Chris and Kira Bailey once performed for audiences of 10,000 at shows like Texas Renaissance Festival and Universal Studios' Halloween Horror Nights. But the couple longed for more freedom and adventure, trading a fixed stage for life on the road.
As fire and flow artists, the Baileys perform with flaming props, blending dance, juggling, and choreography. Traveling across the U.S. in their RV, their gear took a beating, which pushed them to start repairing — and eventually inventing — new props. That unexpected detour grew into The Odd Prop Shop, their custom fire-prop business.
“One of the props that I had been making went viral. And I was the only one making anything like that in the U.S.,” said Chris. “The sales exploded, and that turned into the Odd Prop Shop.”
What started as a side hustle soon evolved into a full-time online business. The Baileys realized there was a growing market for better, safer, and more customizable gear for the fire and flow arts community. They've joined a growing number of creators using Temu to turn passion into business.
Launching a business came with challenges, especially when it came to prototyping and sourcing materials. As they looked for ways to stretch their budget and experiment more freely, they began turning to Temu to find parts and components that fit both their creative and financial needs.
“It's been very helpful that Temu has those affordable options to let us experiment without a huge loss if it doesn't work out,” said Chris. “So Temu is a source to really try out new ideas.”
Experimentation is central to Chris’ process. Whether he’s building a new fire rope or re-engineering a light effect, the path from idea to final product often includes several rounds of trial and error. Being able to order parts affordably gave them the flexibility to take more risks, an important advantage for any self-funded startup.
They also realized that sourcing parts directly through Temu has been key to reducing production costs.
“It cuts out the middleman. One of the props that we use costs a quarter of what you’d pay at retail,” said Chris.
Beyond sourcing, the platform occasionally sparks new ideas altogether. Sometimes a product catches their eye, not for what it is, but for what it could become.
One fan-favorite prop, a handheld spinner, was inspired by LED firework lights and fiber optic lights they found on Temu. Chris mounted the lights on a bearing in the handle, creating a mesmerizing visual effect that became a showstopper in their performances.
Today, The Odd Prop Shop has grown beyond an online store. Back in Houston, Chris and Kira are opening a combined workshop and retail space, a hub where local performers can test gear, commission custom builds, and collaborate on new ideas. And their work is inspiring more performance enthusiasts to experience the charm of the art.