Imagine you’re rushing out the door, juggling your phone, keys, and water bottle, only to realize you have nowhere to stash your hair tie or small essentials. Instead of stuffing them in your pocket or losing them in the depths of your bag, what if your water bottle itself could help?
That’s exactly what Char Charms does. It turns plain bottles into stylish, functional accessories that keep your essentials within reach while adding a personal touch.
Charlotte Trecartin, a former University of Illinois student, experienced this struggle firsthand. With a background in business, chemistry, and exercise science, she turned a simple idea into Char Charms, a brand that combines convenience with creativity.
In 2020, she realized people carried their water bottles everywhere but had no way to customize them or store small items. What started as a basic stick-on hook has now grown into a full line of accessories.
Today, major retailers like Target, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and Urban Outfitters stock her products. To take her business to the next level, Charlotte pitched her idea on Shark Tank. Did she walk away with a deal? Let’s dive in and find out!
Char Charms Journey Before Shark Tank
Charlotte’s journey as an entrepreneur started in 2020 during her junior year of college. Like most students, she carried her water bottle everywhere. However, she often found herself frustrated with the lack of a simple way to keep track of small items like hair ties.
That’s when inspiration struck.
“One evening at home, I spontaneously had the idea that I would love to hang my hair tie from my water bottle instead of putting it on my wrist or stashing it in a pocket.”
Charlotte Trecartin
At first, school took priority, and she put the idea on hold. But in April 2021, she revisited the concept, secured a patent, and started working on prototypes.
By September 24, 2021, Char Charms officially launched. Soon after, she made her first sale. Looking for ways to grow, she turned to TikTok.
“That fall and winter, we made our first sales! As that year wrapped up, I realized that in order to really grow, I needed to join a newly popular social media app: TikTok,” she shared.
Social media became a game-changer. By 2023, Char Charms had over 50,000 TikTok followers and was gaining traction in retail.
She secured partnerships with Urban Outfitters, American Eagle, and Palmetto Moon, expanding beyond online sales.
That same year, she landed a deal with Dick’s Sporting Goods. She shipped her first batch of products from her dad’s garage.
Determined to take the brand even further, Charlotte auditioned for Shark Tank in early 2024. It wasn’t her first attempt.
“At this point, I had submitted the online application a few times, but I felt that auditioning in person would allow me to show off my personality! However, yet again, I never heard back from the show.”
Charlotte Trecartin
Even without a response from Shark Tank, Char Charms continued to grow. The biggest breakthrough came when Target placed an order for 150 pallets of products.
To meet the demand, she temporarily moved operations to a friend’s warehouse. By September 1, 2024, Char Charms officially launched in Target stores nationwide.
With business booming, she relocated to a 9,000 sq. ft. warehouse. By the end of 2024, she had made it onto the Forbes 30 Under 30 list for Retail & E-Commerce (2025).
Shark Tank Pitch Recap
Charlotte entered the Shark Tank confidently, seeking $300,000 for 10% equity, valuing Char Charms at $3 million. Right away, the Sharks wanted to know about her sales.
When Kevin O’Leary asked, Charlotte revealed, “In 2022, we made $80,000. In 2023, $250,000. This year to date, we have $6 million in purchase orders.”
@linkinbio166 Would you invest in her? #sharktank ♬ original sound – LINK IN BIO
Kendra Scott asked about profit margins. Charlotte explained, “We sell wholesale for $5 to $5.40, and it costs us between $1 to $2 to make each product.”
Impressed but looking for a bigger stake in the company, Kevin O’Leary offered $300,000 for 25% equity. Daymond John proposed $300,000 for 20% equity, later reducing it to 17.5%. Charlotte countered with 12.5% and 15%, but neither deal was accepted.
In the end, she chose to walk away without a deal. She believed in her valuation and wasn’t willing to give up more equity.
Shark Tank Update
Despite leaving without a deal, the Shark Tank effect kicked in. The exposure skyrocketed Char Charms’ website traffic and sales. Social media engagement surged.
“After the show aired, Char Charms saw a big increase in website traffic, sales, and social media exposure,” reports confirm.
With demand at an all-time high, Charlotte expanded operations. She officially moved into a 9,000 sq. ft. warehouse to keep up.
Future Plans for Char Charms
Charlotte has ambitious plans for 2025 and beyond.
“In under four years, what began with an idea about a hair tie has expanded faster than I could have ever expected, and I’m not finished!” she said.
She aims to expand Char Charms’ product line beyond water bottles. The brand plans to introduce accessories for laptops, phones, and backpacks. Retail expansion is also a priority.
Talks are underway to enter Walmart, REI, and other major stores. International expansion is on the horizon as well, starting with Canada and Europe.
Final Thoughts: The Future is Bright for Char Charms
What started as a simple idea has grown into a multi-million-dollar brand. Charlotte’s persistence, creativity, and business skills have propelled Char Charms forward, even without a Shark Tank deal.
As she continues to scale her business, it’s clear that Char Charms is on its way to becoming a household name in water bottle accessories.
We’re closely following the company to bring you valuable insights. Stay tuned for the latest updates on Char Charms!
Feature Image Credit: @abc/@christopherwillard
