Meredith Jurica, a speech pathologist turned entrepreneur, founded Makeup Junkie Bags, a brand that has taken the beauty and fashion industry by storm. Appearing on Shark Tank in episode 1010, Meredith’s story is not only inspiring but a testament to the power of resilience and determination in business. As a self-proclaimed “makeup junkie,” Meredith found herself frustrated by the lack of functional, durable, and easy-to-clean makeup bags on the market. This led her to create a game-changing solution that now boasts millions in sales and over 2,000 retail locations nationwide.
Makeup Junkie Bags Net Worth
As of 2025, Makeup Junkie Bags has grown into a multi-million dollar business, with estimates suggesting a net worth of over $50 million. Meredith Jurica’s company achieved remarkable success in its early years, with over $1 million in sales within its first year and a steady upward trajectory ever since. The brand’s rapid growth, successful wholesale model, and strong retail partnerships have propelled it to impressive financial heights.
The brand’s ability to secure distribution in over 2,000 stores nationwide, along with a solid online presence, has ensured continued growth and profitability. With the introduction of new product lines, including the anticipated “man junk” bag, Makeup Junkie Bags is poised to increase its market share even further, potentially adding millions more to its net worth.
While the exact valuation may fluctuate, the combination of strong brand recognition, loyal customer base, and a scalable business model positions Meredith Jurica’s Makeup Junkie Bags for ongoing success.
Key Takeaways
- Founding Story: Meredith Jurica, a speech pathologist turned entrepreneur, founded Makeup Junkie Bags in 2016 from her kitchen table, creating a high-quality, functional makeup bag that solved common issues in the market.
- Innovative Design: The bags feature a unique design that lays flat, with a zipper that opens wide for easy access, and a waterproof, washable interior to protect against spills.
- Rapid Growth: In just two years, Makeup Junkie Bags sold over 100,000 bags and secured distribution in more than 2,000 retail stores nationwide, with a reported $1 million in sales in the first year.
- Wholesale Success: The brand’s low-risk, buy-back guarantee helped build strong relationships with wholesalers, contributing significantly to the company’s expansion.
- Net Worth: As of 2025, the estimated net worth of Makeup Junkie Bags is over $50 million, fueled by strong retail partnerships and plans for future product expansions.
- Entrepreneurial Drive: Meredith’s relentless work ethic and strategic business decisions have been key to her success, and her goal is to take the business even further with the help of strategic partnerships.
The Birth of Makeup Junkie Bags
In 2016, Meredith and her husband started their venture in their Houston-area kitchen, where they handcrafted the first versions of their now-famous makeup bags. With guidance from her mother-in-law, who taught her how to sew, Meredith quickly perfected the design. The bags were different from anything else available at the time: they lay flat on a table, feature a center zipper that opens wide for easy access, and are both waterproof and washable, ensuring they’re spill-resistant inside and out.
By focusing on functionality and quality, Meredith created a product that solved a real problem for makeup enthusiasts. The bags are not only practical but also stylish, combining form and function in a way that appealed to women everywhere.
From Kitchen Table to Million-Dollar Business
What sets Makeup Junkie Bags apart is Meredith’s entrepreneurial drive. She quickly realized that she needed more than just a great product—she needed a solid business strategy. By reinvesting all profits back into the business, Meredith grew the brand rapidly. Within just four months, she outgrew her kitchen and had to rent workspace to keep up with demand. Today, her bags are sold in over 2,000 stores across the United States.
A major factor in the brand’s success is its wholesale model. Meredith approached seamstresses on a per-bag basis, ensuring quality and flexibility while keeping costs manageable. This model has allowed the brand to scale quickly without taking on massive financial risks. Makeup Junkie Bags offers a unique “buy-back guarantee” to wholesalers, which has helped build strong relationships and trust in the industry. As a result, the brand achieved over $1 million in sales within its first year.
Challenges and Growth
While rapid growth is exciting, it brings its own set of challenges. Meredith’s determination, however, has been the driving force behind her success. She learned quickly on the job, delving into the complexities of wholesale and business expansion. By year two, she had sold over 100,000 bags and grown her team to 70 employees. Makeup Junkie Bags is now a well-established name in the industry.
Yet, despite this success, Meredith acknowledges that the company is still in its early stages of growth. She has big plans for the future and is looking for a strategic partner to help take the brand to the next level. With aspirations to expand beyond makeup bags, she plans to introduce a “man junk” bag to cater to a broader audience, though this product is still in development.
My Thoughts on Makeup Junkie Bags
As a non-customer and someone who doesn’t use makeup, I find myself admiring Meredith’s entrepreneurial spirit. Her determination and ability to scale a business from a kitchen table operation to a million-dollar brand is nothing short of inspiring. While I may not personally benefit from the product, I see the immense value Makeup Junkie Bags provides to its target market.
What stands out to me is Meredith’s ability to brand and market her product effectively. By focusing on wholesaling and building strong relationships with retail partners, she not only grew her business quickly but also set the stage for long-term success. With women continuing to invest in beauty products, there’s no doubt that the brand has room to expand further.
What’s Next for Makeup Junkie Bags?
Given the increasing demand for high-quality and functional makeup bags, Makeup Junkie Bags has plenty of potential for further growth. In the coming years, Meredith plans to introduce additional products, including the highly anticipated “man junk” bag. With her track record of success, it’s clear that she has the right approach to continue scaling her brand.
Will the Sharks Make a Deal?
Given that Makeup Junkie Bags is a woman-driven business with impressive growth, it’s likely that all the Shark Tank Sharks, especially the “Sharkettes,” will be keen to invest. Mr. Wonderful, a big supporter of women-run businesses, might also see the value in supporting this brand, particularly given the potential for future growth and expansion. As the business stands, I’m confident Meredith will secure a deal, as she exemplifies all the qualities the Sharks look for in an entrepreneur—vision, determination, and a scalable business model.
Conclusion
Makeup Junkie Bags is a prime example of how a well-executed idea, combined with hard work and determination, can lead to incredible success. Meredith Jurica’s journey from speech pathologist to thriving entrepreneur is a testament to the power of passion and perseverance. Whether or not you use makeup, her story is one worth celebrating. And with the Sharks potentially on board, the future looks bright for Makeup Junkie Bags.
