In the first season of Shark Tank, entrepreneur Rikki Farrar brought a heartfelt business idea to the panel. Her company, Good Grief Celebrations, aimed to transform traditional funerals into personalized celebrations of life.
The idea was unique, emotional, and deeply personal.
But despite the moving pitch, the Sharks didn’t invest. By 2025, the company is no longer active. So what really happened to Good Grief after Shark Tank?
This article breaks down the full journey from the pitch that moved the room to the quiet fade of a business that tried to change how we say goodbye.
The Vision Behind Good Grief Celebrations
Founded in 2008 by Rikki Farrar, Good Grief was created to offer families an alternative to traditional, somber funerals. The business focused on:
- Writing personalized eulogies
- Organizing celebrations of life
- Offering officiating and event planning services
Inspired by her own experience planning her mother’s funeral, Rikki wanted to bring more warmth and personalization into the grieving process.
The concept resonated with viewers but raised questions about profitability and scale.
Good Grief Pitch on Shark Tank (Quick Info Card).
| Company name | Good Grief |
| Product | Funeral concierge service |
| Episode | Season 01 Episode 05 |
| Founder | Rikki Farrar |
| Asked for | $50,000 for 25% equity |
| Final deal | No deal |
| Shark | None |
| Location | USA |
What Happened on Shark Tank
Rikki appeared in Season 1, Episode 5 (2009), asking for $50,000 in exchange for 25 percent equity, valuing her company at $200,000.
The pitch was met with polite curiosity, but the Sharks had doubts.
“I love the idea. I just don’t see how it scales or how I make my money back,” said Daymond John.
Kevin O’Leary added a now-famous line:
“People are dying to get in. But I’m not dying to invest.”
Each of the Sharks, Kevin O’Leary, Robert Herjavec, Barbara Corcoran, Kevin Harrington, and Daymond John declined to invest.
What Happened After the Show
Unlike many Shark Tank products that experience a massive surge in sales, Good Grief Celebrations saw minimal post-show traction.
- No viral moment or media coverage followed
- No increase in public engagement was reported
- The business did not secure outside funding
By 2011, the Good Grief website had gone offline and the company appeared to have quietly shut down.
There was no “Shark Tank effect” for this brand.
Why Good Grief Shut Down
Despite a compelling mission, Good Grief faced two major business challenges:
- Scalability: Personal funeral planning requires a high-touch approach, making it difficult to scale nationally.
- Market Fit: In 2009, families were still relying heavily on traditional funeral homes. The timing for a disruptive service model wasn’t ideal.
Without investor support or strong customer traction, the business slowly dissolved.
Where Is the Founder Now
After closing Good Grief Celebrations, Rikki Farrar returned to the marketing industry. According to available records, she served as Director of Marketing at The Cake Doctor Company in 2013.
As of 2025:
- She has not launched any new public startups
- She maintains a low online and media presence
- No current business ventures are publicly linked to her
Rikki’s idea was ahead of its time. Today, personalization in the death care industry is gaining momentum, but back then, the market wasn’t ready.
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Investor Reactions and Why They Walked Away
Though Rikki’s story touched the Sharks, each investor had concerns.
- Kevin Harrington questioned how the service could scale without relying on Rikki herself.
- Barbara Corcoran said she didn’t feel comfortable with the business category.
- Robert Herjavec asked about profit margins and saw no clear exit strategy.
None of the Sharks made an offer, and there was no interest in continuing discussions after the cameras stopped.
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Good Grief Net Worth 2025
By 2025, Good Grief Celebrations is no longer in business. Its current net worth is $0. The company shut down around 2011 and did not experience significant revenue or exit events.
Its original valuation during the pitch was $200,000, based on Rikki’s ask for $50,000 for 25 percent equity.
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If Good Grief relaunched today, how successful do you think it would be?
Could Good Grief Make a Comeback
Today, concepts around funeral personalization are becoming more accepted. Digital memorials, end-of-life planning apps, and virtual grief services are now part of a growing trend.
If reimagined with a tech-forward approach or online platform, a brand like Good Grief could gain traction. But as of now, there are no signs that Rikki or another founder plans to revive the company.
TL;DR
Good Grief Celebrations appeared on Shark Tank with a heartfelt mission but failed to gain traction and shut down by 2011. No deal, no comeback.
FAQs
Is Good Grief still in business in 2025?
No, Good Grief Celebrations permanently closed around 2011. The company is no longer offering services as of 2025.
Did Good Grief get a deal on Shark Tank?
No. Although Rikki Farrar made a heartfelt pitch in Season 1, none of the Sharks invested in Good Grief.
What happened to Good Grief after Shark Tank?
The company did not experience the Shark Tank effect. It saw little traction, no retail growth, and shut down within two years of airing.
Who was the founder of Good Grief?
Rikki Farrar, a marketing professional, founded Good Grief Celebrations to help families plan personalized “celebrations of life.”
What is Rikki Farrar doing now?
As of 2025, Rikki Farrar has returned to work in marketing. She has not launched another startup or appeared publicly since the show.
Could Good Grief come back in the future?
While the original company is shut down, similar concepts in personalized funeral services are gaining traction in 2025. A revival could be possible.