Imagine reaching for a bar of soap, only to realize it’s made with animal fat, a common ingredient in many traditional soaps. For vegans, Muslims, and those seeking cruelty-free options, this is a frustrating problem.
That’s where The Mad Optimist steps in, offering fully customizable, all-natural body care products that align with ethical and personal values.
The Mad Optimist began in 2012, founded by Anthony Duncan, Mohamed A. Mahdi, and Mohamed M. Mahdi. Their goal was simple: to create body care products that are vegan, cruelty-free, halal, and fully customizable.
What set them apart was their unique approach. They allowed customers to personalize everything from ingredients to scent, and even choose their own price.
In May 2020, the trio presented their idea on Shark Tank during Season 11, Episode 24. They sought $60,000 in exchange for 10% equity in their business.
Some Sharks were skeptical about their pricing model, but Mark Cuban saw potential. He invested $60,000 for 20% equity, believing in their focus on niche markets like vegans and Muslims.
After the show aired, The Mad Optimist experienced a massive surge in demand. They generated over $80,000 in sales in just one night. They maintained their unique pricing model and expanded their offerings to include curated body care boxes.
However, the sudden spike in orders, coupled with pandemic-related challenges, caused delays in production. These challenges tested their ability to adapt and scale their operations.
Don’t miss these products from Season 11
The Mad Optimist Founders
Anthony Duncan is the CEO of The Mad Optimist company. He is a graduate of Indiana University with a degree in business administration.
At the same time, Mohammed is the CTO of the company, and he is a graduate of Indiana University with a degree in computer science.
The other co-founder, Dr. Mahdi, is the chief scientific advisor of the company. He is a doctor of pharmacy and has a PhD in natural products chemistry.
Adding potential personal assets and savings, each founder’s net worth could reasonably be estimated at $400,000.
This is a rough estimate based on available data and typical business valuation methods. Without access to specific financial records or personal income, exact figures cannot be determined.
Key accomplishments
| Year | Accomplishment |
| 2015 | Featured in Shape magazine as one of the “100 Best Body Care Products of 2015.” |
| 2018 | Featured in The New York Times as one of the “10 Best Natural Body Care Products.” |
| 2020 | Appeared on Shark Tank season 11 and Mark Cuban invested $60,000 for 20% Equity |