By Yolanda Sanchez
Irvine World News

Lynda King has an ear for business. “ My philosophy of life is that we hear of the opportunities all the time but the problem is that we don't listen to the opportunity”, she said.

When King heard of opportunity knocking in 2002, she answered, a decision which has paid off for her in a big way. With close friend Kendra Jacoby, she established King Size Bows, which manufactures and ships large bows for gifts such as cars or new homes.

A long time Irvine president, King was the founding President of National Charity League's Irving Chapter, a mother and daughter community service organization.

The Irvine World News recently chatted with King about her newest business venture.

What led you establish King Size Bows?

We purchased a car for our daughter when she was 16 and we wanted to put a big bow on it, but we couldn't find it anywhere.That stayed with me. In November 2002, I called up few dealerships with a pretext that I was buying a car for my son and asked them where I could find a bow. Nine out of ten said, “we wish we knew”. I spend the next nine months developing the perfect bow.

What kind of response did you get when you first started the venture?

The response was very positive. Our First Year in the business we went to the National Automobile Dealership Association convention in Las Vegas; I only found out only a few days before the show that I could a booth. We hired the most beautiful tallest model in Vegas and she wore one bow in front and one bow on her back. She carried a sign that said “ put a bow on your model”. We got a tremendous amount of exposure in the show. I go to the convention every year.

Have you owned a business before?

Yes, in the 1980's I owned the king collection. I designed high fashion custom jewelery for 11yrs. Dynasty and Dallas were the hit television shows at the time. I had 3,000 different designs in my line. I eventually sold it to home shopping network. Part of being profitable is knowing your exit strategy. But I always have my ear out for the next product. I've always kept a file on ideas I hear.

What is the most unusual gift you've had a bow requested for?

We have put bows on tractors, aeroplanes, horses. In September 2004 we received a call from a woman from Chicago who called at 4 p.m. And said she needed 100 bows by 8 a.m.the next day. I didn't have the bows. The next day when the oprah show aired and then the woman and asked her if she was from Oprah's Company. She was. The bows didn't appear on the show, but King Size bows were placed on the 276 Pontiac G6 cars when they were delivered to the recipient's in October and November 2004. We are still riding Oprah wave.

What is your biggest market?

Our target markets are the automotive industry for the dealerships that want to provide the customers with extra customer service. Realtors and home builders buy them to place them in the front doors. It is the wow factor.

Do you only deliver your bows in the United States or are you international?

We deliver throughout the United States, Canada, United Kingdom and Ireland. We are also doing a business with dealership in Sao Paulo Brazil.
I already have a new product in the works with Kendra, my business partner. I can't say what it is. But I only select products that I think would bring someone joy and be useful. Like bows.......how fun is that?

Lynda King, 54
Residence: Irvine
Children: Three
Business: King Size Bows
Bows: 48$ each
Information: (949) 387-9287
or www.kingsizebows.com