Big Bee Little Bee is a unique mother-daughter business that has captured the hearts of consumers with their innovative and eco-friendly products for kids. Despite not securing a deal on Shark Tank, this dynamic duo has continued growing their company and building impressive net worth. In this in-depth blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the story behind Big Bee Little Bee and their Shark Tank experience and uncover just how much this family business is worth today.
Who is Big Bee Little Bee?
Big Bee Little Bee is a company that Amy Leinbach and her young daughter Marlo founded. Based in Huntington Beach, California, the business sells various sustainable products for children and families, including their signature Marker Parker, silicone scrubbers, and reusable straws.
Amy Leinbach had always dreamed of starting her own business, drawing inspiration from her entrepreneurial spirit as a child. When her daughter Marlo showed a knack for invention at seven years old, Amy saw the perfect opportunity to turn that passion into an honest company. Together, the pair launched Big Bee Little Bee in 2016 to create innovative, eco-friendly solutions for everyday challenges.
Who Is The Founder Of Big Bee Little Bee?
The founders of Big Bee Little Bee are Amy Leinbach and her daughter Marlo Leinbach. Amy, the “big bee,” is the driving force behind the business, using her background in special education and voice acting to bring their products to life. Marlo, the “little bee,” is the young inventor who dreamed up their flagship Marker Parker product.
Originally from New York City, Amy Leinbach moved to California to attend Pepperdine University, where she studied to become a teacher focused on special needs education. While teaching, Amy also pursued a career in voice acting, even landing a role on the Nickelodeon series Winx Club. But her true passion was entrepreneurship, and she had operated many imaginary businesses as a child.
When Marlo showed a natural talent for inventing at a young age, Amy saw an opportunity to channel that creativity into an honest family business. Together, they launched Big Bee Little Bee in 2016, with Marlo as the lead designer and Amy handling the operational side.
| Company Name | Big Bee, Little Bee |
|---|---|
| Founders | Amy Leinbach and Marlo Leinbach |
| Product | Marker Parker (marker holder) and eco-friendly products for kids and adults |
| Founded | 2016 |
| Headquarters | Huntington Beach, California |
| Bestsellers | Marker Parker, Original ScrubBEE, Build-a-Straw |
| Sales Channels | Amazon, company website, Bed Bath & Beyond, Uncommon Goods, buy BABY |
| Valuation | $500,000 |
How Was The Shark Tank Pitch Big Bee Little Bee?
Amy and Marlo brought their Marker Parker product to Shark Tank in Season 14, seeking a $100,000 investment in exchange for 20% equity in their company. During their pitch, they proudly shared that Big Bee Little Bee had generated over $230,000 in revenue the previous year, with 80% of those sales coming from their bestselling ScrubBEE scrubber.
However, the Sharks were concerned about the company’s recent losses of $77,000 due to supply chain issues. They felt the business lacked focus, with too many products in development. Despite the Leinbachs’ heartwarming mother-daughter dynamic, none of the Sharks ultimately made an offer.
| Shark Tank Episode | Season 14 |
|---|---|
| Ask | $100,000 for 20% equity |
| Result | No deal |
| Reason for No Deal | Concerns over business focus and financial performance, Robert Herjavec’s critique of having too many products |
Giant Bee Little Bee Shark Tank Update:
While Big Bee Little Bee didn’t secure a deal on Shark Tank, the show’s exposure has still proven beneficial for the company. According to Amy, the “As Seen on Shark Tank” label has opened new doors and helped introduce their products to a wider audience.
The Marker Parker, in particular, has continued to receive positive reviews on Amazon and the company’s website. Big Bee Little Bee’s products are now in over 500 stores, including major retailers like Bed Bath & Beyond, Uncommon Goods, and Buybuy BABY.
What Happened To Big Bee Little Bee After Shark Tank?
Despite the Sharks’ concerns, Big Bee Little Bee has persevered and grown since its Shark Tank appearance. The company remains focused on its mission of creating innovative, eco-friendly products for families, with the Marker Parker, ScrubBEE, and Build-a-Straw still at the core of its offerings.
Big Bee Little Bee has even won the National Parenting Product Awards, further validating their commitment to quality and innovation. While they faced some supply chain challenges that led to recent losses, the company has bounced back and is now valued at an impressive $500,000.
Big Bee Little Bee Net Worth:
As of 2023, Big Bee Little Bee is estimated to be worth $500,000. This impressive net worth is a testament to the Leinbach family’s resilience and dedication to their business. By focusing on eco-friendly, family-friendly products and leveraging the exposure from Shark Tank, Big Bee Little Bee has steadily grown its value over the past few years.
| Financial Highlights | |
|---|---|
| 2021 Revenue | $230,000 |
| Popular Product | Original ScrubBEE |
| Challenges | Faced supply chain issues, $77,000 loss year-to-date in the year of pitching |
Significant Bee Little Bee Growth and Operations:
Big Bee Little Bee has seen steady growth since its inception in 2016. The company has expanded its product line to include a range of sustainable offerings, from the Marker Parker and ScrubBEE to their innovative Build-a-Straw system. With a focus on reducing single-use plastics, the Leinbachs have tapped into a growing consumer demand for environmentally-conscious products.
In terms of operations, Big Bee Little Bee maintains a lean and efficient structure, with Amy handling the business side while Marlo contributes her creative genius. The company also partners with several retail outlets, making their products available in over 500 stores nationwide.
Big Bee Little Bee Marketing and Sales:
Giant Bee Little Bee’s marketing strategy has been multi-faceted, leveraging online and offline channels. Their strong presence on Amazon, coupled with positive customer reviews, has driven significant e-commerce sales. The company also maintains a well-designed website that showcases its products and mission.
Regarding sales, ScrubBEE has been the company’s top performer, accounting for 80% of its revenue in 2021. However, the Marker Parker and other innovative offerings have also gained traction, contributing to the overall growth of the business.
Extensive Bee Little Bee Social Media Presence:
Big Bee Little Bee has built a robust social media presence, engaging with its customers and sharing the company’s story across platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. The Leinbachs’ authentic and heartwarming approach has resonated with their audience, who have embraced the brand’s mission and products.
Big Bee Little Bee Interesting Facts:
- Marlo Leinbach, the “little bee,” designed the Marker Parker at just 7 1/2 years old.
- Big Bee Little Bee donates 1% of all sales to nonprofit organizations working to protect the environment.
- The company’s products have won the prestigious National Parenting Product Awards.
- Despite facing cyber-bullying after their Shark Tank appearance, the Leinbachs have remained resilient and focused on their business.
What’s Next For Big Bee Little Bee?
As Big Bee Little Bee grows, the Leinbach family is excited to expand their product line and explore new innovative solutions for families. The company is poised for continued success with a renewed focus on its core offerings, such as the Marker Parker and ScrubBEE. Additionally, the Leinbachs are committed to amplifying their sustainability and environmental stewardship mission, using their platform to inspire others to make eco-friendly choices.
Final Words:
Big Bee Little Bee’s journey is a testament to the power of family, innovation, and perseverance. Despite the setback of not securing a Shark Tank deal, Amy and Marlo Leinbach have built a thriving business worth $500,000, driven by their passion for creating products that positively impact the world. As Big Bee Little Bee continues to grow, it’s clear that this mother-daughter duo is just getting started, with plenty of exciting developments on the horizon.
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