In 2025, Balm Chicky Balm Balm is no longer in business. Once hailed for its clever “Friend End” lip balm concept, the company’s journey after Shark Tank was brief but memorable. The company shut down just a year after making its national retail debut.
This article explores why the business couldn’t scale, how the founders responded, and what happened after the lights of Shark Tank faded.
Growth, setbacks, and the founder’s role today
At first, Balm Chicky Balm Balm looked like a breakout success. Co-founders Elizabeth Moskow and Abby Schwalb created a retro-themed lip balm with a twist-literally in 2008. Their patented “Friend End” design allowed users to share lip balm hygienically. The product had clever flavors like “Hot Chocolate Love” and a bold brand rooted in ‘70s nostalgia.
The product even made it into 378 Target stores after the Shark Tank episode aired. But despite the early buzz, Balm Chicky Balm Balm struggled to maintain sales volume. According to multiple sources, total sales before Shark Tank were under $17,000, and even post-show retail distribution couldn’t keep the brand afloat.
After the company shut down in 2016, Elizabeth Moskow stayed active in the food innovation and startup space. She launched a new concept called The Improv Kitchen Show, blending culinary creativity with media storytelling. Abby Schwalb, however, has kept a lower public profile.
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The Shark Tank deal: What happened?
During Shark Tank Season 6, Episode 17, Elizabeth and Abby asked for $75,000 in exchange for 20% equity. The pitch was entertaining and energetic, matching the brand’s quirky style.
However, none of the Sharks invested. Millionaire investor Kevin O’Leary dismissed the product as a “nothing-burger,” and others questioned the market size and customer retention.
“You don’t have enough traction to get real interest here,” Kevin O’Leary told the founders. “It’s a novelty, not a business.”
The deal did not close, and the company received no further funding through the show.
Balm Chicky Balm Balm Shark Tank pitch Summary
| Product | A sharable lip balm |
| Episode | Season 06 Episode 17 |
| Company name | Balm Chicky Balm Balm |
| Founders | Liz Moskow and Abby Schwalb |
| Asked for | $75,000 offer for 20% equity |
| Final deal | No deal |
| Shark | No shark |
| Location | Portland, Oregon |
Why did the founder walk away?
The founders remained active after the show, securing distribution through Target and gaining some media exposure. However, as the initial momentum waned, they struggled to maintain retail partnerships and were unable to scale their direct-to-consumer sales.
Without a Shark’s mentorship or additional capital, the product couldn’t evolve beyond its original novelty appeal. The company eventually shut down operations by 2016.
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What went wrong?
The biggest issue was scalability. While the idea was clever and the branding fun, lip balm is a saturated market. Customers often choose trusted, affordable brands. The dual-end design, while innovative, likely increased production costs without delivering proportional sales volume.
The novelty factor wasn’t enough to support repeat purchases. And without a Shark to open doors or extend runway, Balm Chicky Balm Balm faded fast.
“We learned fast that retail doesn’t guarantee sales. It just guarantees shelf space,” Elizabeth later said in an interview with Improv Kitchen.
What’s next for the founder in the future?
Elizabeth Moskow has built a strong profile as a food trend analyst, creative director, and innovation consultant. Her work through The Improv Kitchen continues to focus on storytelling and brand development, using lessons from Balm Chicky Balm Balm to inform future ventures.
She’s also been featured on panels about women-led startups and innovation in consumer goods.
Abby Schwalb’s post-business journey isn’t as public, and she appears to have stepped back from media and entrepreneurship.
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Could Balm Chicky Balm make a comeback?
While unlikely, the brand still holds nostalgic value for Shark Tank fans. The patented “Friend End” concept was one-of-a-kind, and the playful packaging could resonate with Gen Z if reintroduced through influencer marketing or niche subscription boxes.
But for now, no relaunch or rebrand is in the works. It remains one of Shark Tank’s most colorful flops.
TL;DR
Despite landing in 378 Target stores post-Shark Tank, the business shut down by 2016.
FAQs
What was Balm Chicky Balm Balm’s Shark Tank ask?
They asked for $75,000 in exchange for 20% equity during Season 6, Episode 17.
Did any Shark invest in Balm Chicky Balm Balm?
No. All five Sharks passed on the opportunity during the pitch.
Is Balm Chicky Balm Balm still in business in 2025?
No. The business shut down around 2016 despite initial retail success after Shark Tank.
What is Balm Chicky Balm Balm’s net worth in 2025?
As of 2025, the business has a net worth of $0, since it is no longer operating.
What happened to the founders?
Elizabeth Moskow moved on to new ventures in food innovation. Abby Schwalb’s current activities are not publicly confirmed.
Why did the business shut down?
After an initial retail boost, the business struggled to scale and maintain revenue, leading to its closure by 2016.
