Gnome Advent Calendar Update | Shark Tank Season 16
The Gnome Advent Calendar captured the hearts of holiday enthusiasts with its charming, handcrafted gnome countdown calendars.
This festive startup, created by Jenna Hess, gained traction through organic social media marketing, racking up $160,000 in sales.
But would the Sharks see the potential in this holiday-inspired business?
Let’s dig into the Gnome Advent Calendar Shark Tank update, covering Jenna’s pitch, the Sharks’ reactions, and what happened after the show.
Gnome Advent Calendar’s Shark Tank Pitch Recap
Founder & Business Overview
- Entrepreneur: Jenna Hess
- Business: Gnome Advent Calendar – a festive countdown calendar featuring handcrafted Scandinavian-style gnomes
- Ask: $45,000 for 10% equity
- Result: No deal
Jenna entered the Shark Tank Season 16 stage with festive energy, presenting her unique take on advent calendars.
Her product featured high-quality, handcrafted gnomes hidden behind numbered pockets, creating excitement in the countdown to Christmas.
The lineup included:
✔ Christmas Gnome Advent Calendar (24 gnomes)
✔ Halloween Gnome Countdown Calendar (31 gnomes)
✔ Upcoming Easter & Valentine’s Day editions
Sales & Pricing Details
Jenna’s numbers impressed the Sharks:
- Revenue: $160,000 in 18 months (without paid ads)
- Sales Channels: Website & TikTok Shop
- Product Costs & Pricing:
- Christmas Calendar: $47 to make, sells for $147
- Halloween Calendar: $35 to make, sells for $135
Sharks’ Responses: Why No Deal?
| Shark | Response | Reason |
| Robert Herjavec | ❌ No offer | The business wasn’t the right fit for him |
| Lori Greiner | ❌ No offer | Thought Jenna didn’t need her help but supported the product |
| Mark Cuban | ❌ No offer | Wanted faster scalability, felt pricing was too low |
| Daymond John | ❌ No offer | Already invested in a similar gnome business |
| Kevin O’Leary | ❌ No offer | Business growth potential didn’t align with his return expectations |
Despite receiving praise for the product’s quality and profitability, the Sharks weren’t convinced that Gnome Advent Calendar was a high-growth, scalable business that fit their investment criteria.
Gnome Advent Calendar After Shark Tank: Success & Growth
Even though Jenna left without a deal, her business has grown post-Shark Tank. Let’s break down its success in key areas:
Sales & Revenue Growth
| Year | Revenue | Units Sold |
| 2023 (Pre-Shark Tank) | $160,000 | ~1,100 calendars |
| 2024 (Post-Shark Tank) | Estimated $300,000+ | 2,000+ calendars |
Jenna’s business received a boost in sales after the Shark Tank episode aired, leading to increased demand for her unique advent calendars.
Retail & Distribution Expansion
| Retail Channel | Status |
| Website | ✅ Active – main sales channel |
| TikTok Shop | ✅ Continues to drive organic sales |
| Amazon | 🚀 Expected launch in late 2025 |
| Boutique Holiday Shops | 🔄 Negotiating potential partnerships |
Jenna continues to sell primarily through direct-to-consumer (DTC) channels, which allows her to maintain profit margins and avoid retail markups.
However, expanding to Amazon and boutique stores could drive further growth.
New Product Launches & Innovations
Jenna has also expanded her product line, introducing a Halloween Gnome Countdown Calendar and planning more holiday-themed calendars:
| Product | Launch Date |
| Halloween Gnome Countdown Calendar | Pre-orders in June 2025 |
| Christmas Gnome Advent Calendar | Pre-orders in August 2025 |
| Easter & Valentine’s Day Calendars | Expected 2026 |
This strategy diversifies revenue streams beyond Christmas, ensuring year-round sales.
Key Factors Driving Gnome Advent Calendar’s Growth
Despite not securing a Shark Tank deal, Jenna’s business is thriving due to several key factors:
1. Strong Brand Identity & Niche Appeal
Jenna has created a unique product in a niche market by focusing on high-quality, handcrafted gnome calendars, attracting loyal holiday shoppers.
2. Effective Social Media Marketing
Jenna’s TikTok-driven sales strategy continues to be a powerful tool, proving that organic reach can drive significant revenue without paid advertising.
3. Direct-to-Consumer Model
Selling directly to customers allows Jenna to control pricing, maintain high-profit margins, and engage with her audience without relying on big retailers.
4. Challenges: Knockoff Products
One of the biggest struggles post-Shark Tank has been the rise of copycat products. To counteract this, Jenna is:
- Strengthening her brand’s online presence
- Exploring potential trademark protections
- Expanding product variety to stay ahead of competitors
Future of Gnome Advent Calendar
While Jenna didn’t land a Shark Tank deal, her business thrives through organic marketing, product innovation, and strong customer demand.
The Gnome Advent Calendar’s growth trajectory proves that a passionate entrepreneur with a solid product can succeed even without a Shark’s backing.
With plans to expand her product line, enter new retail markets, and combat knockoffs, Jenna is well-positioned for continued success.
Her journey offers valuable lessons for entrepreneurs:
🔹 A niche product with strong branding can create a loyal customer base
🔹 Social media (especially TikTok) can be a powerful growth tool
🔹 Retail expansion isn’t always necessary for success
As we head into the 2025 holiday season, Gnome Advent Calendar is one to watch!
What do you think of Jenna’s Shark Tank journey? Would you buy a Gnome Advent Calendar? Let us know in the comments!
