Biography of Mohammed A. Mahdi: Founder of The Mad Optimist -Entrepreneur
Biography of Mohammed A. Mahdi:
Passion for Purposeful Body Care
In the heart of Bloomington, Indiana, three close
friends—Mohammed M. Mahdi, Mohammed A. Mahdi, and Anthony Duncan—shared a
common goal. They wanted to create body care products that aligned with their
values: natural, ethical, and sustainable. Their journey began with a simple
yet powerful idea—to make high-quality soaps that were vegan, halal, and
cruelty-free. Little did they know, this vision would evolve into a unique and
thriving business.
From Soapy Soap to The Mad Optimist
The trio launched their venture under the name Soapy Soap
Company, determined to offer a more conscious approach to body care. As their
business grew, they decided on a rebranding that reflected their innovative and
optimistic outlook. Thus, The Mad Optimist was born—a brand that wasn’t just
about soap but about making a difference in the way personal care products were
made and sold.
Customizing the Experience
What made The Mad Optimist stand out was its customizable
approach. Customers weren’t limited to standard soap options; instead, they
could choose ingredients, scents, and even the packaging. This personalization
extended beyond just soap, offering a full range of body care products,
including balms, sprays, bath soaks, and more. The goal was simple: to provide
people with products that suited their needs and aligned with their values.
Commitment to Ethical Practices
For Mohammed, Mohammed, and Anthony, making body care
products wasn’t just about business; it was about responsibility. Every
ingredient they used was carefully selected—always plant-based, non-GMO, and
sourced responsibly. Their soaps and skincare products were free from animal
fat and synthetic chemicals, ensuring they remained halal and cruelty-free.
They wanted customers to feel good not just about what they put on their bodies
but also about the impact their purchases had on the world.
Breaking Industry Norms
One of the company’s most unique innovations was its
proprietary one-day soap curing process. Traditionally, soap takes about 30
days to cure, but The Mad Optimist found a way to speed this up without
compromising quality. This breakthrough allowed them to produce fresh,
high-quality soaps at a much faster rate, meeting customer demands more
efficiently.
A Bold Pricing Model
Beyond their innovative products, The Mad Optimist
introduced a revolutionary pricing system: sliding scale pricing. Customers
could choose how much they wanted to pay within a set range, typically between
$6 and $16 per bar of soap. This unconventional approach aimed to make their
products accessible to everyone, regardless of financial background, while
promoting fairness and transparency.
A Journey Through The Brandery
In 2017, The Mad Optimist caught the attention of The
Brandery, a Cincinnati-based business accelerator. The program provided them
with a $100,000 grant, free office space for a year, and additional business
support valued at $200,000. This opportunity gave the entrepreneurs a strong
foundation to scale their business, refine their branding, and expand their
reach.
A Bold Step Onto Shark Tank
With growing success, the founders decided to take a bold
leap and pitch their business on Shark Tank during Season 11. Seeking $60,000
in exchange for 10% of their company, they presented their unique business
model, their ethical approach, and their commitment to customer satisfaction.
While some of the Sharks were skeptical about their pricing strategy, Mark
Cuban saw potential in their vision and offered them the investment—though at a
higher stake of 20%.
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The Deal That Never Closed
Although the founders initially accepted Mark Cuban’s offer,
the deal never officially went through. However, their appearance on Shark Tank
brought them national recognition and a surge in sales. Customers resonated
with their story, their ethical approach, and their dedication to high-quality,
customizable body care.
Giving Back to Society
Beyond making body care products, The Mad Optimist remained
deeply committed to social causes. On the day their Shark Tank episode aired,
which coincided with the Shia Muslim Day of Ashura, they made a powerful
gesture. From 8 PM to 3 AM Eastern time, they donated all sales
proceeds—amounting to $80,192.39—to organizations fighting societal oppression.
This act reinforced their brand’s mission of making a positive impact beyond
just business.
A Community-Centric Approach
The Mad Optimist built its foundation on a strong sense of
community. The founders believed in treating their customers like family,
ensuring 100% satisfaction with every purchase. They also fostered an inclusive
workplace culture, where employees were valued and respected, reinforcing their
commitment to ethical and fair business practices.
Expanding Product Reach
Recognizing the growing demand for their products, The Mad
Optimist expanded its sales channels. Customers could purchase their fully
customizable products directly from their website or opt for pre-made
selections available on Amazon. This strategic move allowed them to cater to
both new and returning customers, making their ethical body care products more
accessible than ever.
Overcoming Challenges and Growing Stronger
Like any business, The Mad Optimist faced challenges along
the way. From scaling production to managing logistics, the journey wasn’t
always smooth. However, their unwavering commitment to their values and
customer satisfaction kept them moving forward. Their innovative approach,
combined with their ethical business model, continued to set them apart in the
competitive body care industry.
A Million-Dollar Business with a Purpose
Despite the hurdles, The Mad Optimist continued to thrive.
As of July 2024, the company had reached an impressive milestone—$1 million in
annual revenue. Their growth wasn’t just a testament to their business acumen
but also proof that companies rooted in integrity, sustainability, and customer
empowerment could succeed in a competitive market.
The Future of The Mad Optimist
Looking ahead, The Mad Optimist remains dedicated to its
mission of body care done right. The founders continue to explore new ways to
innovate, expand their product line, and create a positive impact. Their
journey is far from over, and with their relentless optimism, they are set to
inspire a new generation of conscious consumers who believe in doing good while
feeling good.
Timeline for story
2012 – Mohammed, Mohammed, and Anthony start making soaps.
2013 – Soapy Soap Company is officially launched.
2017 – Rebranded as The Mad Optimist.
2017 – Accepted into The Brandery accelerator program.
2019 – Appeared on Shark Tank Season 11.
2019 – Deal with Mark Cuban agreed but not finalized.
2019 – Donated $80,192.39 on Ashura to social causes.
2020 – Expanded sales through Amazon and online platforms.
2024 – Achieved $1 million in annual revenue.
