Imagine your child getting ready for a costume party, eager to add some sparkle to their look. But there’s a problem, traditional glitter is messy, full of plastic, and harmful to the environment. That’s where Glitter Girl comes in.
This eco-friendly, biodegradable glitter brand lets kids (and adults) shine without the guilt. Created by young entrepreneur Sophia Rizzo, Glitter Girl proves that beauty and sustainability can go hand in hand.
At just 16 years old, Sophia has built a six-figure business from a childhood passion. What started as a small idea, selling glitter to her school friends, has turned into a thriving e-commerce brand with a loyal fan base.
With the support of her mother, Megan Rizzo, Sophia has turned Glitter Girl into more than just a product. It has become a movement. And when they stepped into Shark Tank Australia, they were ready to take their business to the next level.
Glitter Girl Journey Before Shark Tank
Sophia’s love for glitter began early, but she wasn’t happy with the impact it had on the environment. So, at just nine years old, she decided to create a sustainable alternative.
With her parents’ help, she started Glitter Girl, a brand dedicated to biodegradable, vegan-friendly glitter and makeup.
Her journey began simply, selling small glitter pots to her school friends. As demand grew, her parents helped her set up a website. Soon, her little business turned into a full-scale operation.
“I started selling little pots of glitter to my friends at school,” Sophia shared. “Now, we have a warehouse and send out hundreds of orders a week.”
Key Milestones:
âś… $980,000 in total sales since launching
âś… $240,000 in sales in the past year alone
âś… Expanded from glitter pots to a full makeup and accessories line
âś… Built a strong social media following, spreading the sparkle worldwide
Sophia’s mother, Megan, played a big role in helping her grow the brand. She even quit her job to manage the business full-time.
“I don’t think it was an easy decision, but we trusted her. She knows her demographic, she knows what kids her age want,” Megan explained.
The Shark Tank Pitch: Glitter Girl’s Big Moment
Walking into the Shark Tank Australia studio, Sophia (16) and her mother Megan were ready to impress the investors. They introduced Glitter Girl’s Stardust Shimmer Puff, a sparkly, eco-friendly shimmer ball that instantly caught the Sharks’ attention.
Sophia confidently asked for $60,000 in exchange for a 10% stake in the company. She shared Glitter Girl’s impressive growth. It had evolved from a school project into a full-fledged brand.
The Sharks loved her passion and drive. “She was an extremely determined little girl back then with a tiny little idea, and she’s still super determined to make this an amazing business.”
Everything was going well, until the Sharks asked about profit margins.
Sophia and Megan hesitated. When Megan tried to answer, she stumbled. “You know…” she began, but Sophia didn’t have the numbers ready.
That moment changed everything. The Sharks, though impressed by Sophia’s vision, couldn’t overlook the uncertainty in the financials. Without clear profit figures, they felt it was too risky to invest.
As they left without a deal, Megan whispered, “Sorry.” But with her trademark optimism, Sophia simply whispered back, “It’s okay.”
Though disappointing, their Shark Tank experience was a lesson in business growth. More importantly, it showed Sophia’s resilience and determination.
Glitter Girl Shark Tank Update
Despite not securing a deal, Glitter Girl’s popularity skyrocketed after the episode aired. Their website traffic surged, bringing in new customers and boosting sales.
Sophia didn’t let the setback slow her down. Instead, she focused on growing her brand and giving back to the community.
One of her biggest achievements was securing a sponsorship deal for the 2024 Gold Coast Bulletin Young Woman of the Year Award. She had won this award two years earlier.
“We’re super excited to support the next generation of young women who have ideas just like me.”
Sophia
Glitter Girl continued expanding, proving that one missed opportunity doesn’t mean failure.
The Future of Glitter Girl
Glitter Girl’s journey is far from over. Sophia and her team have big plans, including:
- Launching new eco-friendly glitter and cosmetic products
- Expanding into international markets
- Collaborating with brands and influencers
- Mentoring young entrepreneurs
With her vision, creativity, and determination, Sophia is on track to make Glitter Girl a global brand.
Final Thoughts: A Bright Future Ahead
Glitter Girl’s success story is proof that age is no barrier to success. Sophia turned a small idea into a business worth nearly a million dollars, all before turning 18.
Even though she didn’t land a deal on Shark Tank, her journey is an inspiration. She’s built a thriving brand, created eco-friendly beauty products, and continues to empower young entrepreneurs.
As Sophia wisely said, “If you support kids and listen to them, you never know where it can take you.”
