The new season of “Shark Tank” is here. Unfortunately, for the beloved show’s 16th season, there will be no Mark Cuban. The billionaire was always a favorite among fans and contestants for his ability to identify innovative products (and his deep pockets).
But the show must go on. Leading to the new season, we felt it would be a good time to revisit some of the best Black success stories from the show. Even if they didn’t get a deal from the sharks, all of these entrepreneurs went on to have great success.
In a recent interview with The Root, Daymond John, one of the few Black sharks on the show, shared, “The Sharks are only judging if [the business] is good for them. If you come on and you have a product I don’t necessarily think I can help or am just not passionate about, that just means it’s not right for me. That doesn’t mean it’s a bad business.”
The Fubu creator said the bigger judge is the public. “There are people who the next morning will decide we’re idiots and buy the product anyway. Then all of a sudden the person has $100,000 worth of new orders and they didn’t have to give up any of their company. “
John said the tank is not about the sharks, but the “American dream and the entrepreneurial spirit.”
With that said, let’s look at the Black business owners who achieved their American dream after going on the show.
Ashley Jones
The best “Shark Tank” contestant ever? Ashley Jones was a sweetheart when she appeared on season 14 of the show. She tried to get an investment for her apparel company, Tones of Melanin, which sells licensed clothing for HBCUs across the country. In the end, she negotiated a $300,000 investment from Mark Cuban.
Christopher Gray
Christopher Gray took his scholarship app, Scholly, to the tank nearly a decade ago in 2015. His innovative application recommends scholarships to students based on GPA, race, gender, location, etc. Scholly currently has more than four million users and has helped get students $100 million in scholarships.
Renaldo Webb
Founder of PetPlate, Renaldo Webb, pitched his subscription-based dog food service during season 8 of the show. His company creates meal plans based on your dog’s measurables. While he wasn’t able to score a deal, the exposure from his appearance helped his business grow. As of December 2021, PetPlate has delivered more than 15 million meals to pet owners.
Tyla-Simone Crayton
Appearing on the show at only 16 years old, Tyla-Simone Crayton literally brought her signature sauce, Sienna Sauce, to the show on season 12. To no surprise, they all loved it and Crayton was able to walk away with a deal. Shortly after appearing on the show, Crayton’s business sold nearly $300,000 worth of products.
Selom Agbitor
In season 12, Selom Agbitor (and Oliver Zak) were able to lock down a deal with billionaire Mark Cuban. Their business, Mad Rabbit, sells products that help heal and protect tattoos. To this day, Cuban still invests in the tattoo aftercare company, and in 2023 the company was valued at $56 million.
Lola Ogden
We all deserve a good night’s rest, right? Lola Ogden provided that to consumers during season 11 of “Shark Tank.” Her company, Beddley, creates some of the most comfortable duvet covers on the market, making them with Egyptian cotton. Although she walked away from the show with no deal, she’s still finding ways to help her customers sleep well at night. Currently, it’s estimated that the company makes between $1 million and $5 million in annual revenue.
Manuel and Geiszel Godoy
Manuel and Geiszel Godoy created a different way for people to learn African History. Their company, Black Sands Entertainment, publishes comic books that inspire the culture and include the history of Africa and its people, which Hollywood omits. Mark Cuban and guest judge Kevin Hart joined up to negotiate a deal with the cute couple. The company made more than $800,000 in 2022.
Melissa Butler
Despite Melissa Butler, the founder of The Lip Bar, not walking away with a deal when she appeared on the show, she has since gone on to be extremely successful. She sells vegan beauty products that do not harm animals while they’re being created. Currently, you can find her products in Target and Walmart stores across the country. The Lip Bar made $1.6 million in 2023.
Noel Durity
As a young Black man who likes a messy fro, I thank Noel Durity for the creation of this innovative product. In season 10, he pitched his company, Twist It Up, to the sharks and was able to get a deal with Daymond John and Mark Cuban. With the purchase of every twist comb, some of the money goes to homeless youth. As of 2022, the company reported that they make nearly $6 million annually.
Yve-Car Momperousse and Stéphane Jean-Baptiste
This Black couple’s natural hair oil company, Kreyól Essence, won the attention of snarkiest shark on the show. Yve-Car Momperousse and Stéphane Jean-Baptiste were able to get a deal with Kevin O’Leary during season 11. Reportedly, the company’s annual revenue is $4 million.
Cedric Cobb
If you trying to look your Sunday best, tap in with Best Wardrobe Solutions. Cedric Cobb’s product gives men an easy way to “hold the fold” of any handkerchief or pocket square. Unsurprisingly, Cobb was able to score a deal with Daymond John during his appearance on season 10 of the show. The company makes $3 million annually.
Tania Speaks
Trying to get your skin right? Tania Speaks and her Organic Skincare got you. Founded by Speaks herself, the brand appeared in season 13. Speaks scored a deal with Mark Cuban, but even before appearing on the show, she said the company made nearly $1 million in the past year.
Joshua Esnard
The Cut Buddy is a company that makes it easier for anyone to give themselves a haircut. Joshua Esnard brought his business to the show in season 9. Since then, he has since been able to grow his business to where it sells several grooming products. On the show, he was able to land a deal with Daymond John. Esnard sold nearly one million products during the COVID pandemic, three years after he was on the show, as people were not able to walk into barbershops.
Philomina Kane
This product is perfect for Black women who love rocking their natural hair. Philomina Kane’s company, KIN Apparel, sells a variety of satin-lined products that will protect your hair anywhere. My personal favorite is the car seat head cover, so you can keep your natural hair safe even while driving to work. Kane appeared on the show in season 13 and walked away with a deal with Lori Greiner and guest judge Emma Grede. The company reportedly made more than $2.5 million several years ago.
Seneca Hampton
As you can see in the above video, Seneca Hampton, the founder of Hampton Adams, did not get a deal during his appearance on season 13 of the show. But still, his business is going strong. His company creates premium athletic tape rolls. As of 2022, his company has an estimated valuation of $5 million.
Christina Funke Tegbe
Christina Funke Tegbe discovered an awesome way to be proud of her Nigerian heritage. Her company, 54 Thrones, sells self-care products and is sold at Sephora stores across the country. She made an appearance on the show in season 13 and was able to successfully negotiate a deal with O’Leary and guest judge Nirav Tolia. In 2021, 54 Thrones was on track to do more than $1 million in sales.
Dawn Myers
Based in the “Chocolate City,” Dawn Myers made her appearance on “Shark Tank” in season 15. As the founder and owner of Richualist, Myers pitched a thermal hair infuser that would help Black women with curly hair. She ultimately locked down a deal with Mark Cuban and guest shark Emma Grede for $150,000 and 15% equity.
Raquel Graham
As the founder of Roq Innovation, Raquel Graham pitched her creative LED beanies during season 13 of the show. The unique hats are meant to keep you warm and help you see in the dark. She negotiated a deal with Kevin O’Leary and guest shark Peter Jones. Since appearing on the Tank, Roq Innovation has done more than $4 million in sales.
Mabel and Shaira Frías
Sisters Mabel and Shaira Frías pitched Luna Magic on season 12 of “Shark Tank. Their goal was to create cosmetics products meant for women with darker skin. They obtained a deal with Barbara Corcoran and as of May 2023, they have an annual revenue of $1.7 million.
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