What cakes were featured on Shark Tank?,Shark Tank, the popular TV show featuring aspiring entrepreneurs, has highlighted many innovative cake brands. One of the standout companies was Daisy Cakes, founded by Kim Nelson. Her Southern-style cakes, which include red velvet, carrot, lemon, chocolate, and coconut, captivated both viewers and the Sharks. Daisy Cakes also showcased gluten-free and vegan options, making the brand more inclusive and diverse.
The unique flavors and quality of Daisy Cakes attracted the attention of Shark Tank’s panel. Kim Nelson’s passion for her craft, combined with her dedication to delivering exceptional baked goods, resonated with the investors. Her appearance on the show led to a pivotal deal, marking a turning point for the business.
Key Takeaways
- Shark Tank features a variety of innovative cake brands, including Daisy Cakes.
- Daisy Cakes, known for its Southern-style flavors, stood out with its inclusivity and high quality.
- The appearance on Shark Tank helped Daisy Cakes secure investment and grow.
- Entrepreneurs seeking funding for cake businesses can use Shark Tank as a springboard.
- Shark Tank offers national exposure and growth opportunities for small cake brands.
The Rise of Daisy Cakes
Humble Beginnings
Daisy Cakes, based in South Carolina, started as a family business. Kim Nelson learned to bake from her mother and other relatives, using treasured family recipes passed down through generations. She began baking and selling cakes when she was just 10 years old, operating on a small scale. At that time, she and her mother produced cakes worth about $5,000 per month, selling them at trade shows and events in the Southern U.S.
Nelson’s commitment to using quality ingredients and traditional baking methods laid the foundation for her success. What started as a small family endeavor quickly grew into a thriving business. Nelson’s entrepreneurial spirit, along with the support of her community, helped Daisy Cakes expand. This story demonstrates how following a passion, combined with hard work, can turn a dream into a flourishing business.
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Cakes sold before Shark Tank | 2,000 cakes over two years |
| Monthly sales before Shark Tank | $5,000 |
| Number of employees | Six full-time employees, seven ovens |
“I’ve been baking since I was 10 years old, and these are the same recipes that my grandmother and my great-grandmother used.”
– Kim Nelson, Founder of Daisy Cakes
Shark Tank Appearance
In 2011, Kim Nelson appeared on Shark Tank, seeking $50,000 in exchange for a 25% stake in her business. She impressed the Sharks with samples of her cakes, which they all agreed were among the best they had ever tasted.
Nelson shared that in just three months, her cakes had generated $27,000 in sales. This demonstrated the strong demand for her products. While the Sharks loved the cakes, some hesitated to invest because of the company’s small size.
Despite their hesitation, Nelson’s passion and the cakes’ high quality caught Barbara Corcoran’s attention. Corcoran offered Nelson $50,000 in exchange for $1 per cake sold until the initial investment was repaid. This structure allowed Nelson to maintain a larger stake in her company while still getting the funds she needed to grow.
This deal with Corcoran turned out to be a pivotal moment for Daisy Cakes, propelling the brand into the national spotlight and opening doors for further success.
What Cakes Were Featured on Shark Tank?
Daisy Cakes’ Delicious Offerings
During her Shark Tank pitch, Kim Nelson showcased a selection of classic Southern-inspired cakes. These included red velvet, lemon, chocolate, coconut, and carrot. Customers loved the wide range of flavors, making it easy for Daisy Cakes to appeal to various preferences. The cakes were sold at a competitive price of $69.95, with a few specialty cakes priced at $79.95.
Daisy Cakes also catered to gluten-free and vegan customers, showing that the brand was inclusive and sensitive to dietary needs. This diversity in offerings helped Daisy Cakes stand out in the competitive cake market.
| Cake Flavor | Price |
|---|---|
| Red Velvet | $69.95 |
| Carrot | $69.95 |
| Lemon | $69.95 |
| Chocolate | $69.95 |
| Coconut | $69.95 |
| Happy Birthday Cake | $79.95 |
| Vegan Gluten-Free Carrot | $79.95 |
Each cake could be ordered directly from the Daisy Cakes website and shipped across the United States. The cakes were carefully packed with dry ice to ensure freshness during shipping.
“The cakes are so moist and delicious, they’ll make you want to slap your mama!”
The Shark Tank Deal
When Kim Nelson stepped onto the Shark Tank stage, she aimed to secure $50,000 for a 25% stake in Daisy Cakes. Although several Sharks hesitated, Barbara Corcoran saw the potential in the business. She made a deal that worked for both parties, offering the $50,000 in exchange for a $1 royalty per cake sold until her investment was recouped.
This deal structure allowed Nelson to retain a larger share of her business while still obtaining the capital necessary to grow. After the Shark Tank episode aired, Daisy Cakes saw an immediate surge in orders. This helped the company quickly pay back Corcoran’s investment.
The deal not only provided financial resources but also gave Nelson access to Corcoran’s expertise and network. This strategic partnership helped Daisy Cakes grow into a major player in the gourmet cake industry. With over 25,000 cakes sold in all 50 states, the brand’s national presence grew significantly.
Daisy Cakes’ Post-Shark Tank Success
After appearing on Shark Tank, Daisy Cakes experienced tremendous growth. Orders poured in, and the company’s website and phone lines were overwhelmed with inquiries. Nelson’s cakes also gained attention from other television shows, including The Rachael Ray Show, Food Network, The Chew, Good Morning America, and The Today Show.
Within a year, Daisy Cakes’ sales had skyrocketed to $100,000 per month. This success led Nelson to move her operations into a larger bakery to meet the growing demand. Additionally, Daisy Cakes opened a second bakery in Las Vegas to better serve the western United States.
Expanding Operations and Product Line
To continue growing, Daisy Cakes expanded its product offerings. The company introduced “Minikins,” which are individual-sized portions of cake and frosting served in jars. This new product line catered to customers looking for smaller, more convenient desserts. The introduction of Minikins allowed the company to reach a wider audience, particularly those who preferred portion-controlled treats.
The Shark Tank deal played a crucial role in this expansion. Barbara Corcoran’s investment and guidance helped Daisy Cakes scale its operations, enhance its distribution, and reach customers nationwide.
Today, Daisy Cakes generates approximately $4.6 million in annual revenue and has a net worth of $3 million. The company’s success is a testament to the power of the Shark Tank platform and the strategic investments made by the Sharks.
“The Shark Tank deal took Daisy Cakes to the next level. We expanded our operations, introduced new products, and reached customers all across the country. It’s been an incredible journey.”
– Kim Nelson, Founder of Daisy Cakes
Conclusion
Daisy Cakes’ appearance on Shark Tank stands as a testament to the power of entrepreneurial spirit, quality products, and strategic partnerships. Kim Nelson’s dedication to creating delicious, homemade cakes, coupled with her smart marketing and partnership with Barbara Corcoran, allowed Daisy Cakes to reach new heights of success.
The Shark Tank platform was instrumental in propelling Daisy Cakes into the national spotlight. It provided both the funding and the exposure needed for the company to grow. Moreover, it showcased how a small business could scale up and become a trusted brand across the United States.
Nelson’s story is a reminder that with the right combination of passion, hard work, and opportunity, any entrepreneur can take their business to the next level. Daisy Cakes is now a recognized name in the gourmet cake market, with a legacy built on family traditions and innovative thinking.
The continued success of Daisy Cakes serves as an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners. It highlights how quality products, innovative thinking, and strategic partnerships can unlock exponential growth and national recognition.
FAQ
What cakes were featured on Shark Tank?
Daisy Cakes featured classic Southern-inspired flavors like red velvet, carrot, lemon, chocolate, and coconut. The cakes were priced between $69.95 and $79.95.
When was Daisy Cakes founded?
Kim Nelson founded Daisy Cakes using family recipes passed down through generations. She began baking and selling cakes at age 10, operating the business with her mother.
What happened when Daisy Cakes appeared on Shark Tank?
In 2011, Kim Nelson appeared on Season 2, Episode 6 of Shark Tank, seeking $50,000. Barbara Corcoran offered the investment in exchange for $1 per cake sold until she recouped her investment.
What types of cakes did Daisy Cakes offer?
Daisy Cakes offered a variety of flavors, including red velvet, lemon, chocolate, coconut, and vegan gluten-free carrot cakes. Customers could order online, with cakes shipped nationwide.
How did Daisy Cakes grow after Shark Tank?
After Shark Tank, Daisy Cakes experienced a surge in orders and increased sales. The company expanded its product line and opened a second bakery in Las Vegas.