The American business reality television series, Shark Tank, is an all-time favourite for watching how small-time entrepreneurs pitch their unique and intuitive products to a panel of billionaires and millionaires for a chance to get an investment deal.
Christina Funke Tegbe, founder of 54 Thrones, is one contestant whose body butter and black soap products got significant exposure on the show.
Tegbe made an appearance on Shark Tank in season 13 and was able to successfully negotiate a deal with judge Kevin O’Leary and guest judge Nirav Tolia. In 2021, 54 Thrones was said to have done more than $1 million in sales, with its self-care products sold at Sephora stores across the United States.
Christina’s company emphasises her proudly Nigerian heritage, and is positioned as an African beauty brand inspired by the richness, diversity, and cultures of the continent and its people.
ABOUT
A southern-American childhood rooted with the cultural essence of Nigeria, Christina grew up experiencing the true and sacred beauty of Africa. Empowered by her Nigerian aunt who would indulge her with tubs of shea butter sent via Nigeria and moved by the ingenuity and innovation across the motherland, she answered the call to share the heart and soul of Africa with the world. In 2015, she left a career in corporate consulting to launch 54 Thrones.