Man Candles
NO DEAL
EPISODE SUMMARY
🕓 Air Date: May 6, 2011
Asking For:
$50,000 for 25%
Investor:
No Deal
Deal:
No Deal
PRODUCT SUMMARY
Original Man Candle offers a range of manly-scented candles, including pot roast, golf course, barbecue, football, draft beer, popcorn, and the infamous fart candle.
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Background Story
Original Man Candle was founded by Johnson Bailey, a college student, who sought to address the lack of masculine-scented candles in the market. Based on his experience of wanting to improve the ambiance of his home before hosting friends for a football game, Bailey realized that traditional floral-scented candles did not align with his desired atmosphere. Motivated by this gap in the market, he conceptualized the idea of developing candles with more manly fragrances. Bailey’s entrepreneurial journey began as a project for his entrepreneurship class, where he formulated the business plan for Original Man Candle.
With a passion for innovation and a desire to create a product that resonated with men, Bailey embarked on the journey of bringing his idea to life. Drawing inspiration from everyday experiences and humorous anecdotes, Bailey introduced a range of unique scents such as pot roast, golf course, barbecue, football, draft beer, and even the infamous fart candle. These unconventional fragrances not only set Original Man Candle apart from traditional offerings but also sparked curiosity and conversation among potential customers.
Operating on a limited budget, Bailey and his wife invested their own funds into the venture, totaling around $40,000. They hand-poured each candle themselves, demonstrating their dedication to the business despite its humble beginnings. Despite facing skepticism from potential investors on Shark Tank due to concerns about scalability and reliance on novelty, Bailey’s entrepreneurial spirit and determination to carve a niche in the market were evident. Original Man Candle represents not only a creative solution to a perceived market gap but also embodies the passion and perseverance of its founder in pursuing his entrepreneurial dreams.
The Product
Original Man Candle offers a diverse range of candles with unique, manly scents tailored to appeal to men. Each candle is carefully crafted to emit distinct aromas, including pot roast, golf course, barbecue, football, draft beer, and popcorn, among others. These unconventional fragrances aim to create a masculine ambiance in various settings, whether it’s a man cave, game day gathering, or simply to add a touch of humor to everyday life.
The candles are designed to be easy to use, requiring only a simple lighting of the wick to release their fragrances. They come in traditional candle forms, typically encased in glass jars or metal tins, allowing for safe and convenient storage. Original Man Candle products are available for purchase online through the company’s website and possibly through other online retailers.
Additionally, they are sold in approximately 400 stores across the United States, including mom-and-pop shops and gift stores. The candles retail for $10 to $12 each, making them an affordable and accessible option for customers seeking unique and humorous gifts or home decor items.
How It Went
The company’s position before Shark Tank
Original Man Candle has shown moderate performance in the market, with sales reaching approximately $53,000 in the previous year. The company has managed to secure partnerships with around 400 stores across the United States, including mom-and-pop shops and gift stores. These partnerships have enabled Original Man Candle to expand its reach and tap into various customer demographics. As for funding, the company’s initial investment of around $40,000 came from its founder, Johnson Bailey, and his wife. This self-funding approach has allowed them to maintain control over the business and its operations.
However, the reliance on personal funds may limit the company’s ability to scale and invest in growth opportunities. Original Man Candle’s primary distribution channel is through its online platform, where customers can purchase directly from the company’s website. Additionally, the candles are available for purchase through select online retailers. The company also relies on brick-and-mortar stores for sales, with partnerships established with various retailers nationwide. In terms of profitability, Original Man Candle has managed to achieve modest sales figures, but its profitability may be constrained by its reliance on novelty products and a limited product range.
The company’s available capital may be restricted due to its self-funding approach, which could potentially hinder its ability to invest in marketing, product development, or expansion efforts. The company’s current structure likely involves a small team responsible for operations, marketing, and distribution. Given its modest sales figures and reliance on manual labor for candle production, the company may need to explore avenues for efficiency improvements and scalability to enhance its long-term viability and competitiveness in the market.
The Negotiations:
In the negotiations on Shark Tank, Johnson Bailey sought a $50,000 investment in exchange for a 25% equity stake in Original Man Candle. Despite presenting a range of unique and humorous candle scents, including the notable fart candle, the sharks expressed concerns about the company’s scalability and reliance on novelty products. While several sharks found the concept amusing, they ultimately decided not to invest. Mark Cuban highlighted the importance of customer feedback and questioned whether Bailey had received validation from investors or customers beyond his current distribution channels.
Kevin O’Leary, known for his direct approach, dismissed the product as a novelty item and expressed doubts about its long-term profitability. Barbara Corcoran, often drawn to products with strong branding potential, acknowledged the novelty of the fart candle but ultimately passed on investing, citing concerns about the company’s growth potential. Lori Greiner, known for her expertise in retail and product development, questioned the viability of a single-product company and opted not to make an offer.
Despite his enthusiasm and entrepreneurial spirit, Bailey left the tank without securing a deal. The negotiations highlighted the challenges faced by Original Man Candle in convincing investors of its long-term viability beyond its novelty appeal. While the company garnered attention for its unique product offerings, it ultimately failed to convince the sharks of its potential for sustainable growth and profitability.
