Biography of Mika Bertholdo: Founder and CEO of Ooakshell -Entrepreneur
Mika Bertholdo: The Founder Behind Ooakshell
Mika Bertholdo, the founder of Ooakshell, embarked on her
entrepreneurial journey in 2018 while dealing with postpartum hair loss.
Searching for a comfortable, adjustable headband that could provide full
coverage, she designed her own. This led to the creation of Ooakshell, a brand
that offers handmade headbands, silk-dyed scrunchies, and adjustable hair ties.
What started as a personal solution soon became a thriving business.
The Birth of Ooakshell
Mika’s business idea stemmed from her own need for a
headband that was both functional and stylish. She designed a headband with a
distinctive ring-based adjustment system, which made it adjustable and
comfortable for various head sizes. This innovation was born out of her
experience as a new mother dealing with hair loss, and she realized that others
might have similar struggles, leading to the launch of Ooakshell.
Entering Shark Tank
In September 2021, Mika appeared on Season 13 of Shark Tank
seeking $150,000 for a 10% stake in Ooakshell. At the time, she was running the
business alone from her parent's home in Houston, Texas. With her handmade
headbands in hand, she introduced her business to the Sharks, sharing the story
behind its creation and the challenges she faced while balancing her
entrepreneurial venture with motherhood.
The Product and Profit Margins
Each Ooakshell headband cost Mika $1.64 to produce and was
sold for $35, which provided a solid profit margin. She had sold over 10,000
units through direct-to-consumer sales on her website, all without spending any
money on marketing. Instead, the brand grew through organic social media
engagement and word-of-mouth referrals. The product’s affordable production
cost and high retail price caught the attention of the Sharks.
The Emotional Pitch
During her pitch, Mika became emotional as she explained the
demands of running the business on her own. Juggling her business and family
responsibilities had taken a toll, and she tearfully described her daily
routine of working tirelessly while taking care of her children. Her
vulnerability resonated with the Sharks, especially with guest investor Emma
Grede, who saw both the potential in the product and the founder’s need for
support.
Emma Grede’s Interest
As Mika shared her story, Emma Grede, a fashion industry
expert, expressed serious interest in the business. She recognized the unique
potential of Ooakshell’s headbands and saw the opportunity to help scale the
business. The emotional moment struck a chord with Grede, who understood Mika’s
desire for assistance to sustain her growing business while achieving a
healthier work-life balance.
The Deal Offer
Emma Grede made an offer of $150,000 for a 20% stake in
Ooakshell. She pointed to her experience in the fashion industry and her
ability to help expand the business as key reasons for the value she could
bring. Mika, however, countered with an offer of 13% equity. Despite this,
Grede stood firm on her original proposal of 20%, believing the partnership
would be beneficial for both the brand and herself.
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Mark Cuban’s Support
Mark Cuban, one of the Shark Tank investors, voiced his
strong support for Emma Grede’s offer. He encouraged Mika to accept the deal,
emphasizing how Grede’s experience and expertise could help propel Ooakshell to
the next level. After careful consideration, Mika agreed to the 20% equity
deal, recognizing the immense potential of the partnership and the valuable
resources Grede could offer.
The Partnership’s Impact
After agreeing to the deal, Mika’s business quickly saw
significant changes. Within six months of the Shark Tank episode airing,
Ooakshell generated $375,000 in sales. This surge in sales was a direct result
of the partnership with Emma Grede, whose experience with fashion merchandising
and retail operations proved to be invaluable in scaling the business.
Expansion and Growth
With the backing of Emma Grede, Ooakshell underwent a major
transformation. Mika moved the business out of her parent's house and
established a new manufacturing facility in Dallas, Texas. This was a
significant step in the company's growth, as it allowed for more efficient
production and management. The expansion also meant that Mika could shift some
of the business responsibilities to others.
Building a Team
As the business grew, Mika was able to hire an assistant who
took over 90% of the packaging responsibilities. This marked the end of Mika’s
solo operation and allowed her to focus on other aspects of the business, such
as product development and strategic planning. This shift helped her manage the
increasing demands of the business while maintaining a better balance with her
personal life.
Learning from the Experts
Mika also received extensive training at Good American’s
headquarters, where she learned more about finance, marketing, and fashion
merchandising. This hands-on experience helped her gain a deeper understanding
of the operational side of the fashion business and gave her the tools she
needed to take Ooakshell to greater heights.
A New Beginning for Ooakshell
The partnership with Emma Grede and the lessons Mika learned
from her time at Good American marked the beginning of a new chapter for
Ooakshell. The brand was no longer just a small, handmade business run from a
home; it was now a growing company with a stronger infrastructure and a clear
path for future success. Mika’s hard work and emotional journey paid off as she
embraced the opportunities that came with the Shark Tank investment.
Ooakshell’s Future
With the support of Emma Grede and the operational
improvements in place, Mika was able to expand Ooakshell further. The company
continued to grow, bringing more attention to sustainable fashion and the
potential of upcycled products. The headbands, which began as a solution for
Mika’s own struggles, now represented much more—a symbol of resilience,
innovation, and the power of partnership.
Timeline for story
2018: Mika Bertholdo founds Ooakshell after designing a
headband to address postpartum hair loss.
September 2021: Mika pitches Ooakshell on Shark Tank,
seeking $150,000 for a 10% stake.
Post-Shark Tank (2021): Mika accepts Emma Grede’s offer of
$150,000 for a 20% stake in Ooakshell.
6 months after Shark Tank (2022): Ooakshell generates
$375,000 in sales due to the partnership with Emma Grede.
2022: Mika moves Ooakshell to a new manufacturing facility
in Dallas, Texas, and hires an assistant.
2022: Mika receives training at Good American’s
headquarters, improving her business skills.
2023: Ooakshell grows into a more structured company with
expanded operations and sustainable fashion offerings.
