Kobee’s offers 100% natural, eco-friendly lip balms and skincare products. Discover clean beauty with simple, sustainable ingredients that care for your lips and the planet!
Many lip balms are packed with artificial ingredients and come in packaging that harms the environment. Kobe Harris saw an opportunity to create something better, so he introduced Kobee’s—a brand offering 100% natural, handmade, eco-friendly lip balms. These balms treat your lips and the planet with care. Using only simple, edible ingredients, Kobe created a product that consumers can feel good about.
Did he secure the investment he hoped for from the Sharks? Let’s dive into Kobee’s update and pitch recap.
Key Takeaways:
- Kobee’s Mission: Founded by Kobe Harris, Kobee’s offers 100% natural, handmade, and eco-friendly lip balms and skincare products made with simple, edible ingredients.
- Shark Tank Appearance: Despite not securing a deal on Shark Tank Season 16, Kobee’s experienced a significant sales boost following the exposure.
- Product Expansion: The brand expanded its product line to include lip scrubs, cuticle butter, hand salves, and an SPF 15 lip balm.
- Impressive Growth: From $30,000 in its first year to projected $3.5–$4 million in annual revenue, Kobee’s continues to grow with a focus on sustainability and high-quality products.
- Commitment to Sustainability: The company donates a portion of its profits to environmental organizations, aligning with its mission to care for both customers and the planet.
Quick Recap of Kobee’s Journey After Shark Tank
Kobe appeared on Shark Tank in Season 16 to pitch his eco-conscious beauty brand, Kobee’s. He was seeking $300,000 for a 6% equity stake in the company. Unfortunately, despite his strong pitch, Kobe did not secure a deal.
However, after his appearance on the show, Kobee’s experienced a significant uptick in sales. The brand also expanded its product offerings to include items such as a lip scrub, an overnight lip mask, and an SPF 15 lip balm.
| Shark | Results |
| Kevin O’Leary | Offered $300,000 for 15% equity |
| Mark Cuban | Declined to make an offer |
| Kendra Scott: | No offer |
| Daymond John | No offer |
| Lori Greiner: | No offer |
The Genesis of Kobee’s: A Passion for Natural Beauty
Kobe Harris founded Kobee’s with a simple yet powerful vision: to provide consumers with eco-friendly and clean beauty products that didn’t compromise on quality. Frustrated by the prevalence of synthetic ingredients in most lip balms and the harmful environmental impact of conventional packaging, Kobe decided to take matters into his own hands. He created a line of lip balms that are 100% natural, handmade, and packaged sustainably.
What sets Kobee’s apart is the use of simple, edible ingredients—beeswax, coconut oil, sunflower seed oil, and mango butter—that consumers can actually recognize. The formulations do not contain artificial fragrances, parabens, or harmful chemicals. The brand prioritizes transparency, ensuring that customers know exactly what they are putting on their skin. The ingredients are sourced from ethical suppliers, and the production process adheres to eco-conscious principles.
The brand’s commitment to sustainability goes beyond just the ingredients. Kobee’s packaging is also environmentally friendly, reducing waste and using recyclable materials wherever possible. This eco-conscious approach resonates with a growing number of consumers who are prioritizing sustainability in their purchasing decisions.
Kobee’s on Shark Tank: The Pitch
Kobee’s Pitch Overview:
- Entrepreneur: Kobe Harris
- Business: Eco-conscious, clean beauty
- Investment Sought: $300,000 for 6% equity
- Result: No deal
- Sharks: None made an offer
In 2023, Kobe Harris took his brand to the next level by appearing on Shark Tank Season 16, hoping to secure an investment to help grow his business. The pitch was an opportunity for Kobe to showcase his eco-conscious beauty brand to a panel of seasoned investors (the “Sharks”) and to secure the funding needed to expand his reach.
Kobe asked for an investment of $300,000 in exchange for 6% equity in the company. His goal was to use the investment to scale the brand, with a focus on increasing online marketing efforts and breaking into retail spaces. He emphasized the strong margins of his business—each lip balm costs just $0.26 to produce, but it sells for $5, allowing for a profit margin of approximately 98%.
Kobe’s pitch highlighted the growth of the business, which had seen impressive sales figures in its first few years:
- Year 1: $30,000 in sales
- Year 2: $200,000 in sales
- Year 3: $864,000 in sales
At the time of his Shark Tank appearance, Kobee’s was on track to generate between $3.5 and $4 million in revenue for the current year. Lip balms represented 75% of sales, with the remaining 25% coming from other products like lotion bars, lip scrubs, and cuticle butter.
Despite his compelling pitch and impressive numbers, the outcome of Kobe’s appearance on Shark Tank was not as expected. None of the Sharks were willing to make an offer that suited Kobe’s vision. While Kevin O’Leary offered $300,000 for 15% equity, Kobe declined, countering with a proposal for 10% equity. Ultimately, Kobe chose not to give up that much equity, and the deal fell through.
However, this was far from the end of the road for Kobee’s. In fact, the exposure from Shark Tank was a catalyst for the brand’s growth.
Post-Shark Tank: A Surge in Sales and Brand Expansion
Despite not securing a deal on Shark Tank, Kobee’s experienced a remarkable surge in sales following the episode’s airing. As the brand gained more exposure, consumers flocked to the website and Amazon to purchase Kobee’s products, leading to an immediate boost in revenue. The increased visibility allowed the company to expand its product offerings, providing customers with a wider range of eco-friendly beauty essentials.
One of the key products launched after the Shark Tank appearance was the SPF 15 Lip Balm, priced at $9. This product not only provides hydration but also offers protection from the harmful effects of UV rays, making it a must-have for consumers who want to care for their lips while also protecting them from the sun’s rays. The introduction of the SPF lip balm was a strategic move that helped Kobee’s tap into a larger customer base, including those interested in skincare products with added benefits.
In addition to the SPF lip balm, Kobee’s expanded its product lineup to include:
- $18 Cuticle Butter: A nourishing treatment for dry cuticles and nails.
- $12 Hand Salve: A soothing balm for dry, cracked hands.
- $24 Overnight Lip Mask: A deeply hydrating mask that works while you sleep.
- $12 Lip Scrub: A gentle exfoliator for smooth, soft lips.
- $10 Lotion Bar: A solid, portable lotion bar for on-the-go moisturizing.
These new products not only helped diversify the brand’s offerings but also solidified its position in the clean beauty space as a brand that genuinely cares about the health of both the consumer and the environment.
The Financials Behind Kobee’s Success
Kobee’s financials are a testament to the viability of a clean beauty brand built on simple, natural ingredients. According to the latest reports, the company is on track to generate $3.5 to $4 million in revenue for the year. The brand’s success is largely attributed to its strong profit margins, high customer acquisition rates, and effective marketing strategies.
The cost to produce each lip balm is incredibly low, at just $0.26. With a retail price of $5, Kobee’s enjoys a healthy profit margin of nearly 98%, which allows the brand to reinvest in advertising, product development, and expansion efforts.
Kobee’s marketing strategy has also played a crucial role in its growth. The brand has successfully utilized social media and online marketing to reach a wider audience. The company spends between $2.50 and $3 in advertising for every $1 spent, making it a highly effective strategy for customer acquisition. The customer acquisition cost (CAC) is around $14–$15, which is relatively low compared to other brands in the beauty industry. This means that Kobee’s is effectively driving sales while maintaining solid profitability.
Kobee’s Core Values: Transparency, Sustainability, and Quality
At the heart of Kobee’s is a commitment to transparency, sustainability, and quality. These core values guide every decision the company makes—from the ingredients used in its products to the packaging materials it chooses.
- Transparency: Kobee’s believes that consumers deserve to know exactly what is in the products they are using. That’s why every ingredient is listed clearly on the packaging, and there are no hidden additives. The company prides itself on using easily recognizable ingredients, and it is dedicated to educating customers about the benefits of each ingredient.
- Sustainability: Sustainability is a core value at Kobee’s, and this is reflected in every aspect of the business. From the natural ingredients to the eco-friendly packaging, Kobee’s strives to minimize its environmental impact. Additionally, the brand is committed to giving back by supporting environmental organizations like One Tree Planted, The Alliance for the Great Lakes, and Our Children’s Earth Foundation.
- Quality: Quality is non-negotiable at Kobee’s. Each product is handmade with care, ensuring that every customer receives a product that meets the brand’s high standards. Whether it’s the lip balm, hand salve, or overnight lip mask, every product is designed to deliver a premium experience for the consumer.
The Future of Kobee’s: Growth, Innovation, and Impact
As Kobee’s continues to grow, the brand remains focused on its mission to provide clean, natural, and sustainable beauty products. The future looks bright for Kobee’s, with plans to expand its product range, increase its retail presence, and continue to support environmental causes.
The brand’s commitment to sustainability and transparency will continue to set it apart in the crowded beauty industry. As consumers increasingly demand more eco-conscious products, Kobee’s is well-positioned to lead the way in the clean beauty space. With a loyal customer base, a strong online presence, and a growing range of products, Kobee’s is poised for continued success in the years to come.
Conclusion: Kobee’s Success Story
Kobee Harris’s journey from founding Kobee’s to appearing on Shark Tank and experiencing a surge in sales is a testament to the power of passion, innovation, and sustainability. Despite not securing an investment in Shark Tank, Kobee’s has thrived, expanding its product offerings and growing its revenue. The brand’s commitment to using simple, natural ingredients and eco-friendly packaging has resonated with consumers, leading to impressive sales and a strong market presence.
As Kobee’s looks toward the future, it is clear that the brand will continue to be a leader in the clean beauty movement. With its focus on quality, sustainability, and transparency, Kobee’s is setting a new standard for beauty products and inspiring others in the industry to follow suit. The company’s success is a shining example of how a small, passion-driven business can make a big impact on the world.
For the latest updates from Shark Tank Season 16, Episode 3, explore the links below:
Before you go, make sure to check out our list of all the Shark Tank Season 16 products.
