“Elements of naivety:” When Shark Tank investor Emma Grede revealed how she would help Ooakshell scale

On Shark Tank season 13 episode 22, Mika Bertholdo was seeking $150k for 10% of her company. During her pitch, Mika explained the basic usage of her easily customizable headband products. She stated she had made $12,000 annually, and her products are sold at $3.50, which are made at $1.64.

Bertholdo said she didn't have any partners to help her with making the products, marketing, and delivering them. She was doing everything on her own alongside her husband. The sharks were impressed by Mika's dedication and the number of sales as well. Mika stated she had made 10,000 units herself and would dedicate 18 to 20 hours to her business every day.

Upon hearing this, Shark Tank investor Emma Grede offered $150,000 for 20% equity in the business, which Mika countered with 13%. Emma explained that it was a good offer as she would bring value to the company by helping Mika with scaling her business. Emma mentioned that Mika had an "element of naivety" and wasn't aware of the wholesale area, which she would help her "unlock." Emma said:

"Don't counter too hard it's a good offer. I think that there is you know in your business you have been a part of this business for a couple of years now and there's an element of naviety in terms of what it takes to really scale something."

Then Mika ended up accepting the initial offer after realizing Emma's potential to add to the success of her business.

---

Shark Tank investor Emma Grede made an offer to Ooakshell founder

According to Shark Tank investor Emma, she could add value to the business and guide the founder on how to scale it. She explained that she was already part of the direct-to-consumer space as well as the apparel business. Emma stated she was the perfect shark to partner with for the future success of Ooakshell.

She also praised the founder for the business idea and said:

"You have a really incredible product obviously you know I can see the reason that you would need a partner to do this. so here is the thing I think what you're doing is incredible and I honestly believe that you're an actual artist you can take what you're doing in here and apply it to so many different areas."

The Shark Tank investor continued by mentioning that she had experience in the direct-to-consumer market and was an expert in the apparel business. According to Emma, the Ooakshell founder lacked knowledge about scaling a business and wasn't aware of the wholesale aspect. She continued:

"But I do think you're going to need an enormous amount of help so I want you to think about this a little bit because you have heard everybody say this before the value that comes with a shark I really understand apparel I really understand direct consumer both of my businesses are completely rooted in the direct to consumer space."

As of April 2024, the company has made $375,000 in sales, with the founder hiring a proper staff to run the business. Their business has grown from headbands to sweatshirts and sweatpants, which are available to buy on their official website.

All Shark Tank episodes are available to stream on ABC.