Couple That Turned Down $400K on Shark Tank Makes History, Raises $1.7M in a Day

In 2019, entrepreneurs Tim and Kim Lewis, the founders and owners of CurlMix, appeared on ABC’s Shark Tank and turned down a $400K offer for a 20% equity in their company. Two years later, the couple launched an equity crowdfunding campaign and raised more than $1.7 million dollars within 24 hours.

The campaign, launched with the support of a popular Facebook group of Black entrepreneurs called Traffic Sales and Profit, gives consumers and other members of the Black community the opportunity to unlock generational wealth. In other words, those that are already spending their dollars on the brand can now invest and aid in the company’s future growth in the beauty and wellness industries.

“Many of us spend years supporting companies with our hard-earned dollars, but we see nothing for it when the brand eventually sells, transferring the wealth outside of our community,” says Kim, who is the CEO and Co-Founder. “Our goal is to create opportunities for our community to increase their wealth. Our vision is to change the narrative of what ownership looks like. We aim to become the first Black-owned publicly-traded beauty conglomerate.”

The company was founded by Kim and her husband, Tim, who were high school sweethearts in the Southside of Chicago. They created CurlMix to provide a hair regimen with simpler ingredients in mind.

Founded in 2015, CurlMix has since grown exponentially and has partnered with investors such as former LinkedIn CEO Jeff Weiner and Arlan Hamilton of Backstage Capital. The brand valuation is approximately $25 million and it has continued to grow despite the COVID-19 pandemic with $6 million in online revenue during 2020.

The brand now has a goal of raising $5 million dollars from the campaign to use in various ways including:

• Expand in CPG categories beyond haircare and create more engaging marketing campaigns that better identify with their thriving communities

• Acquire a larger customer base

• Launch additional brands

Those interested in obtaining equity are able to do so through the WeFunder campaign page and select their preferred investment level. Starting at $250, this crowd fundraiser is providing approachable price points for even the novice to start investing. In addition, investors are able to gain perks dependent on level; ranging from CurlMix tote bags to full-sized wash and go kits.

For more information on the crowdfunding seriesm please visit WeFunder.com/CurlMix. Also follow them @CurlMix and @4CONLY on all social media platforms.

For press inquiries, contact Sara Charles at saracharles.pr@gmail.com

 

Hot this week

African Union Office of the Youth Envoy Call for submissions: “Sauti صوتي” Africa Young Feminist Blog (Paid)

Deadline: May 31, 2020 Calling young women across the continent...

Profile of Africa’s Youngest Billionaire, Mohammed Dewji

Mohammed "Mo" Gulamabbas Dewji, is a Tanzanian billionaire businessman and...

GHANA: Government Officials, Youth Activists and Music icons unite to launch Climate Clock campaign

Accra, Ghana. -- On Thursday, August 12, International Youth...

Appianin-Bonsec Fun Club Grants GH₵100,000 in Interest-Free Loans to 100 Women”

In a remarkable move towards women's empowerment and economic...

Government of ​Brunei Darussalam Scholarships 2020/2021 for Foreign Students

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is pleased to invite applications for the Government of Brunei Darussalam Scholarship under the above Scholarship Award Scheme for the 2020 / 2021 academic session.

Editor's Picks

Latest Articles

Popular Categories