Biography of Shahira Marei: Founder & CEO of Dirty Cookie -Entrepreneur
Shahira Marei’s Journey: From Aerospace to Sweet Success
A Passion for Entrepreneurship
Shahira Marei always knew she wanted to be an entrepreneur.
Growing up, she was inspired by her father, a retired businessman, who taught
her the value of providing jobs rather than just giving money. This lesson
stayed with her, shaping her vision for the future. Although she built a
successful career as a project manager at Boeing, handling budgets of over $30
million, she felt something was missing—her dream of running her own business.
A Childhood Experience That Sparked Change
When Shahira was ten years old, she visited Egypt and saw
the harsh reality of poverty. Children her age were living on the streets
without basic necessities. She begged her father to give them money, but he
told her something that changed her outlook: “If you really want to help them,
give them jobs, not money.” This profound statement planted the seed for what
would later become Dirty Cookie—a company focused not just on selling treats
but also on making a difference.
The Birth of Dirty Cookie
Shahira’s entrepreneurial journey began in 2015 when she
founded Dirty Cookie, a unique dessert company specializing in cookie shot
glasses. Unlike traditional cookies, these edible cups could be filled with
milk, coffee, or even ice cream, making them a fun and memorable experience.
However, Shahira didn’t just want to sell cookies; she wanted to create
opportunities for people, following the lesson her father had instilled in her.
Struggles and Pivots in Business
The early years of Dirty Cookie were filled with challenges.
For three years, the business struggled to gain traction. The cost of
production was high, and each cookie shot was handmade, limiting the number of
products they could sell. Realizing she needed to change her strategy, Shahira
pivoted to direct-to-consumer sales. This shift proved to be a turning point,
as it allowed the brand to reach more customers and grow rapidly.
Shark Tank Appearance
In Season 13 of Shark Tank USA, Shahira pitched Dirty
Cookie, seeking a $500,000 investment for 5% equity. The sharks loved the
product but had concerns about its scalability, cost, and competition in the
food industry. Mark Cuban, Kevin O’Leary, and Daymond John all declined to
invest, citing issues with the business model and profitability. However, one
shark saw potential in Shahira’s vision.
Securing the Deal
Lori Greiner, known for her expertise in the food business,
made an offer—$250,000 as a loan with 8% interest and another $250,000 for 25%
equity. As negotiations continued, Robert Herjavec, who had initially opted
out, returned with a stronger proposal: $500,000 for 30% equity, with the
condition that if the company hit $6 million in revenue, his equity would
reduce to 15%. Shahira successfully negotiated the deal to 25% initial equity,
securing the investment she needed to expand.
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The Drive Behind Success
Beyond financial growth, Shahira's true motivation lies in
making a difference. She believes in empowering women and breaking the
stereotype that men are more capable in business. Having grown up in an
environment where women were often underestimated, she became determined to
prove otherwise. Today, she sees it as her responsibility to uplift other women
and show that success is possible for anyone willing to work for it.
Investing in Personal Growth
Shahira firmly believes that success starts with
self-investment. Over the years, she has dedicated time and resources to
personal development, including meditation, mindset training, business
networking, and communication skills. She emphasizes that if she doesn’t
believe in herself, no one else will. This mindset has been crucial in
overcoming the challenges of entrepreneurship.
A Business Built on Values
Dirty Cookie is more than just a dessert company—it’s a
brand built on meaningful values. From allowing customers to personalize their
cookie shots to creating a work environment that encourages creativity, Shahira
fosters a culture where people feel valued. She wants her employees and
customers to know that anything is possible, and she actively encourages new
ideas and innovation.
Overcoming the Odds
Despite initial struggles, Shahira’s persistence has paid
off. Dirty Cookie reached $2.6 million in sales in 2021, proving that her
decision to pivot to direct-to-consumer sales was the right one. While
production costs remain a challenge, she continues to work on scaling the
business while maintaining the quality and uniqueness of her product.
Inspiring the Next Generation
One of Shahira’s biggest inspirations is her daughter. She
wants to set an example, showing her that women can achieve great things. Every
day, she works toward building something bigger, not just for herself but for
future generations. She hopes her journey will inspire others to chase their
dreams, regardless of obstacles
The Road Ahead
With the investment from Shark Tank, Shahira aims to scale
Dirty Cookie further, improve production efficiency, and reach a wider
audience. While challenges remain, she remains committed to her
mission—creating a business that not only sells delicious treats but also makes
a lasting impact on people's lives. Her journey is a testament to resilience,
vision, and the power of believing in oneself.
Timeline for story
1995 – Visited Egypt at age 10, learned a life-changing
lesson about giving jobs instead of money.
2015 – Founded Dirty Cookie, introducing unique cookie shot
glasses.
2018 – Pivoted to direct-to-consumer sales, leading to
significant business growth.
2021 – Achieved $2.6 million in sales, proving the success
of her business model.
2022 – Pitched Dirty Cookie on Shark Tank (Season 13),
secured a $500,000 deal with Robert Herjavec.
2023 – Focused on scaling production and expanding brand
reach.
