Willowbrook, Ill – November 29, 2010 — First they were soccer teammates then classmates, and now they are business partners. Lauren Freeman and Peyton Lienhart, fifth graders in Mrs. Russo’s class at Maercker School in Westmont, came up with an ingenious, creative solution for what to do with their (and their brothers’) Halloween candy wrappers. They’ve created hair bows, or what they’ve called, “Candy Bows.” From Gobstoppers and Reese’s Pieces to Sweet Tarts and Now or Laters, the girls have cut, folded, taped and trimmed hundreds of wrappers into adorable hair bows affixed with a bobby pin on the underside.

Recognizing that the bows would make excellent presents, the girls, who are best friends, stepped up production over the Thanksgiving holiday. In addition to word of mouth and via Facebook, the girls took their inventory of bows presented on long satin ribbons to Salon Hype in La Grange where they made their sales pitch to owners Ross and Carissa Bartolomei. Perfect as stocking stuffers and for Hanukkah gifts, the Candy Bows starting selling even as the girls were making their sales pitch.

Salon Hype agreed to take the girls’ entire inventory. Marketed with the tag line, “They’ll Look Sweet in your Hair,” the bows sell for $2 for the large size and $1 for the medium and small size. The girls are still hard at work replenishing their stock to keep up with the holiday demand. Custom bows can also be created upon request.

The Candy Bows are being sold exclusively at Salon Hype, 917 Hillgrove Avenue in La Grange, 708-352-6222, www.salonhype.com, or by appointment by contacting at girls at wendylienhart@earthlink.net.