Small Business Owners Set Up Shop at State Fairgrounds

By Kirsten McIntyre, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- By mid-morning the weather was perfect for a day at the fair. But for some, the fair isn't just about having fun, it's strictly business.

The entrepreneur spirit is alive and well even during these tough economic times.

Walking through the fair exhibit halls you can see one idea after another. For many it started as a dream, but with hard work became a reality.

Brian Kelley knows his product; he helped make it. He and his wife are the owners of Medicine Woman Soap, an Oklahoma based company.

Brian admits there are advantages and disadvantages of owning your business during this economic downturn.

He doesn't have to worry about getting a pink slip, but he also needs to sell enough soap to survive.

"So, you still have those economic concerns, but again, my faith in God says he's going to prosper us regardless of the economy," Brian Kelley said.

At the fair, booth after booth, entrepreneurs can be found.

Harold Reed had been in the restaurant business in Texas. When he sold out, his Italian dressing recipe came with him. He now makes and sells it at events like the fair and also in grocery stores in Oklahoma and Texas.

"You just have to stay with it, if you believe in your product which I believe strongly in my product," Harold Reed said.

When Marshall Bridwell lost his job in the oil industry, he decided to start his own business. Conservatees offers a line of conservative t-shirts and bumper stickers.

"It's something brand new to me," Marshall Bridwell said. "You're learning that just because you put something out doesn't mean everybody is going to buy it."

Many say they don't expect to earn a living off a new business during the first year or two since you need to invest your money back into the business.

All of the businesses mentioned had something in common; they all have Web sites giving them the opportunity to sell their products worldwide.