Determine the market and your customer

• 1). Familiarize yourself with the hair-accessory market before you start making a product. Find out who the successful companies are---corporate and independent---and research their products. Make a note of the products that are selling well and the ones that aren't. You want to know what type of product consumers are looking for and how difficult the competition.
  
  
• 2). Choose your customer. Although hair bows are only worn by females, bow and ribbon styles change according to the age demographic. Find out how styles differ for toddlers, preteens, teenagers and women. Look at the hair accessories that are targeted toward certain demographics and what hair accessories are actually being worn. Cater your designs according to what is popular among your chosen demographic.
  
  
• 3). Start making your product. Buy a variety of ribbons, fabrics and decorating materials so you can make a diverse inventory. Keep start-up costs low by shopping for materials at discounted prices or wholesale. Get an idea of the types of designs you want to make before you buy your materials as well; establish a sense of design so you don't waste money on materials you don't need.
  
  Make each product with the customer in mind. While you are creating a design ask yourself if you would be willing to spend money on that particular accessory. Give your customer a reason to choose your accessories over the other hundreds of accessories available.
  
  

Marketing and selling

• 1). Decide where you want to sell your accessories. Sellers find a variety of ways to sell their hair accessories, including flea markets, stores, online stores and hair-accessory parties.
  
  For a small business, consider selling your products online. Many websites provide the necessary tools to create an online store, sell products and track orders. Research websites for fees, provided features and other terms and conditions so you can choose the right one for your particular needs.
  
  Gain exposure for your company by selling your items at flea markets or hair-accessory parties. In the beginning stages, you don't have valued customers to spread the word about your products, so you have to expose the company yourself. Set up stands at flea markets and advertise your company to buying customers and passing shoppers. Schedule a hair-accessory party and invite your friends, family and neighbors so they can see what you have to offer.
  
  
• 2). Create a mission statement that illustrates the purpose of your company. Include important information concerning your targeted customers, what type of products you provide and what you want to achieve with your business. Use the mission statement to tell your customers who you are and why they should buy your products.
  
  
• 3). Find effective and inexpensive ways to advertise your products. Consider finding models who will advertise your products for free. Let your friends and family members choose an accessory to wear in public. Create business cards that display your company name, logo and contact information and give them to your models. Instruct your models to give your business cards to people who show an interest in the accessories they are wearing.