Wanna Date started in 2018, founded by Melissa Bartow with a simple yet powerful idea. She wanted to offer a healthier alternative to nut butters and syrups using dates.
The product stood out for being vegan, allergen-free, and low-calorie. It quickly became a great choice for health-conscious consumers who craved something sweet and nutritious.
In November 2019, Melissa brought her idea to Shark Tank in Season 11, Episode 11. She asked the Sharks for $100,000 in exchange for 20% of her business.
The concept intrigued the Sharks, but there were concerns about pricing and market potential. In the end, Mark Cuban saw the product’s promise and offered $100,000 for a 33% stake. Melissa eagerly accepted his offer.
After appearing on Shark Tank, Wanna Date experienced rapid growth. This was largely due to the “Shark Tank effect,” which created significant exposure for the brand.
The company expanded its offerings with new flavors and launched an innovative product called “Wanna Date Dough.” This launch was funded through a successful Kickstarter campaign.
With sales surpassing $5 million and partnerships with major retailers like Whole Foods, Amazon, and Walmart, Wanna Date solidified its place in the market. It became known as a creative and healthy food option.
Every product featured on Shark Tank brings unique lessons for entrepreneurs, and Wanna Date is no exception.
The journey of this sweet spread highlights the power of perseverance, adaptability, and passion. These qualities played a key role in building a thriving business.
So, how can you apply the lessons from Wanna Date’s inspiring journey to your own business?
Whether you’re creating a product or growing a business, Melissa Bartow’s approach offers valuable strategies. These insights can help you on the path to success.
5 Simple Business Lessons You Can Learn from Wanna Date
1. Perseverance is the Foundation of Success
Melissa Bartow’s journey with Wanna Date is a powerful example of perseverance. Starting with a simple idea in her dorm room, she faced skepticism about her financial reliance on her father and doubts from investors.
Despite these challenges, she worked hard, personally delivering jars to events and tirelessly promoting her product. Her determination helped her achieve over $5 million in sales. She also established partnerships with major retailers like Whole Foods and Amazon.
“Failure is just when you quit; I don’t quit,”
Melissa
Solution:
Melissa overcame setbacks by continually pushing forward. She taught herself about food science, manufacturing, and business management.
Her perseverance caught the attention of Mark Cuban, who invested $100,000 in her vision. This funding helped her expand operations and strengthen her brand in a competitive market.
Stay committed to your vision, even when challenges arise. Success often comes to those who are willing to work through setbacks and keep moving forward.
Takeaway:
Perseverance is more than persistence. It’s the ability to learn, adapt, and thrive despite difficulties. Melissa’s journey shows how determination can transform an idea into a successful business, even in tough industries.
2. Adaptability Fuels Growth and Relevance
The success of Wanna Date shows how being adaptable can unlock new opportunities. Encouraged by Mark Cuban and customer feedback, Melissa introduced a plain date spread flavor.
She also expanded her product line to include innovations like “Wanna Date Dough.” These changes helped her better meet customer needs and expand her market.
“I chose flavors to lower the inhibitions of customers who have never had dates,” Melissa explained, demonstrating her customer-focused approach.
Solution:
Melissa adjusted her offerings based on feedback, making her product appealing to a broader audience. This approach helped Wanna Date secure partnerships with major retailers like Walmart and Kroger. These collaborations boosted both sales and visibility.
Listen to your customers and be willing to adapt. By refining your product to fit their needs, you can build trust and expand your reach.
Takeaway:
Adaptability is essential for growth in competitive markets. Melissa’s ability to evolve her product lineup based on feedback shows that businesses that listen and adjust are more likely to succeed.
3. Leverage Publicity to Amplify Impact
Melissa Bartow maximized the exposure from her Shark Tank appearance to elevate Wanna Date The “Shark Tank effect” brought her national attention. This led to increased sales, customer interest, and major retail partnerships.
“When the episode aired, I got a gazillion emails. America resonated with me,” Melissa shared, emphasizing the impact of her national exposure.
Solution:
Melissa used the publicity from Shark Tank to establish credibility for Wanna Date and drive sales. The boost in visibility allowed her to scale operations and diversify sales channels. It also helped her reach more customers, even during the pandemic.
Seize every opportunity to showcase your brand. Publicity can open doors to new markets, partnerships, and customer bases.
Takeaway:
Publicity can be a game-changer for small businesses. By leveraging media exposure effectively, you can create lasting momentum for your brand.
4. Customer Education Enhances Market Penetration
Melissa recognized that many customers were unfamiliar with dates and their benefits. She made education a key part of her strategy. By offering approachable flavors like chocolate and cinnamon, she helped new customers feel comfortable trying her product.
“I chose flavors to lower the inhibitions of customers who have never had dates,” Melissa explained, highlighting her thoughtful approach to breaking down barriers.
Solution:
Through clear messaging and approachable product options, Melissa helped customers see dates as a versatile and healthy alternative. This strategy built trust and converted first-time buyers into loyal customers.
Educate your audience about the unique benefits of your product. Make it easy for them to understand why it’s worth trying.
Takeaway:
Customer education is essential when introducing new or unfamiliar products. By making your offerings accessible and relatable, you can turn curiosity into long-term loyalty.
5. Passion is the Driving Force Behind Long-Term Commitment
Melissa’s deep passion for dates and healthy eating drove her success. Despite challenges, her enthusiasm for the product kept her motivated and innovative. This ensured continued growth for Wanna Date.
“I genuinely do wake up excited every single day to open my laptop and get to work on Wanna Date” Melissa said, reflecting her dedication to the brand’s mission.
Solution:
Melissa’s passion fueled her creativity. This led to new product ideas and consistent engagement with her customers. Her excitement inspired trust among customers, investors, and collaborators. These connections helped her build a strong brand.
Let your passion guide your business decisions. When you’re deeply invested in your mission, it will resonate with customers and partners alike.
Takeaway:
Passion isn’t just motivational—it’s transformative. When you love what you do, it shows in the quality of your product and your ability to connect with others. Use your passion to drive your business forward.