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Eva Gabor had an unusual side hustle
Green Acres wasn't the only way she stayed paid.
In this economy, you can't have just one revenue stream. The most financially sound among us know that the key to success is a diverse portfolio. Why stop at just one income source?
While Eva Gabor held down a lucrative job as the lead character in CBS's Green Acres, she also sought financial independence through a more passive type of income. In 1970, she opened the "Eva Gabor Wig Boutique" with the aid of a few financiers from Kansas City. The Detroit Free Press detailed the new business venture in an article that included an interview with the actress, who starred as TV's Lisa Douglas, a glamourous socialite turned farmer.
"These marvelous wealthy people from Kansas City came to me and said they wanted to open these wig boutiques all over the country," said Gabor. It was, seemingly, as simple as that.
Eva served as chairman of the board of executives for the boutique, while Kansas City financier Emil Benson resided as president. Gabor's primary duty was attending each boutique's grand opening. There were 119 franchises all throughout the United States. In addition, Gabor was tasked with sitting in on policy decisions for the company. She also designed the boutique.
"The design, darling, of the boutiques is marvelous. Crystal chandeliers, white vinyl-like bricks, and beautiful strong pink rugs," explained Gabor.
In addition to her wig business, Eva Gabor used her design skills with her decorating business in Los Angeles. Her company was in great company, as the whole Gabor family had the same entrepreneurial spirit. Her sister, Zsa Zsa Gabor, had a cosmetics and perfume company, while their mother, Joli, sold jewelry.
Unbelievably, the Eva Gabor Wig Boutique still exists today, albeit renamed as, simply, Eva Gabor Wigs. According to Wigs.com, "Gabor is well known for elegant, classic, shorter styles. Some of the lightest and most comfortable synthetic wigs available can be found among the Gabor Wig collections."
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...Now comes the onslaught of follow-up puns from others... and as David Letterman used to say... "Hold on to your wigs and keys!..."