54 Thrones Beauty Butter Update | Shark Tank Season 13
54 Thrones, a luxury African skincare brand, made a memorable appearance on Shark Tank Season 13, capturing the attention of both the Sharks and skincare enthusiasts.
Founded by Christina Funke Tegbe, the brand focuses on high-quality, ethically sourced beauty products inspired by African traditions.
Since its Shark Tank debut, 54 Thrones has experienced significant growth, expanding its retail presence and increasing revenue.
In this update, we’ll cover:
- The Shark Tank Pitch – Funding asks, product details, and deal outcome.
- Shark Responses – Who invested and who passed (and why)?
- Post-Shark Tank Growth – Sales milestones, retail expansion, and product launches.
- Lessons from the Journey – Factors behind the brand’s success.
54 Thrones on Shark Tank: The Pitch Recap
- Founder: Christina Funke Tegbe
- Business: African shea butter skincare brand
- Funding Ask: $250,000 for 10% equity
- Deal Secured: $250,000 for 17.5% equity
- Investing Sharks: Kevin O’Leary and Nirav Tolia
Christina’s journey to founding 54 Thrones was inspired by her travels across Africa, where she connected with local artisans producing shea butter, argan oil, and other natural beauty ingredients.
With a “Trade, not Aid mission,” she aimed to empower African communities while delivering premium skincare.
Her flagship product, Beauty Butter, is a luxurious shea butter-based body moisturizer with rich hydration properties.
The product and 54 Thrones’ ethical sourcing practices impressed the Sharks.
At the time of filming, the company had already seen impressive growth:
✔ $500,000 in revenue in 2020 (with only $8,000 spent on marketing).
✔ Projected $1 million in 2021 sales before Shark Tank aired.
✔ Products featured on Oprah’s Favorite Things.
✔ Preparing for launch in Sephora and Nordstrom.
Shark Responses: Who Invested and Why?
| Shark | Response | Reason |
| Robert Herjavec | No Offer | Not passionate about skincare. |
| Mark Cuban | No Offer | Didn’t understand the product category. |
| Lori Greiner | No Offer | Already invested in a similar business (conflict of interest). |
| Kevin O’Leary & Nirav Tolia | Accepted offer of $250,000 for 17.5% equity | Saw strong potential and scalability. |
Kevin initially hesitated, stating he wasn’t the ideal brand advocate.
However, Nirav Tolia—whose wife works with Neutrogena—expressed strong interest. He convinced Kevin to team up for the investment, leading to a successful deal.
54 Thrones Post-Shark Tank Success
Since securing a deal, 54 Thrones has flourished, expanding its retail footprint and boosting sales.
Here’s a breakdown of its key growth milestones:
1. Sales & Revenue Growth
| Year | Annual Revenue |
| 2020 | $500,000 |
| 2021 | $1 million (estimated) |
| 2023 | $1.3 million (estimated) |
With the boost from Shark Tank, 54 Thrones capitalized on increased brand awareness, leading to a surge in direct-to-consumer (DTC) and retail sales.
2. Retail Expansion & Distribution
| Retail Partner | Availability |
| Sephora | Online & in select stores |
| Nordstrom | Online & in select stores |
| Credo Beauty | Online & in select stores |
Shortly after Shark Tank, 54 Thrones launched in Sephora, marking a significant step in retail distribution.
The brand’s presence in high-end beauty stores like Nordstrom and Credo Beauty has helped solidify its reputation in the luxury skincare market.
3. Brand Recognition & Media Features
- Featured in major publications: Vogue, Glamour, Buzzfeed, Oprah’s Favorite Things.
- Active social media presence: Over 50,000 Instagram followers, leveraging influencer marketing.
- Strong brand mission resonates with consumers: The Trade, not Aid approach appeals to conscious shoppers.
4. New Product Launches & Partnerships
While 54 Thrones remains focused on its Beauty Butter and core product line, the company has hinted at new formulations and collaborations to expand its product offerings.
Given its strong positioning in the luxury skincare space, additional partnerships or exclusive collections could be on the horizon.
Why Has 54 Thrones Succeeded Post-Shark Tank?
The brand’s impressive trajectory can be attributed to several key factors:
✔ Authentic Storytelling – Christina’s passion and dedication resonate with consumers.
✔ Premium, Ethical Ingredients – High-quality African-sourced ingredients set the brand apart.
✔ Strategic Retail Partnerships – Availability in Sephora, Nordstrom, and Credo Beauty has boosted credibility and sales.
✔ Strong Profit Margins – With a $12 production cost for an $80 product, 54 Thrones has excellent profit potential.
✔ Shark Tank Exposure – The show provided credibility and visibility, driving a surge in orders.
Final Thoughts: The Future of 54 Thrones
54 Thrones has successfully leveraged its Shark Tank deal to scale its business, securing retail distribution, media attention, and a growing customer base.
With continued brand expansion and new product launches, the future looks bright for Christina Funke Tegbe’s skincare brand.
Lesson from 54 Thrones’ Journey: Authenticity, a strong mission, and a quality product can create a winning formula in the competitive beauty industry.
Would you try 54 Thrones Beauty Butter? Let us know your thoughts!
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