonandbowsohmy.com

Products/services: Custom ribbon printing for individuals, small businesses and do-it-yourself projects. Orders can be placed online or at the business.

Age: Owners Paul and Jennifer Huinker started the business in Illinois 10 years ago and moved it to Chattanooga five years ago.

Revenue: The mostly Internet-based business draws $2.8 million annually and has seen steady growth over the past decade.

Getting started: Jennifer Huinker, an eBay saleswoman, discovered the custom-ribbon niche when a friend had a huge volume of ribbon she didn't want. Huinker bought $50 of the ribbon and quickly doubled her investment. Soon enough, Ribbons and Bows Oh My was born.

How it works: The Huinkers have a staff of about 20 locals who help manage machines that print custom designs on a special paper. The designs are passed through a machine with the ribbon, which adheres the paper for a custom look. The business has the capability of producing as much as 10,000 yards of custom ribbon a day. Over a year, the Huinkers sell upward of 1 million yards of plain and custom ribbon.

Lesson learned: Have some money set aside or another job that will pay the bills while you're able to start and pay for your business. "Be able to take some risks," Paul Huinker said. "Keep on doing it till you succeed. Keep trying. There's nothing better than being self employed."

Upcoming Events