It’s bedtime, and your child is feeling nervous about starting school tomorrow. You hand them a tiny bottle of Potion of Courage, and together, you mix the sparkling ingredients, say the magic words, and watch as the potion fizzes to life.
With a smile, they take a deep breath, feeling braver, because at The Little Potion Co., magic isn’t just for fun. It’s a way to help children manage emotions with confidence.
Sisters Jacinta and Alicia grew up dreaming of fairies, magical lands, and mythical creatures. But as they got older, life took over, and the magic faded, until they had children of their own.
Watching their kids play, they remembered the joy of childhood. They realized that simple activities, like mixing potions in the backyard, brought comfort and excitement.
They saw an opportunity to create something special, magical potion kits designed to help children process emotions, build confidence, and encourage creativity. Today, The Little Potion Co. is a thriving business, bringing wonder and mindfulness into homes worldwide.
The Little Potion Co Journey Before Shark Tank
In 2017, Jacinta and Alicia each invested $500, launching The Little Potion Co. with just $1,000. The idea came from Jacinta’s search for a fun, magical potion kit for her son that wasn’t purely science-based. When she couldn’t find one, she and Alicia decided to create their own.
“We did start small – we didn’t go out and buy hundreds of thousands of units of something. We started small so that we could test what worked, and then we put it all back into the business.”
Alicia
At the time, Alicia ran a gift shop, and Jacinta worked in interior design. They spent a year testing products, carefully selecting ingredients, and perfecting the potion-making experience. When they finally launched on Instagram, the response was incredible.
“It only took two weeks to sell out of our products,” they recalled. Their success was no accident. Before launching, they ran a 10-day teaser campaign.
They posted daily previews of the kits to build excitement among potential customers.
As demand grew, balancing full-time jobs and a side business became overwhelming. Jacinta gradually reduced her corporate hours before going full-time in January.
Alicia followed in July. With their business expanding, they hired their first employee. Later, they grew into a team of three part-time staff.
“It used to take 6 to 8 weeks to fulfill an order when it was just us. Now, with staff, we can do it in a couple of days and take on more work,” they said.
Managing cash flow was one of their biggest challenges. Instead of seeking investors, they reinvested their profits into inventory and operations. “Cash flow was one of the hardest parts of the business,” Alicia admitted.
By November, they had outgrown their space and secured a new warehouse. They moved in January to keep up with increasing demand. Despite rapid growth, they remained committed to engaging with customers.
“With our customers, we very much speak to them like they’re friends,” Jacinta explained. Their strong connection with buyers helped build a loyal customer base.
Shark Tank Pitch Recap
Jacinta and Alicia entered Shark Tank seeking $400,000 for 10% equity. The Sharks took notice when they revealed their $2 million in sales from the last financial year. That was a huge jump from $1.3 million the year before.
Their biggest breakthrough? “The big jump was when we learnt how to conjure Facebook ads,” they said. They credited digital marketing as a key factor in their rapid growth.
But the Sharks had concerns. Maxine questioned what made The Little Potion Co. different from other magic potions. The sisters explained that their kits weren’t just about fun, they incorporated affirmation cards, turning potion-making into a mindfulness tool.
Despite the uniqueness, most Sharks were hesitant. They worried about the sisters’ reluctance to pursue licensing opportunities, believing it might limit their growth. One by one, they backed out, except for Maxine, who saw their potential.
She made a counteroffer: $400,000 for 20% equity, with the condition that she would recoup her investment within two years. After some discussion, Jacinta and Alicia accepted.
“See, magic can happen in the Shark Tank,” they said after sealing the deal.
The Little Potion Co Shark Tank Update
The Shark Tank effect was immediate. Website traffic skyrocketed, and potion kits quickly sold out. With Maxine’s guidance, the sisters streamlined operations. They also improved inventory management and enhanced marketing strategies.
They introduced a new product, and within just seven days, they saw a 56% repeat customer rate. This showed the strength of their customer loyalty and brand appeal.
“Marketing has always remained in-house because we understand our product and customer more than anyone else would,” they said.
Their growth strategies included:
- Launching Facebook ads, reaching a wider audience.
- Running giveaways in partnership with other businesses.
- Expanding through stockists and brand reps.
Winning a business scholarship led to a major breakthrough. The Iconic took notice and featured their products. They have now been selling on The Iconic for over 12 months.
They also gained media attention, appearing on Sunrise’s Plugapalooza with Sam Mac. Additionally, wholesalers discovered them through Trend Bible.
Future Plans: Brewing More Magic
With a solid foundation and a Shark’s backing, The Little Potion Co. has big plans:
- Expanding into international markets, starting with the U.S. and U.K..
- Introducing seasonal potion kits for Halloween, Christmas, and other occasions.
- Collaborating with influencers and stockists to reach more families.
- Exploring licensing opportunities to scale the business further.
Their commitment to sustainability remains a priority. “All of our potion ingredients are made in small batches, packed in reusable, recyclable, or biodegradable materials with love,” they emphasized.
Closing Thoughts
What started as a $1,000 investment has grown into a multi-million-dollar brand. Jacinta and Alicia’s journey proves that passion, creativity, and a strong community can turn a simple idea into something extraordinary.
With a Shark’s support, a loyal customer base, and a growing global presence, The Little Potion Co. is set to bring even more magic into the world.
Want to add a sprinkle of magic to your home? Explore their potion kits today and let the adventure begin!
