What it's Like to Be on Shark Tank
Posted on April 28 2012
It's been 24 hours since our [Lollacup] pitch aired on Shark Tank last night, and my heart and mind have not stopped racing. So much to do and share. How we went from a simple idea for a new straw sippy cup to landing Mark Cuban and Robert Herjavec as business partners is baffling.
I guess I'll begin by sharing how Mark and I tuned in last night. The most responsible thing to do would have been to watch the Shark Tank episode at home, with phone in-hand and computers fired up to attend to any issues that may arise. BUT we thought about all the people who were in involved in bringing this straw-sippy-cup-project to fruition, and we just had to get everyone together and relish in the moment. How often does one have an idea, take it to market, get on national TV, and land a business deal with Mark Cuban and Robert Herjavec? You only live once, so we just had to go the viewing-party-route. I promise we will respond to your voicemails and emails soon.
Between family, the friends we see regularly, and people who've directly worked on lollacup, we had about 75 people we needed to host. Our home/office was not an option with those numbers, so Mark and I had to get creative in thinking about how to plan a Shark Tank Viewing Party on a budget. Mark suggested watching it at our old high school, where we met and started dating. I thought it was a long-shot, but we asked the administration, and the school was gracious enough to let us use the lunch area for dinner and drinks and the auditorium to watch the show. It was so nostalgic and special to be on campus for this event. Some of our teachers even joined us!
Thank you Phil Webb and Fleetwood-Fibre for the "card." We have the BEST vendors.
Guests began to trickle in around 7 pm, and they all tried their best to stay off of social media so as not to know the outcome. We were last into the "tank," so by 8:40 p.m. everyone was pumped for our appearance - our bellies were full and we had all had a few glasses of wine.
Finally, around 7:45 p.m. the commercial break ended and our friends were cheering [loudly] as we were introduced as "next into the Shark Tank." I don't know about you, but every time I hear my own voice on a recording, I cringe. Can you imagine how I felt watching my every mannerism on national TV?
During the taping, Mark and I stood in front of those sharks for well over an hour, and what you saw on Friday was edited down to less than 15 minutes. I must say that the show did a great job with the editing . . . everything you saw was a concise representation of how we remember it all going down. Aside from childbirth, it was the most intense and stressful hour+ of my life. I am so proud we survived and so happy Mark and I did it together.
So to tell you "what it's like to be on Shark Tank" - SIMPLY AMAZING! For the most part, we have had people go out of their way to send kind words and well-wishes our way via Facebook, Twitter, email, blogs, and even phone calls. This whole experience is such a huge motivator. We know how expensive parenting is: the cost of diapers alone is astounding. Thank you all for supporting Lollacup as we grow.
Here are some of my favorite tweets from the sharks:
Robert Herjavec @robertherjavec #sharktank - i LOVE this guy - " I only want to play with winners " - LOVE IT
#sharktank - wow - it took these two amazing pitchers to get me to work with @mcuban
Mark Cuban @mcuban I really liked them. I'm not usually that nice to robert. I felt bad for him ;-).
Daymond John @TheSharkDaymond such cute kids!!! #sharktank
will robert and Mark finally work together!! #sharktank
Lori Greiner @LoriGreiner Love these two!! Their passion in #SharkTank is undeniable.
46 comments
Now that the product has funding, when will we see the $9.99 price tag? Soon, I hope?
I love your cup ordered two last night :)
I don’t think it will be for a while – We are such a new company. Believe me, we’ll try and make it happen soon.
Thanks Crystal!
Just want to add my 2 cents to the above comment…I know that $18 for a cup is out of many people’s price range, but I think it’s worth it to have it be a little more expensive and have it be non-toxic. If it’s made over-seas, that’s not a guarantee. Part of the appeal, to me, of the Lollacup is that it’s non-toxic and made in the USA. I feel like by changing that, you’re changing the value of the company and the brand that you guys are working hard to create. My husband and I are both educators and have no money leftover at the end of the month, but I found it worth it to purchase a Lollacup. She is only going to have one, but it’s better than having two inferior/toxic other cups that don’t work as well. I can wash it throughout the day. ;) I just wanted to put a voice out there from people who don’t have a ton of money, but still admire what you’re doing and encourage you to charge whatever you need to to keep it the way it is. I know it’s going to be a great success! Cheers!
I agree 100% and have also bought 1 cup that will be washed repeatedly! I love that this company supports Americans! With so many other companies compromising, this new little Lollacup company has been a breath of fresh air! Thank you x 1,000!!!
I would like to say that I am so glad you stuck to your guns and did not go the overseas route. We own our own farm and have very little money, but we are planning on buying your cup! It is a great idea and it’s about time something like this was designed. I don’t know how many cups we have bought that say “Spill proof,” when really they aren’t and then you have to deal with the valve that you really can’t clean! Congratulations and we LOVE your product!!!!!
I agree with the pervious comment. Stick to your brand, show intgrity to it, and remain in the USA. It is worth the extra money. I ordered two right after the show.
My husband and I watched the episode last night. We both agree that as parents were are more likely to buy something manufactured in the U.S. or Europe. We ordered one of you cups last night, we are excited to try it!
My husband and I watched the episode last night. We both agree that as parents are more likely to buy a baby/child product made in the U.S. or Europe. We bought one of you cups last night and we are excited to get it. Good luck! (And I do hope that the price point goes by the time our second child needs them! We are due in October!)
Don’t know why you passed up on the 30% Damon offered. Seems to make more sense.
God bless you! i wish you tremendous success!
loved your presentation and congrats on your deal — you did what thousands of others want to do!
Congratulations! Just watched your pitch and both of you did a grand job! Your product presents as well thought out and user friendly. I will buy your product when I am in need of a gift and I will recommend it also. I am a new viewer to Shark Tank since I myself have been told that I should pitch my products and I am learning so much with each episode. Good Luck!!!
Congratulations! Just watched your pitch and both of you did a grand job! Your product presents as well thought out and user friendly. I will buy your product when I am in need of a gift and I will recommend it also. I am a new viewer to Shark Tank since I myself have been told that I should pitch my products and I am learning so much with each episode. Good Luck!!!
AGREED!!
Whats the guarantee it’s non-toxic just because you made it in US? I think you just need to find the right manufacturer who could do the same quality for less regardless of the location.
Love this product. Can’t wait to get it. The tv froze when Mark gave 24 seconds so we don’t know what happened how did Robert and Mark get together on this one?
You’re right. Why can’t Lollacup be a premium brand? Made in the USA speaks volumes about a brand in this category and helps position it in the consumer’s mind. I’d stamp “USA Made” right on the cup for everyone to see. Have you ever noticed the brand of water bottle that is Swiss made? How well do you think that brand is positioned?
Not a good idea to mention presence of alcohol and teachers both present on school property. That is grounds for school to received federal funding and prosecution of the teachers.