She arrived on Shark Tank with edible slime, candy sushi, and kids giggling through a sugar-fueled demo. But when it came to financials, the pitch melted fast.
Cricket Azima‘s colorful, hands-on candy business has been turning heads since it launched in 2021. From kids making candy jewelry to adults smearing edible paint on art paper, Cricket’s Candy Creations promises a playful, edible adventure for everyone.
But when the founder faced the Sharks in Season 16, her candy-coated charm wasn’t enough to secure a deal. In this article, we investigate the true value of the business, where it stands in 2025, and what happened after the lights of the Tank faded.
What Happened After Shark Tank?
Cricket Azima entered the Tank seeking $275,000 for 10% equity, valuing her company at $2.75 million. While the pitch was engaging and the visuals were vibrant, the Sharks became increasingly skeptical as financial questions arose.
Despite the rejection, the company experienced a post-show bounce:
- Web traffic and online sales spiked after the episode aired.
- Cricket publicly began seeking franchisees through Instagram and franchise websites.
- The NYC studio remained the backbone of the business, hosting multiple parties each weekend.
No official franchise locations have been launched yet, but the business remains operational, and its growth continues through online sales and in-person experiences.
The Woman Behind the Candy: Who Is Cricket Azima?
Cricket Azima is more than a candy entrepreneur. With a culinary degree from the Institute of Culinary Education and a Master’s in Food Studies from NYU, she has spent over 20 years combining education, food, and fun.
Before launching Cricket’s Candy Creations, she founded:
- The Creative Kitchen — teaching healthy cooking classes for kids.
- Kids Food Festival — a national event focused on nutrition education through play.
Cricket also authored several children’s cookbooks, including Everybody Eats Lunch, and served on advisory boards for food education and children’s wellness.
Her candy studio, launched during the pandemic, was born out of the success of virtual candy craft classes that became wildly popular when in-person learning stalled.
What Makes Cricket’s Candy Creations Different?
The brand doesn’t just sell candy. It sells experiences.
Here’s how it stands out:
- Interactive NYC studio: A 12,000-square-foot space with themed rooms, including an Edible Slime Studio, Chocolate Chamber, and Candy Sushi station.
- Educational value: Rooted in Cricket’s philosophy of “learning through food,” each session integrates creativity and hands-on skills.
- Candy Kits: From $44.99 to $150, these kits let users create edible slime, candy sushi, or jewelry at home.
- Inclusive for all ages: The studio and kits are marketed not only to children but also to adults who love crafting and nostalgia.
Cricket’s Candy Creations merges food with fun and learning, a niche rarely touched by traditional candy brands.
The Shark Tank Pitch: Sweet Idea Meets Financial Reality
Cricket’s Shark Tank pitch included kids demonstrating candy crafting onstage, showing how fun and unique the experience could be. However, as the Sharks dug deeper into the numbers, the presentation lost momentum.
Key concerns raised:
- Lack of financial clarity: Cricket could not provide her latest monthly sales or clear annual profit.
- Franchise plans seemed premature: She intended to launch franchises in January, but had no data to show viability.
- Confusion about focus: Was she selling kits, franchising, or running a local experience? Even the Sharks weren’t sure.
What the Sharks said:
- Kevin O’Leary: “You need to know your numbers.”
- Mark Cuban: “You’re not ready to franchise.”
- Lori Greiner: Loved the idea but said Cricket needed a strong partner to manage business ops.
Despite the rejection, the segment served as powerful marketing.
Customer Sentiment: What Are People Saying?
Reviews across various platforms reflect a generally positive response:
- Customers praise the creativity of kits like Candy Jewelry and Edible Slime, as well as in-studio experiences, though specific ratings are not publicly detailed.
- Reddit: Mixed opinions — some loved the concept, others criticized pricing or lack of polish.
The company has strong engagement on:
- Social platforms like TikTok and Instagram, which show high engagement among parents.
While the product resonates with families and educators, critics question its long-term value and scalability.
The Franchise Gamble: Vision or Overreach?
Franchising has been a major goal for Cricket, but it comes with big risks. While the NYC studio works well under her leadership, replicating that energy and quality nationwide is a challenge.
As of 2025:
- Franchise applications are open, but no new locations have been confirmed.
- Promotional materials emphasize a “proven business model,” yet no published unit economics are available.
To succeed, the company will need to:
- Build training systems
- Offer franchisees strong support
- Ensure financial transparency
Cricket’s passion is undeniable, but franchising requires structure and a replicable system. These remain in development.
Risks, Roadblocks, and Redemption
Cricket’s Candy Creations faces several key challenges:
- Lack of a clear profit model revealed on national TV
- Franchising too early without evidence of scalability
- Mixed customer expectations, especially at premium price points
- Competition from DIY kit companies and experiential children’s brands
However, there are equally strong opportunities:
- Strong media exposure and influencer partnerships
- A loyal customer base for birthday parties and events
- Cricket’s credibility as an educator and culinary expert
If the company can match its creativity with business rigor, it has the potential to thrive.
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Final Verdict: A Business With Bite, But Needs Backbone
Cricket’s Candy Creations is more than a candy company. It’s a playground of creativity, built by someone who truly believes in joyful, edible learning. But Shark Tank revealed a painful truth: vision needs structure.
With a founder who lives and breathes her brand, the company still has plenty of room to grow. The next step? Finding the right financial and operational partners who can help bring that vision to life across the country.
For now, it remains a delightfully messy, sugar-sprinkled gem with big dreams, and a lesson for all founders: know your numbers as well as you know your mission.
FAQs
What is Cricket’s Candy Creations net worth in 2025?
Cricket’s Candy Creations has an estimated net worth of $3.5 million in 2025, based on its revenue from the NYC studio, candy kit sales, and brand exposure following Shark Tank.
Did Cricket’s Candy Creations get a deal on Shark Tank?
No, Cricket Azima did not receive an offer. All five Sharks passed on the opportunity, citing unclear financials and concerns about premature franchising.
Is Cricket’s Candy Creations still in business?
Yes, the company is still active in 2025. The NYC studio is operational and kits are available online and on Amazon.
Where can I buy Cricket’s Candy Creations kits?
You can purchase their kits through the official website and on Amazon. Prices range from $44.99 to $150 depending on the kit type.
Can I visit the Cricket’s Candy Creations studio?
Yes, the flagship studio is located at 157 Chambers Street, New York City. Tickets for candy crafting sessions can be booked online.
Is franchising available for Cricket’s Candy Creations?
The company has opened applications for franchising, but no additional franchise locations have been confirmed as of 2025.
TL;DR
Cricket’s Candy Creations, valued at $2.75M on Shark Tank, grows via NYC studio parties & kits. Post-rejection, it eyes franchises.
