The Lip Bar, a vegan and cruelty-free beauty brand founded by Melissa Butler in 2012, went on Shark Tank in 2015, Because of Them We Can reports. Butler and her business partner, Rosco Spears, gave an impassioned pitch about the brand, which was already making a name for itself in Butler’s hometown of Detroit.

They talked about their triumphs and challenges, which were mainly distribution. Butler and Spears hoped to launch a “Lip Bar Mobile” that would help bring their products to out-of-reach customers, and they asked the investors for $125,000 for a 20% stake in the company.

The investors questioned their numbers and marketing strategy and ultimately told Spears and Butler to abandon their business idea.

The Lip Bar has since gone on to become a major player in the beauty industry. It recently celebrated its 10-year anniversary, mentioning that it has sold 2 million units, Because of Them We Can reports.

The Lip Bar

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