Biography of Lan Bui: Founder & CEO of Kawaii Lighting -Entrepreneur
Biography of Lan Bui:
Birth of Kawaii Lighting
Lan Bui’s journey into the world of business began with a
simple question: “Why can’t tech be cute?” This curiosity led to the founding
of Kawaii Lighting in 2020, a company dedicated to creating innovative, fun,
and functional ring lights designed specifically for content creators. The goal
was to make lighting not just a technical necessity, but something that could
also add charm and personality to any space.
A Unique Twist in the Market
Lan recognized the untapped potential of the ring light
market, particularly in China, and saw an opportunity to bring a fresh
perspective to the U.S. market. While ring lights were already popular, most of
them were purely functional and lacked any visual appeal. Lan’s vision was to
make them more aesthetically pleasing by designing lights in playful shapes
such as hearts, stars, and cats. These designs were not just cute but also
packed with features like RGB colors, adjustable brightness, and flexible angling,
making them perfect for a variety of uses.
Empowering Content Creators
The mission of Kawaii Lighting was clear: to empower content
creators by providing them with the best lighting to enhance their videos and
photos. The ring lights were especially suited for influencers, vloggers, and
streamers who needed high-quality lighting but also wanted to showcase a
product that was as fun and creative as their content. The lights quickly
became a favorite among social media influencers, including stars like Cardi B
and Paris Hilton, who began using them in their content.
Shark Tank Appearance
Kawaii Lighting’s big break came when the founders, Lan Bui
and Chloe Mae Loop, appeared on Shark Tank Season 13. They entered the tank
asking for $88,000 in exchange for 22% equity in their business. The pair
presented their innovative product and shared how they had quickly grown the
brand by selling directly to consumers. At the time of filming, they had
already achieved $261,000 in lifetime sales, even though they had only been in
business for one year.
The Sharks’ Initial Reactions
The Sharks were intrigued by the product and impressed by
the duo’s pitch. They saw the potential for growth, but they also recognized
that the market for ring lights was highly competitive. Mark Cuban was the
first to drop out, citing the competition as the main reason for his decision.
However, the other Sharks remained interested, especially Barbara Corcoran, who
loved the business and offered a deal.
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Barbara Corcoran’s Offer
Barbara Corcoran saw the potential in Kawaii Lighting and
made an offer that exceeded the founders’ expectations. She proposed $100,000
for 22% equity in the business, plus a royalty of $10 per unit sold until her
investment was recouped. While this was a generous offer, Lan Bui felt that the
royalty rate was too high and was hesitant to accept the deal.
Kevin O’Leary Steps In
Next, Kevin O’Leary, also known as “Mr. Wonderful,” stepped
into the conversation. He offered $88,000 for 22% equity, but with a more
favorable royalty structure: $5 per unit sold until he got his money back. This
offer was more in line with what Lan and Chloe were looking for, and they
started to weigh their options carefully.
The Decision
After careful consideration, Lan and Chloe chose to go with
Kevin O’Leary’s offer. His proposal provided them with the capital they needed
to grow their business without the excessive royalty rate that Barbara had
suggested. With Kevin’s experience and connections, they believed he would be
able to help them scale quickly.
Kawaii Lighting’s Impact
The deal with Kevin O’Leary helped elevate Kawaii Lighting’s
brand recognition. The company quickly gained a following of celebrities,
social media influencers, and content creators who loved the fun, stylish
designs of the lights. This helped drive their sales even further, and their
unique product continued to stand out in a crowded market.
Post-Shark Tank Success
After the Shark Tank episode aired, Kawaii Lighting’s sales
numbers soared. The company reached an estimated net worth of $1 million, a
huge leap from its humble beginnings. The backing from Kevin O’Leary and his
guidance in business strategy and scaling operations proved to be invaluable.
Celebrity Endorsements and Expanding Reach
Kawaii Lighting’s success wasn’t just about the deal they
struck on Shark Tank; it was also about the growing list of celebrity
endorsements and social media buzz. Influencers from platforms like Instagram,
TikTok, YouTube, and Twitch were quick to adopt the products, sharing their
experiences with their followers. This helped the company maintain a steady
stream of sales and visibility in the crowded content creation space.
A Growing Business
As the business continued to thrive, Kawaii Lighting
expanded its product offerings and reached new markets. The company’s ability
to mix technology with charm and creativity resonated with a wide audience.
Kawaii Lighting wasn’t just about lighting anymore; it had become a cultural
phenomenon that appealed to people who wanted to add personality to their tech
products.
Looking Ahead
Looking to the future, Lan Bui and Chloe Mae Loop are
focused on continuing to innovate and improve their product offerings. They are
constantly looking for new ways to enhance their lights and offer additional
features that content creators will love. They are also focused on expanding
their audience base and forging new partnerships with other businesses and
influencers.
The Kawaii Lighting Community
One of the most rewarding aspects of running Kawaii Lighting
has been the strong sense of community that has developed around the brand.
Content creators from all walks of life have shared their stories of how Kawaii
Lighting has helped them elevate their content. The brand has fostered a
positive, inclusive community that celebrates creativity, innovation, and the
joy of combining technology with fun designs.
Gratitude and Future Prospects
Lan Bui is grateful for the journey so far and is excited
for what the future holds. The success of Kawaii Lighting has proven that there
is room in the market for products that are both functional and visually
appealing. With the continued support of their customers, influencers, and
investors, the future looks bright for Kawaii Lighting as it continues to shine
in the world of content creation.
Timeline for story
2020: Lan Bui founds Kawaii Lighting, creating fun and
functional ring lights for content creators.
2021: Kawaii Lighting appears on Shark Tank seeking $88,000
for 22% equity.
2021: Kevin O’Leary offers $88,000 for 22% equity with a
$5/unit royalty, which is accepted by Lan and Chloe.
Post-Shark Tank (2021): Kawaii Lighting’s sales soar,
reaching a $1 million net worth.
2021–2022: The company gains celebrity endorsements and
continues growing through social media buzz.
2022–2023: Kawaii Lighting expands its product range and
strengthens its brand community.
2023: Lan and Chloe focus on innovation and expanding
partnerships in the content creator space.
