Shark Tank 2 has opened up a massive platform for all the budding entrepreneurs who came looking for funds for their dream projects. Irrespective of the fact, whether they have received the money or not, the kind of fame that they have got on the platform has been absolutely immense. The glam that comes with arrival on the big screen eventually results in a staggering shoot-up in sales, considering the fact that the product has a solid base.
However, in a move that is shocking contrapuntal to the one point that we were so vehemently talking about, a participant in the episode of Shark Tank 2, Yushika Jolly who came seeking for funds, pitching her semi-permanent dye for hair going by the name of ‘Birds of Pardyes’ on the show, somehow it has been quite a vertiginous descent in the numbers that she has chronicled ever since her appearance on the business reality show.
She arrived on the show with her husband, Siddharth Raghuvanshi who is also the co-founder of the brand. Yushika posted a lengthy note after the episode where she was shocked about the fact that there was a incessant vitriol that she was being subjected to wherein her husband has been highly lauded ever since they were aired on ST S2.
Here is what Yushika Jolly’s post had to say:
In a post made by Yushika, she mentioned, “”Aftermath of #sharktankindiaseason2 Ep.9:
- HATE MESSAGES. LOTS OF THEM.
I’m starting to believe that we, as a country, despise women for being assertive and having opinions. In the last 48 hours, I have been called “rude,” “smug,” “manupulative,” “greedy,” , “bitch” and “unprofessional.” Hate messages abound in my DMs, in the comments on my personal page, and even on my brands’ page. I draw attention to the gender prejudice because, in contrast, my husband, who is also the co-founder, is getting praised for his excellent negotiating skills and his smile (which I do agree with).” - QUESTIONS ON MY BUSINESS ACUMEN. After we chose not to accept Peyush’s offer of 1% (a tough decision), a lot of people questioned that decision. As a founder, I’d like to believe I know my business better than any keyboard warrior. We decided to go with Aman and Vineeta for 2% at that time since we thought they were better suited to our needs. We could have chosen Peyush if we were truly that “greedy.” In my last post, I have defended my motivations. After analysing the situation in the tank, I made a calculated choice to lower our cap from 3% to 2%, which I believe was a good demonstration of opportunity x negotiation. And for everyone asking why create a mess for 1%, please go and build your own business and only then will you realise how important even 1% is. There have been a few remarks about sugar maybe acquiring paradyes in the future; all I’m asking is that you review our unit economics.
- EXPONENTIAL INTEREST IN MY DAD/BROTHER’S BUSINESS. It’s really difficult to even address this, to be honest. For those who don’t know, I lost my father one month after starting paradyes. He was my biggest supporter and would have been the happiest to see me where I am now. I could have easily sat back, joined the family business, and enjoyed the benefits of my father’s hard work. I made the decision to create something of my own with my family’s help. We weren’t on Shark Tank for my family’s business; that wasn’t the deal. At Paradyes we have our own R&D and manufacturing setup, which was sufficient to secure the deal we proposed.
- GROWTH IN BUSINESS. One positive outcome, FINALLY. Following our airing, our sales have almost doubled on our website and in a few specific marketplaces. Our website has seen a 20x spike in traffic. Numerous distributors and detailers have contacted us. In the last two days, our Instagram has gained more than 9k followers. On a personal level, I have received over 3,000 LinkedIn requests, and my number of followers on this site has grown from 1,000 to 6,000+. All in all, I believe that being on Shark Tank will change the game for us and cause you to see us much more frequently moving forward.”
She eventually concluded, “A special thanks to all of you who have congratulated and appreciated me on my Shark Tank Outing. I’m thankful, grateful, overjoyed for the community we’ve built with @birdsofpardyes and how they’ve stood with us amidst all this noise.”
Shortly after the episode, Aman Gupta, the co-founder of BoAT, extended his support to Yushika, saying, “I was speaking to Siddharth on this. You were amazing. There aren’t many businesses where Shark fight happens like this. This shows the power of the entrepreneurs and the start up.”
He further added, “Secondly, you did really well and did what was right for your business and your customers. That’s what matters at the end of the day.”
Aman concluded by saying, “And most important, forget the chatter around. Some like to get that attention by saying negative things once you are in the public light. It’s a part of being in limelight. Ignore the negativity and happy to hear that sales are increasing and brand is getting the right traction. Focus on the positives. You be you and stay strong.”