Hat Trick

They were labeled mad hatters at first, but this creative couple used their heads to put their event business on top.

By April Y. Pennington • Mar 1, 2006

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

What: Interactive entertainment company
Who: Fiona and Steve Markowitz, co-founders of Party Hats Entertainment
Where: San Diego
When: Started in 1993

At a birthday party 14 years ago, Fiona Markowitz, 40, rolled up paper bags into hats and let her children paint them for fun. Encouraged by party attendees who were wowed by her creativity, she and her husband Steve, 45, took a chance at making it a business. Now Party Hats Entertainment offers pre-made hats and many décor options, such as feathers, buttons, beads, silk flowers and more.

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