Tania Speaks Organic Skincare Has A Bright Future | Shark Tank US | Shark Tank Global

Summary

Tenia Speaks, a 19-year-old entrepreneur from Baltimore, Maryland, pitches her company, D, on Shark Tank, seeking $400,000 for 10% equity. She introduces her plant-based brow gel, which tames thick brows and promotes growth in thin ones. Tenia shares her personal story of being bullied for her brows and turning that experience into a successful business. Despite impressive sales and a strong online presence, she faces challenges around legal claims and lab testing. While all sharks eventually back out, Mark Cuban offers her a deal, bringing her one step closer to further success.

Takeaways

• 😀 Tenia Speaks, a 19-year-old from Baltimore, Maryland, seeks $400,000 for 10% equity in her company, D, which sells organic skincare products, including a brow gel that helps tame thick brows and promote growth in thin brows.
• 😀 Tenia was bullied in elementary school for her thick, unruly eyebrows, which led her to create her own brow gel after unsuccessful attempts to find products that worked for her.
• 😀 Her company, Tena Speaks Organic Skincare, offers plant-based products such as a brow gel, foaming cleanser, resurfacing toner, facial moisturizer, and organic beard oil.
• 😀 The brow gel contains natural ingredients like aloe vera and vitamin E, and is designed to stimulate brow growth when applied twice a day.
• 😀 Sales have been impressive, reaching $1.4 million in revenue this year, with all sales made online through her website and social media channels.
• 😀 Tenia initially funded her business with a $10,000 investment from her mother's 401k, which she paid back immediately.
• 😀 The brow gel costs $1.10 to produce, and it sells for $29, allowing Tenia to make a significant profit margin.
• 😀 Despite achieving impressive sales, Tenia has not yet conducted third-party lab testing to back up the product's claims, which raises concerns from the investors.
• 😀 Several investors, including Mark Cuban, express admiration for Tenia’s accomplishments, but some are cautious due to the lack of lab testing and the potential legal risks.
• 😀 Mark Cuban eventually makes an offer of $400,000 for 20% equity, along with the condition that Tenia meets his daughters, Alyssa and Alexis, and shares her experience with them. Tenia counters with 15% equity, and they reach a deal.

Q & A

What inspired Tenia Speaks to create her own skincare line?

Tenia was bullied in elementary school for her thick, unruly eyebrows, which led her to hate them. She searched for brow products to tame them but found none that worked, so she decided to create her own solution, which became her company, Tenia Speaks Organic Skincare.

What is the main product offered by Tenia Speaks Organic Skincare?

The main product offered is a plant-based brow gel that tames thick brows and helps thin brows grow. The gel is organic, lightweight, and free from harsh chemicals.

What other products are part of Tenia Speaks Organic Skincare line?

In addition to the brow gel, the company offers a foaming cleanser, resurfacing toner, facial moisturizer, and an organic beard oil for men.

What are the key ingredients used in the products?

The products contain natural ingredients such as aloe vera, carrot seed, oatmeal, vanilla, and honey.

How does the brow gel work for both thick and thin brows?

The brow gel tames thick brows when applied once a day, while for brow growth, it needs to be applied twice daily. The gel helps stimulate growth by using ingredients like aloe vera sap and vitamin E.

How did Tenia Speaks fund the initial stages of her business?

Tenia’s mother took out $10,000 from her 401k to invest in the business, and Tenia was able to repay her quickly.

What are the sales figures for Tenia Speaks Organic Skincare?

Last year, the company achieved $1 million in sales, and this year, they reached $1.4 million in sales.

How does Tenia market her products and make sales?

Tenia markets her products primarily online, and her sales started by sharing her personal story, attending vending events, trade shows, and even selling in her high school.

What was the cost of producing the brow gel, and how much is it sold for?

The cost to make the brow gel is $1.10, and it is sold for $29.

What legal advice did the sharks give Tenia regarding her business?

The sharks advised Tenia to conduct third-party accredited lab testing for her claims, particularly regarding the effectiveness of the brow gel in promoting hair growth, to protect herself legally as the business grows.