Jenna Hess Pitches Gnome Advent Calendar On Shark Tank Season 16
Highlights
- Jenna Hess, a rising entrepreneur from Texas, pitches the Gnome Calendar in Shark Tank Season 16.
- The company earned $160K in lifetime sales in one and a half years.
- Jenna faced apprehensions regarding the low prices of her products.
Overview
| Category | Details |
| Name | Gnome Advent Calendar |
| Founder | Jenna Hess |
| Industry | Christmas Decoration |
| Product | Advent Calendar |
| Funding | Self-funded |
| Investment Ask | $45K |
| Equity Offered | 10% |
| Valuation | $450K |
An aspiring entrepreneur from Frisco, Texas, Jenna Hess presents the ‘Gnome Advent Calendar’ on Shark Tank to showcase her new take on a classic holiday tradition. Jenna states that the company offers a whimsical and enchanting way to countdown to Christmas.
The entrepreneur further explains that her advent calendars open up a magical portal revealing a ‘gnome-filled world.’ Each day brings up a unique gnome, which brings joy and excitement to both kids and adults. Jenna claims that the products are handcrafted with intricate details and made from authentic fabrics.
Describing her gnomes to be an inspiration out of the Scandinavian folklore, Jenna says they are available for other holidays also. One of these is the Easter Bunny-approved daily gnomes. There are also love-themed gnomes and spooky gnomes for other occasions.
To further capture the Sharks’ interest, the entrepreneur claims that the gnome industry is worth a billion dollars. Appearing with her ‘gnomies’ on Shark Tank Season 16, Jenna revealed that she is a single mom who got separated from her husband after 10 years of marriage.
Gnome Advent Calendar: What Happened On Shark Tank Season 16
In the seventh episode of Shark Tank Season 16, Jenna Hess approaches the judges seeking $45K for 10% equity. After impressing them with a ‘cute’ presentation, Jenna presents samples to the Shark investors. She then reveals that the Gnome Advent Calendar’s products can be found online only.
When Robert Herjavec asks about the costs, Jenna replies that the Christmas ones retail for $147. The Sharks feel it is a ‘cheap’ price. Jenna further reveals that it costs $47 to make the gnome. There are 24 gnomes on Christmas and 31 on Halloween. The Halloween one costs $35 and is sold for $135.
While Robert thinks the overall price is ‘great,’ Mark Cuban feels it is ‘too cheap.’ Jenna responds by saying that the average price of a 12-inch gnome is $28. But with the Gnome Advent Calendar, the price is $6.12.
Mark wants to know if Shark Tank previously invested in a gnome business. Daymond says he invested in Wendy’s Gnome Shop, which came in season 13.
Robert wants to know about Jenna’s sales. She says she has made $160K in lifetime sales in the past 18 months before her Shark Tank appearance. The entrepreneur sells the gnomes through her website.
Jenna does not spend money on advertising but connects with influencers on social media. She offers gift boxes containing the gnomes to the influencers, who promote them and help her attract customers.
Jenna has come on Shark Tank Season 16 to seek guidance and expertise for her first-ever venture. She thinks that with a Shark’s help, she can bring the gnomes’ prices down. However, the shark investors feel her prices should be higher, such as $300K.
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Did The Gnome Advent Calendar Get A Deal?
Robert says his twins will be blown away on seeing the gnomes and that Jenna’s business can become a million-dollar empire. But he chooses not to propose a deal as an investor. Lori Greiner says she loves Advent Calendars and that she can be a customer. However, she, too, exits the deal.
Mark feels Jenna can ‘grow at her own speed’ as an entrepreneur for the gnome business. But if an investor like him came into it, she would have to move as per his speed. Mark opts out of the deal by advising her to raise the prices.
Daymond recalls his previous investment in the gnome industry with the ‘Wendy’s Gnome Shop.’ Stating that he has ‘enough gnomies’ in his life, he makes his way out of the deal.
Kevin O’Leary thinks Jenna’s ‘heart is in the right place’ and her business could earn millions of dollars each year. But he stays away from making an offer.
Ultimately, the Gnome Advent Calendar failed to get a deal on Shark Tank Season 16.
See what else is new! View other businesses featured in this episode.
