How Affordable Finds from Temu Spark an Innovative Business for Professional Fire and Light Performers
Fire artists Chris & Kira Bailey innovate with LED & fire props, making flow arts safer, accessible, and budget-friendly.
What comes to mind when you think of fire artists? Heat? Sparks? The thrill of a wide-open stage? Chris and Kira Bailey, Houston-based professional fire and light performers, are transforming this niche art form to make it safer, more accessible, and even suitable for indoor spaces. With their innovative props and dazzling performances, the Baileys aim to expand fire and flow arts beyond seasoned professionals to hobbyists and newcomers alike.
Chris and Kira Bailey are professional fire performers and owners of TheOddPropShop (@theoddpropshop)
Their journey into innovation took a viral turn when they shared a video of themselves using a spinning prop that was transformed with LED fireworks and fiber optic lights. The mesmerizing display quickly garnered thousands of views overnight, captivating audiences with its brilliance. At the heart of their creative process is a commitment to experimentation, made possible by affordable materials from Temu — an online marketplace that has become an essential part of their toolkit.
Chris and Kira turned Temu’s LED firework lights and fiber optic into mesmerizing flow props, showcasing creativity on a budget.
“We go through a long trial-and-error process with each of our new ideas, often using affordable items from Temu to build our prototypes and then improve our designs until they’re ready to sell,” the Baileys explained in a recent interview.
The Baileys honed their craft as part of the Solar Rain Performance Troupe, where they spent years performing at world-renowned events such as the Texas Renaissance Festival — the largest of its kind. Known for their high-energy choreography and breathtaking stunts, their performances blend artistry with technical precision. From fire-breathing to intricate LED displays, the Baileys showcase the boundless potential of flow and fire arts.
Chris and Kira have performed all over the world, including the world-famouse Texas Renaissance Festival and Universal Studio’s Hallween Nightmare Fuel (Credit: TheOddPropShop)
After leaving the troupe, the couple embarked on a new adventure travelling across the country in an R.V. to perform at fairs, festivals, and events. Along the way, they began designing and crafting custom fire and illuminated props. Their creations quickly gained attention, inspiring the launch of TheOddPropShop, an online store catering to the fire arts and flow community.
Their innovative props, including fire bubblers, fire jump ropes, and sun wheels, combine bold design with functionality, making fiery arts safer and more accessible. By sourcing materials from Temu, the Baileys have been able to keep costs manageable, allowing for creative freedom without the financial constraints that often hinder small businesses.
The Baileys use affordable materials from Temu to craft unique props like the fire bubbler to a fire jump rope, making their visions to life.
Now back in Houston, Chris and Kira are preparing to open a combination storefront and workshop in 2025. This space will serve as a hub for the local fire arts community, offering a place to collaborate, create, and test products. “Having a physical location allows us to connect with our customers on a more personal level,” they shared in an interview. "We’re building this workshop to become a space to create and test products, and invite our customers in when they want custom-made props."
TheOddPropShop has grown into more than just a business; it’s become a thriving community for fire and flow enthusiasts. With Temu’s accessible tools and the Baileys’ boundless creativity, they continue to inspire performers everywhere to dream big — on a budget.
Chris and Kira have expanded their product offerings over the years to include glow-in-the-dark props for non-fire performers.
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