Light of the Party

For weeks, Patch Editor Mayra Flores De Marcotte spotted Daniel Odulo working away on his computer at . Then one day, Odulo decided to introduce himself, and he brought some of his toys with him.

Odulo is the founder of , based in Campbell. Flashing Panda is a mail-order business that sells everything from flashing teeth to blinking bar ware; the motto is “stuff that lights up.”

Campbell Patch: How did you get into the “bling” business?

Daniel Odulo: I had a “dummy” store and I accidentally came across some items I couldn’t resist and I started selling the light-up items online.

I initially started in my garage in Campbell, then the business grew and I needed more room and I wanted a place that’s close to my home. So, I found this place off San Tomas Expressway in a light industrial area. It’s a plus, because there’s a low business license fee in Campbell.

Patch: Mardi Gras is coming up; seems like that would be the perfect occasion for something bright and flashy. What can you recommend?

Odulo: I would suggest our hat ware. The “pimp” hat or the top hat would work. We have necklaces and, of course, the bar ware.

Patch: Is Flashing Panda a profitable business?

Odulo: Yes, it’s a profitable business. As far as sales, from about 2007 through 2009, sales increased about 27 percent each year. In 2010, sales went up 140 percent!

Patch: What are the most popular light-up items you sell?

Odulo: The flashing bubble gun is very popular. We sell hundreds of bubble guns. The raver gloves, all the light-up bar ware. The keychain flashlights are big sellers, too.

Patch: Can you describe your typical Flashing Panda customer?

Odulo: We don’t really have a typical customer. You have somebody buying a dozen light-up items for a home party, or a party planner who buys things in bulk, like light-up bar ware for a wedding. We’ve had the military ordering lots of keychain flashlights.

For more information, check out the website here.