WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2021

Temple is known for trains, quality medical facilities and championship-caliber football. But thanks to a former nurse, moms across America also know it as the city with great hair bows.

Leia Alexander’s Hey Sister Bow Co. ships around 500 bows a week to addresses in 29 states. Soon she will be expanding into children’s apparel as well.

Big dreams for a little bow shop

By DAVID STONE, Our Town Temple exclusive

As a young woman with a fancy for making hair bows, Leia Alexander couldn’t wait to have a little girl. 

She had to be patient — her first two babies were boys.

“I told my husband if we ever had a girl, he better get ready for bows,” Leia said.

In January 2020, the Alexanders welcomed that baby girl into the world, and in her own words: “The bow buying began.”

It didn’t take long before she decided to put her craft skills to work and make her own bows and hair ribbons. Less than two months after her daughter was born — and while Leia was still on maternity leave — Hey Sister Bow Co. was born.

“I started a little Facebook group called Hey Sister VIP and showed my hair bow designs,” she said. “It grew rapidly — now the group has nearly 2,000 followers.”

Leia returned to her job as a nurse on March 13, 2020, and was greeted by a pandemic in its infancy. Changes to the health-care world were many.

“My original goal was to work until December while the business grew, but I really wanted to stay home with my kids,” she said. “I had a new baby girl and the business was taking off, but COVID also played a role in my decision. Eight weeks after returning to work I decided to operate the business full time.”

Leia, a native of Gatesville who moved to Temple nine years ago to study nursing at Temple College, dove headfirst into a big pile of ribbon.

“I started buying a lot of fabric and started a Website,” she said. “I started with hair bows, then hair bow accessories. I’ve added mommy-and-me headbands and bows. Some of the bows are tied, other styles are sewn — I make them all.”

With a little online research, Leia located other small businesses that sold items she needed to create Hey Sister bows and bands.

“I found some great vendors, and 90 percent of them are small businesses owned by mothers,” she said.

In a matter of months, her bow businesses boomed. Products are advertised on Facebook, but sales are now made online at heysisterbowco.com. The Facebook group has evolved into a community of mom’s discussing baby milestones and, yes, bows.

“I’m selling about 500 bows a week — sometimes more,” she said. “The turnaround is about three weeks, and right now I have 144 orders open. Some of those are just for one bow, some are for a lot more.”

Leia is shipping her products via the United State Postal Service to 29 states. She recently hired a part-timer assistant, and she is starting to look at placing products in boutiques.

But for now, she is busy creating new designs and planning for Hey Sister’s future.

“I have about 15 styles of hair bows and headbands, and I’m always introducing new colors and fabric designs,” Leia said. “I introduce four to eight new styles and colors every Friday at 6 p.m. I have customers who set alarms so they don’t miss it.”

Leia said fall patterns will be released beginning this week, and Halloween and fall festival styles won’t be far behind.

“We will start introducing out 2021 Christmas and winter styles in October and continue into November and December.”

Another hot-selling item is something called a scrunchy — Leia described it as a ponytail holder wrapped in fabric. But, Hey Sister will soon venture beyond hair products.

“I’m going to start making children’s apparel as well,” she said. “Dresses, t-shirts, bloomers, infant clothing — even bow ties for little boys. I have big dreams for this little bow shop.”

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First Friday fun in downtown Temple

By DAN KELLEHER, Downtown Temple

Have a look at some of the great discounts, dining deals and live entertainment on tap Friday evening in downtown Temple:

Darling Decor & More – Will hold a Labor Day Clearance Sale with lots of markdowns throughout the shop.

Nami Japanese Steak & Sushi - Will offer First Friday happy-hour specials and $3 California sushi rolls, $8 Monster sushi rolls, 

$8 Texas sushi rolls, $5 shrimp bacon-wrapped appetizers, and $5 jalapeno-bomb appetizers.          

Cheeves Brothers Steakhouse – Will let you take your pick of half-priced appetizers rom 5-7 p.m. in their lounge area, and they will also offer half-priced specials on selected beverages.

Ras Kitchen – Relax this Labor Day with tunes from DJ Spida. Also, Enjoy their beverage specials all-night and enjoy family fun with their famous Hula Hoop competition with prizes. Chef Ras will be working his magic on the grill with fresh pan jerk chicken and other grilled favorites. Also, capture a memory by taking a photo with our beautiful festive costumed dancers from Caribbean Islands. Join the Fun!  Ras Kitchen brings a taste of Jamaica to downtown Temple. Book reservations today at (254) 833-9333.  

Hair.Lash.Junkie Beauty Salon and Swagger Cuts "Fades Fit for a King."– Will hold a block party in front of their salon, located on Main Street in front of City Hall, for a Labor Day Block Party featuring food trucks and vendor booths, and the combination of music and eats by Pizza Beats 'N' Wingz and DJ Gnome. 

Mo’s Rail Yard Saloon –  Will offer discounts on selected beverages throughout the evening.

Fire Base Brewing Company – Will feature live music by Dustin Brown & The Now and tasty eats by the Between the Bunz Food Truck and the ‘Rollin N' The Dough’ ice cream truck, and everyone's favorite axe throwing trailer: ‘Black Axe Co’. Also, they'll have vendors out on the street providing some unique shopping opportunities for all. There’ll be games, music, food, dessert and cold beverages, Cheers!

O'Briens Irish Pub – The Pub will offer 20 percent off an appetizer when you mention First Friday.

The Hub - Temple, TX – Store hours will be extended from 5-8 pm and Hub shoppers will enjoy a ‘Labor Day Weekend Party’ with refreshments including free beverages.

PJ'S Tabletop and Catering– Will offer 10 percent off the check of any guest who mentions First Friday.

Bird Creek Burger Co. - Will offer Labor Day happy hour prices all day (excluding chili).

J. Kowboy Wine Bar –  Lilly Milford will be doing a live show.

Green Door – Will offer 20 percent off an appetizer when you mention First Friday, and there will be a live piano show by Russell Boyd.

Mexiko Cafe – Will offer discounts on selected beverages and their featured item will be a new ‘Wing of the Month’ flavor that will have been voted on by social media.

Tour Temple & Corky's – Will offer a beverage facility tour starting at 6:00pm where riders of our shuttle will stop at three local craft beverage makers and have a blast sampling beverages for only $49 a person! Also, Corkys will have karaoke with Brian Hogue Productions starting at 8 p.m.  Come sing a solo, a duet or just sing along with the crowd as you sip on a cold beverage!

Treno Pizzeria and Taproom - Will offer happy-hour prices on select beverages on the tap wall from 5-9 PM, and as always, Treno’s pizza chefs will be baking up lots of fresh hot pizza pies.

The Yard Food Truck Plaza – Will feature 5 great food trucks: 

Krab Kingz Temple Food Truck – Will offer 10 percent off all menu items to any guest who mentions First Friday, 

The German Food Trailer – Will offer 10 percent off all menu items to any guest who mentions First Friday,

The Groovy Cheese Food Truck – Will offer 10 percent off all menu items to any guest who mentions First Friday,

The KG.D Mobile Foods Food Truck  – Will offer 10 percent off all menu items to any guest who mentions First Friday,

Bill's Smoke Wagon Food Truck – Will offer 10 percent off all menu items to any guest who mentions First Friday,

Vendors Around Town - Artist 2 Artist Showcase will stage an art show and vendor sale at the Main Street Courtyard at 5 S. Main Street.  They will feature the Coney's Bur-Gour-Met & Buns Food Truck, as well as lots of fine art vendors, artisans, craftsmen and other vendors. They are asking all vendors and customers to have some fun and join in the seasonal spirit by wearing something related to our theme this month, which is ’Labor Day Weekend’.  

Artist Noel Johnson – Will hold an art sale on the sidewalk next door to O'Briens Irish Pub Temple, Tx.

Thai Cafe  - Will be open until 9:00 PM to serve First Friday guests

La Dalat - Vietnamese Cuisine - Will offer 10% off appetizers and $3 for coffee or hot tea to anyone who mentions First Friday.

Pignettis Restaurant  – Will feature Lobster Night and Osso Buco.

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RELEASE DAY FOR STATELINE BAND’S ‘DANCEHALL DEVIL’

The new single “Dancehall Devil” by the Stateline Band is being released today, and band members expect the song to break the Top 5. The band features former Temple and Buckholts bassist Scott Zajicek. 

“Our last single went Top 5 back in April, and I don’t see why this one can’t chart higher,” he said. 

The band will play Coupland Hall (located on Highway 95 between Taylor and Elgin) this Friday night.

“Dancehall Devil” features Bennie MacArthur, George Strait’s lead guitar picker, Zajicek said.

Here’s an earlier song by the band:

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What’s happening, Temple?

September 1, Wednesday - Open Mic Comedy hosted by Mysia Chabert, Corky’s. 7:30 p.m. sign up, 8 p.m. show.

September 2, Thursday - Ladies Night at Moe’s Rail Yard Saloon, downtown Temple. 7-11 p.m.

September 2, Thursday - Central Texas State Fair, Bell County Expo Center. Wade Bowen. 5 p.m. to midnight.

September 2, Thursday - Military and First Responders Appreciation Day, Corkey’s, all day.

September 3, Friday - Central Texas State Fair, Pat Green. Twisted Metal Mayhem Derby. Bell County Expo Center. 5 p.m. to midnight.

September 3, Friday - First Friday Karaoke with DJ Brian Houge. 8 p.m.

September 3, Friday - First Friday Block Party, Fire Base Brewing Company. Axe throwing and music by Dustin Brown & The Now. 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.

September 3, Friday - First Friday downtown Temple.

September 3, Friday - Artist 2 Artist Showcase, First Friday, 5 S. Main, Temple. 4-9 p.m.

September 4, Saturday - Game of Thrones Trivia Night at Fire Base Brewing Co., 7 p.m.

September 4, Saturday - Central Texas State Fair, Flatland Calvary, Professional Bull Riding. Bell County Expo Center. 5 p.m. to midnight.

September 4, Saturday - Comedy Showcase with Mysia Chabert, Corky’s, 8 p.m.

September 5, Sunday - Central Texas State Fair, Aaron Watson, Professional Bull Riding. Bell County Expo Center. 5 p.m. to midnight.

September 5, Sunday - Board Game Blast. Board games, mini golf, darts and foosball. All day.

September 7, Tuesday - The Academy HS class of 2022 is hosting a Project Celebration fundraiser at McAlister’s Deli from 5 to 10 PM. Must mention AHS ‘22 in person or use DONATEMCA when ordering online.  

September 7, Tuesday - Interested in learning to dance, but not sure how to get started? Be our guest and join us for a sample class, professional performances, social dancing, and hors d’oeuvres. This is a great opportunity to get introduced to Arthur Murray in Temple and finding out more about what we have to offer! Open to the public, RSVP (254) 721-9524

September 7, Tuesday - A Great Frontier Odyssey: Sketching the American West, Temple Railroad & Heritage Museum, A new traveling exhibition documenting the 1873 overland journey of artists Jules Tavernier and Paul Frenzeny, on display from September 5 to November 7. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

September 8, Wednesday - Open Mic Comedy, Corky’s. Sign up at 7 p.m., show at 8 p.m.

September 9, Thursday - Martian Folk live band, Corky’s, 7 p.m.

September 10, Friday - Madstone live at O’Briens Irish Pub, 9 p.m.

September 10, Friday - John Henry Johnson live at Fire Base Brewing Company, 6:30 p.m.

September 10, Friday - Josh Abbott Band live at Johnny’s Steaks and Bar-Be-Que, Salado. 6 p.m.

September 10, Friday - Clint Walker Blues Band, Fire Street Pizza, Belton. 6 p.m.

September 10, Friday - First Friday Karaoke with DJ Brian Houge. 8 p.m.

September 11, Saturday - A Sami Show Arts & Crafts Market, Bell County Expo Center. 10 a.m.

September 11, Saturday - Weird Science. Explore different adaptations animals have made through presentations, fun games, and activities. Bell County Museum. 11 a.m.

September 11, Saturday - Name That Tune Bingo: All-American Songs, Fire Base Brewing Company, 7:30 p.m.

September 11, Saturday - Pink Fishing’s Reeling in the Cure, 6th annual bass tournament. Proceeds benefit breast cancer patients and cancer research. Cedar Ridge Park. 6 a.m. Call (254) 681-0102 for details.

September 11, Saturday - 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb & Ceremony. Wildcat Stadium. 7-11 a.m.

September 11, Saturday - Rescue Magazine’s Pet Adoption Extravaganza. There will almost 400 Animals up for adoption and fun for the whole family. Bell County Expo Center. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

September 11, Saturday - Turn 2 Entertainment Comedy Showcase, Corky’s, 8 p.m.

September 12, Sunday - A Sami Show Arts & Crafts Market, Bell County Expo Center. 10 a.m.

September 12, Sunday - Corky’s Dart Tournament, 3 p.m.

September 12, Sunday - Rescue Magazine’s Pet Adoption Extravaganza. There will almost 400 Animals up for adoption and fun for the whole family. Bell County Expo Center. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

September 13, Monday - Third House Session with State Rep. Hugh Shine, Belton Area Chamber of Commerce, 7 a.m.

September 15, Wednesday - Tiny Thinkers, Kids 5 years old and younger are invited to the museum to experience the State Fair! Bell County Museum. 10 a.m.

September 17, Friday - Matt Cearley & The Rowdy Few live at O’Briens Irish Pub, 9 p.m.

September 17, Friday - Wade Ralston live at Fire Base Brewing Company, 6:30 p.m.

September 17, Friday - Neal McCoy, Cotton Country Club, Granger. 9:30 p.m.

September 18, Saturday - The Chancers, O’Briens Irish Pub, 9 p.m.

September 18, Saturday - Night Bright Bike Ride, Pepper Creek Train off North Kegley. Bring a non-perishable food item to donate to local food pantries. Trail parking is available at the Scott & White West Campus next to the hospital's parking lot. Look for green trail signs along FM 2305 and Kegley Road to direct you to the parking area. 6:30-9 p.m.

September 18, Saturday - Harvest Celebration. Bring your family and friends to enjoy grape stomping, food trucks, music, and wine. This is a ticketed event. 3 Texans Winery. 6 p.m.

September 18, Saturday - Detox/Retox Yoga, Fire Base Brewing Company, 11 a.m.

September 18, Saturday - Original Debonaires Reunion Dance, Cotton Country Club, Granger. 8:30 p.m.

September 21, Tuesday - Body of Christ Community Clinic’s Together We Heal Banquet, UMHB, Jimmy Dorrell, keynote speaker. 5:30 p.m.

September 24, Friday - Maxx Carter live at Fire Base Brewing Company, 6:30 p.m.

September 24, Friday - Belton Bacon, Blues & Brews Festival, noon to 9 p.m.

September 24, Friday - Aaron Watson, Cotton Country Club, Granger. 9:30 p.m.

September 25, Saturday - Name That Tune Bingo: Belt it Out Edition. Fire Base Brewing Company, 7:30 p.m.

September 25, Saturday - Belton Bacon, Blues & Brews Festival, noon to 9 p.m.

September 25, Saturday - Fun at the Fair! Join us at the museum to for fun at the fair! View the newest exhibit and take part in fun activities - explore symmetry by decorating a popcorn bucket, build your own mini rollercoaster, race your family in duck races, and visit our petting zoo! Bell County Museum. 11 a.m.

September 25, Saturday - Dale Watson, Texas Music Series, Cultural Activities Center. 7:30 p.m.

September 30, Thursday - TLC’s Celebration of Crazy, Sexy Cool with Bone Thugs-N-Harmony. Bell County Expo Center. 7:30 p.m.

September 30, Thursday - Funniest Comic in Texas semi-finals. Corky’s. 

October 1, Friday - Randy Rogers Band, Johnny Steaks and Bar-Be-Que, Salado. 6 p.m.

October 5, Tuesday - Temple’s National Night Out. Anyone interested in hosting a party in their neighborhood should register by Sept. 13 at templetx.gov/nno. 6:30 p.m.

October 7, Thursday - The Spazmatics, Schoepf’s BBQ, Belton. 6 p.m.

October 8, Friday - Painting with a Twist, 3 Texans Winery. 6:30 p.m.

October 9, Saturday - Shinyribs, Texas Music Series,Cultural Activities Center. 7:30 p.m.

October 9, Saturday - Oktoberfest 2021, Barrow Brewing Company, Salado, noon to 10:30 p.m.

October 11-17 - Hocus Pocus, The Beltonian Theatre, Belton. Noon.

October 16, Saturday - Oktoberfest 2021, Barrow Brewing Company, Salado, noon to 10:30 p.m.

October 16, Saturday - Michael Salgado at Schoepf’s BBQ in Belton, 6 p.m.

October 18-23 - The Rocky Horror Picture Show, The Beltonian, Belton. 6-8 p.m.

October 23, Saturday - Don Gregory Memorial Lions Club Golf Tournament. Sammons Golf Course. Contact Jeffrey Thigpen Thigpen.jeff@gmail.com to register or for sponsorship opportunities. 4-person scramble begins at 8:30 a.m.

October 23, Saturday - Free Movie Night. Harker Heights Community Park. 5 p.m.

October 23, Saturday - Oktoberfest 2021, Barrow Brewing Company, Salado, noon to 10:30 p.m.

October 29, Friday - Season closing event, Domestics vs Imports, Little River Dragway, 7 p.m.

October 30, Saturday - Barktoberfest, Dog costume contest at 5:30; adoptable dogs on site. Barrow Brewing Co., Salado. 1-7 p.m.

October 30, Saturday - Bulls & BBQ, Live bull riding followed by concert with Jake Worthington and Keith Braxton. Schoepf’s BBQ, Belton, Noon.

November 4, Thursday - Spur Classic Sporting Clay Shoot, Weber Shooting Range. 8 a.m.

November 6, Saturday - Chris Hillman, Texas Music Series,Cultural Activities Center. 7:30 p.m.

November 13, Saturday - Market in the Vines. Take a walk through the vines and shop with over 50 vendors! Free to the public. 3 Texans Winery. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

November 18, Thursday - Taste of the Holidays 2021: A Candy Cane Christmas. Mayborn Convention Center. 10:30 a.m.

December 4, Saturday - Barrow Brewing Christmas Market, Salado. Noon.

Have an event you would like to promote? Email info to OurTownTemple@gmail.com with “What’s Happening” in the subject line. Keep it short and sweet — what, when and where. You may include a short description. You must include a phone number for verification purposes. The phone number will not be published unless requested by submitter.