⁠"So much credibility" When CreaClip landed a $200,000 deal with Shark Tank's Lori Greiner

Shark Tank viewers who watched Mai Lieu's 2016 pitch already had a solution when the pandemic shut down salons in 2020: the CreaClip. As many attempted DIY haircuts—often with mixed results—her innovative tool provided a way to achieve salon-quality trims at home.

This clever device helps users cut their hair evenly without a mirror, a concept that impressed the Sharks enough to earn Lieu a $200,000 investment from Lori Greiner. The product, which Lieu created after years of fixing clients' botched DIY haircuts, was already successful before the show.

But as Lieu later revealed in an Instagram interview with Christopher Bustamante, her appearance on the reality competition series was transformative:

"[CreaProducts] has grown so much. Just being on the show alone... has [given] my brand so much recognition, so much credibility. People are more willing to purchase my product."

The entrepreneur's pitch—which included cutting her own hair without a mirror—has been viewed online 27 million times. Her journey from Vietnamese immigrant to successful inventor and Shark Tank victor shows how a simple solution to an everyday problem can become a multi-million dollar business with the right backing.

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What happened during CreaClip’s Shark Tank pitch?

Lieu walked into the Tank seeking $200,000 for a 10% stake in CreaProducts, the umbrella company for her flagship product CreaClip. The hairstylist immediately captured attention with a bold demonstration—cutting her own hair without using a mirror.

The Sharks leaned forward when she revealed her sales figures: 550,000 CreaClips sold in just 12 months. Her social media presence added further credibility, with thousands of followers watching her hair-cutting tutorials.

Beyond the main product, Lieu showcased upcoming innovations: a nail painting tool and an eye makeup accessory designed to prevent eyeshadow fallout. This portfolio approach demonstrated her vision extended beyond a single product.

The Shark Tank pitch took an emotional turn when Lieu shared her background. As the child of Vietnamese immigrants who fled during the war, she grew up unable to afford professional haircuts—a personal history that inspired her invention.

While most Sharks showed admiration for Lieu's accomplishments, not all saw themselves as the right investment partners. Robert Herjavec, despite relating to her immigrant experience, bowed out.

"You are going to succeed," Herjavec told her.

Elaborating:

"There is no doubt in my mind somebody with that heavier burden and pressure to be successful is going to make it."

Shark Tank's Mark Cuban and Kevin O'Leary also declined to invest, feeling the beauty space wasn't their expertise.

When Lori Greiner—known as the "Queen of QVC"—proposed teaming up with Barbara Corcoran, Corcoran surprisingly passed.

"I think this product doesn't have room for an investor," she declared, stunning both Lieu and viewers.

Greiner remained undeterred. She countered Lieu's initial offer with a demand for 25% equity. After negotiation, they settled on 22.5%—more than double Lieu's original proposal but a partnership she actively wanted.

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What happened to the product after its Shark Tank appearance?

CreaProducts experienced the famous "Shark Tank effect" immediately after the episode aired. Orders flooded in, and Lieu gained instant recognition, with her pitch becoming one of the show's most-watched segments online.

Greiner's QVC connections proved invaluable. Just as she had done with other Shark Tank successes like Sleep Styler, Greiner helped secure CreaClip a coveted spot on the shopping channel. The product later expanded internationally, selling out during a 2018 appearance on QVC UK.

The company diversified its distribution strategy, creating a strong presence on Amazon. They offered various products and bundles, including the original CreaClip and expanded sets with accessories like scissors, combs, and styling capes.

While many businesses struggled during COVID-19, CreaProducts thrived. As salons closed worldwide in 2020, desperate customers turned to at-home solutions. CreaClip sales surged 400%, as confirmed on the company's website.

Lieu capitalized on this opportunity through smart social media marketing. She regularly posted tutorials on Instagram, showing confined customers how to maintain their hair at home.

"While at home why not trim your haircuts!" she encouraged followers during lockdown.

Today, CreaProducts has expanded well beyond its original offering. The product line now includes hair care items like leave-in conditioner spray and professional styling scissors.

Lieu herself has grown her brand beyond the company. She serves as CEO of Innov8, delivers motivational speeches across Hawaii, and published her book "Take the Next Step: Secrets to Creating Success and Manifesting Your Dreams."

Despite this diversification, she remains committed to her original invention. At a 2024 Shark Tank reunion, Lieu explained why CreaClip still matters to her:

"[My] friend was going to use [the CreaClip] on their mother who's in the nursing home that can't go to the salon. That touches me, and it makes me keep doing what I'm doing because I'm helping people through my products."

From fixing bad haircuts to building a multimillion-dollar brand with Shark Tank backing, Mai Lieu's journey exemplifies how solving everyday problems can lead to extraordinary business success.

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You can watch Shark Tank on ABC every Friday at 8 PM ET, with streaming available on Hulu.