Biography of Angie Cella: Founder & CEO of blinger -Entrepreneur
Biography of Angie Cella:
Dream That Sparked Innovation
Angie Cella, a single mother of four, had a vivid dream one
night about a device that could place gems into her hair. The next morning, she
was captivated by the idea and felt an undeniable calling to bring it to life.
Angie, not one to back down from a challenge, set out to make her dream a
reality. She believed she could invent a tool that would bring beauty and
creativity to people's lives, especially through something as personal as their
hair.
A Dream Reinforced
Just a few weeks after her initial dream, Angie had another
vision that pushed her even further to pursue the idea. In this second dream,
she felt that God Himself was guiding her to create this product. With renewed
purpose, Angie embarked on a long and challenging journey. Despite numerous
setbacks and the difficulties she faced, she refused to give up. This was her
calling, and she was determined to see it through, no matter the cost.
Battling Failure and Frustration
The journey wasn’t easy. Angie hired four different
engineering firms over the course of four years, but each one failed to create
a viable prototype for her vision. Despite the repeated disappointments, Angie
pushed forward, motivated by the belief that her invention would eventually
come to life. The road was filled with frustration, yet she was unwavering in
her commitment to her dream, even when it seemed like the odds were stacked
against her.
Hitting Rock Bottom
At one point, Angie had exhausted all her savings and maxed
out her credit cards. She faced rejection after rejection from investors who
were skeptical about her ability to turn the idea into a successful business,
especially considering the debt she had accumulated. But Angie, with the
support of her family, especially her eldest daughter, Cambrie, continued to
fight. They even discussed selling their home to fund the venture, though it
was a difficult decision to make.
A Prototype Is Born
Finally, after working with a fifth engineering firm,
Angie’s perseverance paid off. They were able to create a working prototype of
the Blinger, the hair styling tool that would revolutionize the way people
accessorize their hair. Although she had depleted her finances, Angie had
finally achieved what she set out to do. The prototype was just the beginning,
but it was a monumental milestone in her entrepreneurial journey.
The Toy Fair Breakthrough
With the Blinger prototype in hand, Angie knew it was time
to take the product to the next level. In October 2018, she brought her tool to
the Dallas Toy Fair and the Women in Toys event. To her delight, the Blinger
was a hit. People were drawn to its unique concept, and the buzz around the
product began to grow. Angie could finally see the fruits of her labor starting
to materialize, and it was an exciting moment for her and her family.
Biography of Angie Cella: Founder & CEO of blinger -Entrepreneur#startup#age#net worth#investor#shark tank#blinger story#Angie Cella story
Shark Tank Opportunity
As the Blinger gained traction, Angie and her team had the
chance to pitch their product on the popular show Shark Tank in Season 15. With
a successful track record of $1.6 million in sales, and projections for $4.2
million in the coming year, Angie was hopeful that one of the sharks would
recognize the potential of the Blinger. She shared the story of how she turned
around her family’s financial situation, thanks to a licensing deal with a toy
company, although that partnership ended when the product was copied.
Facing Criticism
Despite the impressive sales numbers, the sharks were not
immediately sold on the Blinger. They questioned the business’s lack of
organization and Angie’s ability to manage the company, especially since she
admitted that she didn’t want to act as CEO. It was a tough moment for Angie,
as she had poured so much of her energy into the product and had faced so many
setbacks. But she didn’t give up—she remained focused on the bigger picture.
Barbara Corcoran Steps In
Among all the sharks, Barbara Corcoran saw the potential in
Angie and her product. After initially declining the offer, Barbara changed her
mind and decided to make an investment: $200,000 for 25% equity in the company,
plus funding for all purchase orders. It was a turning point for Angie and her
business, as Barbara’s wealth of experience would provide the guidance and
mentorship they needed to refine their business strategy.
A Game-Changing Deal
Barbara’s investment wasn’t just financial—it was a
game-changer for Blinger. The other sharks, recognizing Barbara as the best fit
for the company, encouraged Angie to take her deal. With Barbara’s expertise
and financial backing, Blinger could finally thrive in ways Angie had only
dreamed of. This partnership gave Angie the tools and resources to grow her
business in a sustainable and strategic way.
Blinging Through Social Media
Blinger gained popularity through social media, especially
Instagram, where the brand now has nearly 13,000 followers. Customers shared
their unique and trendy looks created with the Blinger, showcasing everything
from elegant bridal styles to fun concert-inspired hair designs. The product
resonated with many people, and the brand began to grow its community of loyal
followers.
A Success Story in the Making
The Blinger hair styling tool has proven to be a major
success. With a range of products priced between $35 and $79, including
versions with real Swarovski crystals, the product has captured the attention
of consumers worldwide. Angie’s story is one of perseverance, faith, and the
power of self-expression. Thanks to the support of Barbara Corcoran and her own
unwavering determination, Blinger continues to shine in the world of beauty and
entrepreneurship.
Timeline for story
Night (Undated): Angie dreams of a device to place gems into
hair.
Weeks Later (Undated): Angie has a second dream, feeling
guided by God to create the product.
4 Years (Undated): Angie hires 4 engineering firms, but
fails to create a working prototype.
Undated: Angie exhausts savings, faces rejections from
investors, and considers selling her home.
Undated: Fifth engineering firm successfully creates the
Blinger prototype.
October 2018: Blinger is showcased at the Dallas Toy Fair
and Women in Toys event.
Season 15 (2019): Angie pitches Blinger on Shark Tank.
Post-Shark Tank (Undated): Barbara Corcoran offers $200,000
for 25% equity in Blinger.
Undated: Blinger gains popularity through social media.
Undated: Blinger becomes a major success with a range of
products.
