Author: Samuel Carter

If you watched Shark Tank back in 2017, you might remember SmartGurlz. The company’s founder, Sharmi Albrechtsen, rolled onto the stage with small, scooter-riding dolls, hoping to inspire more girls to get into STEM — and, of course, hoping to land some investment to scale things up. Let’s take a real look at what happened during their pitch, how things took off, the major deals that came later, and where things actually stand today. SmartGurlz: Bringing Coding to Girls, One Robot at a Time SmartGurlz isn’t your usual toy startup. Sharmi, driven by the lack of STEM toys designed for…

Sometimes you come across a business idea that feels almost too human for the usual rules of the market. That’s the vibe you get from The Mad Optimist. Based in Bloomington, Indiana and started by friends Anthony Duncan, Mohamed A., and Mohamed M. Mahdi, the company isn’t just about clean skin. It’s about letting customers build their own bath and body products, and paying what they can. Every product is vegan, halal, cruelty-free, and comes with transparency about the ingredients. So, for folks who care about what goes into their soap, and who makes it, this was something new. The…

Sometimes the best business ideas come out of nowhere. For Blinger founder Angie Cella, the idea was literally a dream—she says God told her to make a tool that could fasten gems to hair. Fast forward years later, and Blinger is a staple for anyone who wants a quick, safe way to add some sparkle to their hair or accessories, without using heat or glue. The Blinger Backstory: Angie’s Unusual Inspiration Angie Cella isn’t your typical entrepreneur. She’s a single mom with four kids who just wanted to bring a fun idea to life. In 2014, Angie says, she had…

When Lisa Binderow founded Nice Pipes Apparel in 2014, she wasn’t chasing the next flashy fitness fad. She was just trying to solve a practical problem she kept encountering in cold yoga studios—her legs were freezing, traditional wool leg warmers were itchy, and nothing out there really worked for people who wanted to move. Lisa, who’d spent years teaching and managing at Yoga Works in New York, designed the first versions of what would become Nice Pipes herself. She cut up old yoga pants, sewed them into leg and arm warmers, and people started asking about them after class. Before…

Most people don’t think “diamonds” when they think of grief. But that’s exactly what Eterneva does—turning ashes or hair from loved ones and pets into lab-grown diamonds so families have something tangible to hold on to. It’s a literal way for people to keep memories close, and it’s not something you hear about every day. If you caught Eterneva’s pitch on Shark Tank, you probably remember the emotional pull—and the sharks’ curiosity about how it all worked. Eterneva’s Shark Tank Pitch—And What Mark Cuban Saw Let’s rewind to Eterneva’s 2019 Shark Tank appearance. Adelle Archer and Garrett Ozar, the company’s…

If you saw Season 14 of Shark Tank, you might remember Metric Mate. They were the three-person team pitching a sleek TAP sensor – a fitness tracking device for weight machines. The founders, Braxton, MT Strickland, and Ecleamus, walked onto the Shark Tank stage hoping to spark a new era in gym tech. So, how has their journey unfolded since that night? Let’s break down what’s happened since the cameras stopped rolling. What Is Metric Mate, and Who Created It? Metric Mate is a small sensor that attaches to strength training machines and logs your workout stats automatically. So, you…

Starting a medical transportation business, particularly in the non-emergency sector, can be both rewarding and profitable. This business caters to individuals who need assistance traveling to medical appointments or facilities but do not require emergency services. Let’s walk through the vital steps and considerations necessary to get your non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) business up and running. Conduct Market Research and Develop a Business Plan The first step in launching your NEMT business is to analyze the local demand for such services. This involves understanding the demographics of your target audience, identifying areas with a high concentration of seniors or individuals…

Starting a real estate management business can be both rewarding and challenging. Whether you’re passionate about real estate or seeking a profitable venture, this guide offers detailed steps to establish your business successfully. We’ll explore the essentials from crafting a business plan to building a team, while ensuring legal and financial compliance along the way. Business Planning The foundation of any successful business is a solid plan, and real estate management is no exception. Your business plan is your roadmap, guiding you through initial decisions and future growth. Your business plan kicks off with an executive summary, a snapshot of…

Rippling, a rising star in the tech world, offers a comprehensive platform that simplifies the management of employee data. The company is renowned for its ability to automate tasks across HR, IT, and finance, ensuring seamless operations for its clients. Its user-friendly system allows businesses to handle payroll, onboarding, offboarding, and more, all through a single interface. The elegance of Rippling’s solution lies in its ability to integrate various processes, thus reducing the time and errors often associated with manual management of employee-related tasks. Focus on Employee Data Management and Automation At the heart of Rippling’s platform is its emphasis…

Rumors about All Elite Wrestling (AEW) possibly going out of business have been circulating recently. These whispers have raised eyebrows among fans and industry experts alike. AEW, now a significant player in the wrestling industry, has made waves with its unique approach and strong competition against World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). Yet, despite the speculation, the foundation of AEW remains robust in various crucial aspects. With its inception in 2019, AEW quickly became notable for its fresh content and breaking away from traditional wrestling norms. The company has drawn top-tier talent and amassed a rightful fanbase. Nevertheless, recent concerns have sparked…