When I discovered Kimberly Aya and her cake rental business, Fun Cakes, was going to appear on Shark Tank (Episode 606), I couldn’t contain my excitement. Kimberly isn’t just an entrepreneur; she’s a long-time reader of THE Shark Tank Blog and even won one of the many contests we’ve held over the years. During my interview with her, she shared that she’d never won anything before—not even a raffle ticket. That makes her Shark Tank appearance feel like her biggest win yet.
What is Fun Cakes?
Fun Cakes is a one-of-a-kind concept. Despite the name, there’s no actual cake involved. Kimberly, a seasoned baker and cake artist, offers faux cake rentals made of Styrofoam. These stunning, multi-tiered creations are meticulously decorated to resemble elegant, high-end cakes, but they come at a fraction of the cost. Weddings account for 75%-80% of her business, though she caters to other special events and corporate clients as well.
Here’s how it works: Instead of spending $800 or more on a traditional multi-layered wedding cake, you can rent a Fun Cake for as little as $200. Pair that with a simple $20-$30 sheet cake to serve your guests, and you’ve just saved hundreds of dollars—savings that could be put toward your honeymoon, venue upgrades, or other priorities.
The concept is gaining traction quickly. Beyond weddings, Fun Cakes handles a growing number of corporate events, and their creations have been shipped as far as Australia. While some local bakeries may dabble in cake rentals, Fun Cakes is the only business offering a fully online ordering experience with nationwide shipping.
The Journey to Shark Tank
Kimberly’s journey to Shark Tank is as unique as her business model. Her application was creative, and compelling, and got results—aspiring entrepreneurs should take notes! With seven years in business, Kimberly has streamlined her operations and mastered logistics, positioning Fun Cakes as a leader in the niche cake rental market.
Why Cake Rentals Make Sense
As someone who’s been through the wedding planning process, I can appreciate the appeal of cake rentals. Weddings are expensive, and saving $600-$800 on something as fleeting as a cake seems like a no-brainer. Kimberly’s innovative solution offers couples the opportunity to have their dream wedding cake at a fraction of the cost, without compromising on style or presentation.
Fun Cakes recently revamped its website, transitioning to Shopify to prepare for the anticipated “Shark Tank Effect.” The platform’s reliability ensures the site can handle increased traffic, and Kimberly has scaled up her staff in preparation for what she hopes will be a wave of new customers.
Will the Sharks Bite?
Kimberly’s success speaks for itself. Fun Cakes averages 100-150 cake rentals monthly, generating at least $22,500 in monthly revenue. Her largest order to date—a staggering 350 cakes for a cosmetics manufacturer—demonstrates the scalability of her business.
The key questions for the Sharks will be about valuation, sales, and scalability. With her established track record and clear vision, Kimberly has a strong case to present.
Speculating the Sharks’ Interest
Mark Cuban: Known for backing smart entrepreneurs with a proven business model, Mark might see potential in Fun Cakes’ online scalability.
Robert Herjavec: Given the internet-based nature of the business, Robert could also express interest.
Daymond John: He may see this as a unique opportunity to diversify his portfolio, especially with the business’s growing brand appeal.
Barbara Corcoran: Barbara is particularly intriguing here. One of her biggest Shark Tank successes, Daisy Cakes, involves shipping real cakes online. While Fun Cakes doesn’t compete directly, Barbara’s expertise in the space could make her a perfect partner.
Kevin O’Leary: Mr. Wonderful’s penchant for royalties might lead him to pitch a per-rental deal. However, Kimberly’s creativity and execution could persuade him that Fun Cakes is better as a collaborative effort rather than a royalty-based one.
A Sweet Future for Fun Cakes
Kimberly is already thinking big. Her next goal is to open a second location in Las Vegas, which hosts around 300 weddings daily. A Las Vegas hub would reduce shipping costs for West Coast customers and tap into a lucrative, high-volume market.
Conclusion
Fun Cakes is more than just an innovative business—it’s a solution that offers value, practicality, and creativity to couples and event planners alike. Combining her artistic expertise with savvy business practices, Kimberly Aya has carved out a niche in the competitive events industry. Whether or not the Sharks invest, Kimberly’s journey on Shark Tank is a testament to her determination and vision.
As wedding and event trends evolve, Fun Cakes is poised to remain a standout option for those seeking elegance without the hefty price tag. Kimberly’s commitment to providing a budget-friendly alternative has not only saved people money but also reshaped the way we think about event planning. For brides, grooms, and corporations across the globe, Fun Cakes is truly the icing on the cake.
