Are you fan of the television show, Shark Tank, airing weekly on ABC? It's always been one of my favorites, but it's clout shot to the stratosphere when I learned that IBN members Charlotte Clary and Bev Vines-Haines, co-founders Healing Leaf in Yelm, Washington, will be featured on the show next week.
A lot of the details are “hush hush,” because of their non-disclosure agreement with the network, but I managed to get Charlotte and Bev to share what they could about their experience so far. Here's a bit of what they told me:
1.When did your company start, and what was the inspiration for it?
Healing Leaf began ten years ago making body care products for a friend who had served three tours of duty as an air force pilot in Vietnam. We made some products to help him out and he loved them. That's how it all started.
2. When did you apply to be on Shark Tank?
Technically speaking, we didn't apply! We had seen and loved the show, and dreamed a bit about being featured. Much to our surprise, we were contacted by the show's producers and invited to participate. We later discovered that Charlotte's daughter-in-law told them about us. They visited our website, researched what we did, and invited us to apply.
3. What products did you pitch on the show?
We pitched our Ice Chips handmade candy.
4. What was the show application process like?
That question makes me laugh out loud because the only word I can think of to describe it is “intense.” I never knew I could answer so many questions or read and sign so many agreements. It's good training for any entrepreneur I suppose!
5. Were you nervous preparing to be on the show?
The only part that made us nervous was preparing and memorizing our pitch. We were so concerned about saying the right things in the itty bitty bit of time they gave us. We had to pack the most salient points into a few minutes. (More good entrepreneurial training again!) The show staff and crew are super helpful and friendly people, and they made the process fun.
6. What was it like to “swim” with The Sharks?
We can honestly say we loved The Sharks! They were friendly, prepared and asked crystal clear questions. I personally (Bev) especially loved Daymond John because he honestly seemed to have our best interests at heart. Swimming with The Sharks was not scary, but it was intimidating … in a good way. We have wonderful memories of our time in Los Angeles preparing for and taping the show. We left enough candy there to feed The Sharks and crew for a million years. They seemed to genuinely appreciate that.
7. When does the show air, time, date, etc.?
Our episode airs Friday, November 9, at 9pm Eastern, 8pm Central, on ABC. Check the Shark Tank show page to find the Shark Tank show schedule and local listings.
Congratulations Charlotte and Bev. We'll be watching on November 9! Meet Charlotte and Bev at their FaceBook Page.
The best virtual coaching and mentoring for handmade entrepreneurs is at Indie Beauty Network. Click here to connect at our social network.
