Expedition Subsahara is a unique home decor brand founded by Sofi Seck, a native of Senegal, West Africa. The company sells beautifully handcrafted woven baskets, vases, and other products inspired by Seck’s cultural heritage. Though Seck’s Shark Tank pitch didn’t secure an investment, Expedition Subsahara has continued to grow and is now estimated to be worth $3 million as of 2024.
Who is Expedition Subsahara?
Expedition Subsahara is a home decor company that sells a variety of woven baskets, vases, trays, and other products inspired by the traditional crafts of Seck’s Wolof tribe in Senegal. Seck founded the company in 2017 after being inspired by the beautiful handwoven baskets she grew up watching her elders create.
Each Expedition Subsahara product requires around 40 hours of intricate handweaving. The brand uses natural grasses like sweetgrass and elephant grass and recycled plastics. It is focused on celebrating African culture and heritage through its high-quality, authentic home goods.
Who Is The Founder Of Expedition Subsahara?
Sofi Seck is the founder and CEO of Expedition Subsahara. Born and raised in Senegal as part of the Wolof tribe, Seck moved to the United States at 14 to pursue her education. She attended the University of Missouri-St. Louis initially worked as a photographer before launching Expedition Subsahara in 2017.
Seck’s connection to the traditional weaving techniques used to create Expedition Subsahara’s products drives the company. She is passionate about sharing these handcrafted items’ beauty and cultural significance with customers worldwide.
How Was The Shark Tank Pitch Expedition Subsahara?
Expedition Subsahara was featured on Season 14, Episode 4 of the hit TV show Shark Tank. Seck pitched her business to the investor “sharks” panel, seeking a $500,000 investment in exchange for a 10% equity stake in the company.
While the sharks were impressed by the quality and craftsmanship of Expedition Subsahara’s products, they ultimately decided not to invest. The main concerns were around the company’s relatively low-profit margins. Despite $3.6 million in lifetime sales, Expedition Subsahara had only netted around $75,000 in profit. The sharks felt the high manufacturing costs and customer acquisition expenses would make it difficult for them to see a strong return on their investment.
| Company Name | Expedition Subsahara |
|---|---|
| Founder | Sofie Seck |
| Founded | 2017 |
| Location | Based in the U.S., products handmade in Senegal |
| Industry | Home decor, African-inspired crafts |
| Product Range | Baskets, vases, coasters, trays, wall hangings |
Expedition Subsahara Shark Tank Update:
Though Seck didn’t secure a deal on Shark Tank, the show’s exposure has continued to benefit Expedition Subsahara. After the episode aired, the company experienced a significant sales boost, with fans rallying to support Seck’s mission.
In the years since, Expedition Subsahara has continued to grow, expanding its product line and reducing its marketing costs. In 2022, the company generated over $1 million in revenue and is now estimated to be worth $3 million.
Expedition Subsahara Net Worth:
As of 2024, Expedition Subsahara is estimated to have a net worth of $3 million. This valuation reflects the company’s strong growth and increasing profitability in the years since its Shark Tank appearance.
While Seck could not secure an investment in the show, she has continued to build Expedition Subsahara through her determination and the support of the brand’s loyal customer base. The company’s unique, handcrafted products and Seck’s passion for celebrating African culture have resonated with consumers, leading to Expedition Subsahara’s impressive rise in net worth.
| Year | Sales | Net Profit | Investment in Marketing |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Over $1 million | Not specified | $400,000 in digital marketing |
| 2021 | $900,000 (year-to-date) / $3.6 million (lifetime) | $75,000 (net profit) | Not specified |
Expedition Subsahara Growth and Operations:
Since its founding in 2017, Expedition Subsahara has steadily expanded its operations and product offerings. The company now employs over 120 experienced weavers in Senegal, who work to produce the brand’s growing range of baskets, vases, trays, and other home decor items.
In addition to growing its team and product line, Expedition Subsahara has also focused on improving its profitability. After the Shark Tank episode revealed the company’s relatively low net profits, Seck has worked to reduce marketing and manufacturing costs, leading to a more sustainable business model.
Expedition Subsahara Marketing and Sales:
Expedition Subsahara’s marketing strategy has evolved since its Shark Tank appearance. While the company previously relied heavily on digital advertising, which accounted for $400,000 in spending in 2022, it has started to explore other avenues for reaching customers.
In 2024, Expedition Subsahara plans to expand into physical retail, allowing the brand to connect with consumers in new ways. The company’s products are sold exclusively through its website, but the upcoming retail push is expected to boost sales and brand awareness further.
Expedition Subsahara Social Media Presence:
Expedition Subsahara has a solid social media presence, particularly on platforms like Instagram and Facebook. The company uses these channels to showcase its beautiful products, share the stories behind its African-inspired designs, and engage with its growing community of customers.
Seck’s social media presence has also been a valuable asset for the brand, as she shares insights into her entrepreneurial journey and the cultural significance of Expedition Subsahara’s offerings.
Expedition Subsahara Interesting Facts:
- Expedition Subsahara donates 20% of its revenue to building a STEAM school for girls in Senegal, Seck’s home country.
- The company’s best-selling product is the Yata Basket, which has a perfect 5-star rating from 20 reviews on the Expedition Subsahara website.
- In 2024, Yahoo included Expedition Subsahara on its list of “41 Black-Owned Home Brands to Elevate Your Space.”
What’s Next For Expedition Subsahara?
Looking ahead, Expedition Subsahara is poised for continued growth and expansion. In addition to the brand’s upcoming retail push, Seck has shared plans to open a girls’ STEAM school in Senegal, fulfilling a long-held dream and further aligning the company’s success with its mission of empowering African communities. As Expedition Subsahara’s net worth and reputation grow, the future looks bright for this unique, culturally-driven home decor brand.
Final Words:
Expedition Subsahara’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and the value of celebrating one’s cultural heritage. Though Seck’s Shark Tank pitch didn’t result in an investment, the company has achieved impressive growth and success, boasting an estimated net worth of $3 million.
By staying true to its product’s authentic, handcrafted roots and Seck’s connection to Senegalese weaving traditions, Expedition Subsahara has carved out a unique niche in the home decor market. As the brand continues to expand and evolve, it will be exciting to see how Seck’s passion for celebrating African culture continue to drive the company.
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