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What happened after Shark Tank?

6/27/2018

42 Comments

 
It's hard to believe it's been 11 years since Shark Tank aired my pitch. I can say without a doubt that A LOT has happened since my time in the tank.

I wrote about the initial "after the tank" back in 2011 and then again in 2014. And I speak about it as I travel the country talking about my entrepreneurial journey and lessons I've learned about trusting my own intuition and never giving up. I'm forever grateful for my time in the Tank so I thought I'd give you the nutshell version of "where are they now—Mod Mom Furniture.”

If you're an entrepreneur, I have a sneaking suspicion you'll relate to my timeline below.... (Read more below by clicking READ MORE.)
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So, here goes....

  • 2007-2010 - Start Mod Mom. Grow Mod Mom. Live my life covered in saw dust.
  • October 2010 - I filmed my pitch and won a deal with Robert.
  • November 2010 - Waited to hear from Robert.
  • December 2010 - Waited to hear from Robert.
  • January 2011 - I finally heard from Robert and he says he thinks I'm "still a little bit too small" and encourages me to come back to him in a year. I'm devastated but I pick myself back up off the ground and continue...after I cry for a bit and drink a few Coronas. I knew in my soul I would not go back to him.
  • January 2011-April 2011 - Friends and family invest roughly 30K so I continue growing Mod Mom. I'd gotten this far, I wasn't letting anything stop me.
  • April 1, 2011 - SHARK TANK AIRS! It's epic! My website crashes!
  • April 4, 2011 - I'm gave a speech to the American Society of Furniture Designers in the furniture capital of the US, High Point, NC , and I met Ty Pennington. It was surreal, to say the least.
  • May 2011 - I was a guest on the Nate Berkus TV Show in NYC and I talked about Mod Mom. Sales increase steadily. I continued working with my Amish manufacturing partner who was a dream come true. I inked a deal with them in September 2010.
  • April 2012 - Out of the blue, I received a message from a true angel investor out of San Francisco. I end up getting a better deal for more money than what Robert was offering in the Tank. Grateful doesn't even begin to describe how it felt (and how I still feel!). My new investor saw my Shark Tank segment on Hulu and reached out to me.
  • June 2012 - Scott and I moved the family to Flagstaff, AZ. I started talking about the strange spiritual stuff I'd been experiencing since 2009. I founded a nonprofit to help highly sensitive kids and grieving parents. I write about it here: kierstenparsons.com.
  • 2012-2013 - We tried growing Mod Mom in other ways but we had difficulty -- manufacturing issues and shipping nightmares became more prevalent. I realized that licensing was the way to go.
  • 2013-2014 - I worked on a licensing deal with Stanley Furniture and LANDED the deal! I was hired as a spokesperson (salary) for Stanley's youth division called Young America. We were working out the details of the licensing deal that was projected to deliver $5 million in sales in the first year. We were in negotiations for eight months. Also, at the same time, I discovered I had repressed memories of childhood sexual abuse which helped to explain the strange spiritual stuff that happened to me during the awakening I didn't seek. 
  • April 2014 -- I flew down to High Point, NC for High Point Market (largest furniture tradeshow in the US) to perform spokesperson duties for Stanley/Young America and stepped off the plane to the news that Stanley shut down Young America. I had to read it in the trade magazines. I had lost my spokesperson job and my licensing deal that I was set to sign at Market in April. While apologetic for what happened, Stanley decides to only pay out 2 months of my 12-month contract. There was nothing I could do to fight it. It meant financial crisis for our family.
  • April 2014 - My 18-year marriage imploded and I joined forces personally and professionally with an international furniture designer. I went against my intuition to continue to look for licensing deals by putting all of my eggs in an offshoot basket —essentially, my partner's (and others upholstery) designs that he'd been trying to get made (as his own line) on his own for a long time.
  • 2014-2017 - I put my all into the other line and tried to keep Mod Mom going as well. I ignored my gut and put all my faith in the plan to build the other line and then build Mod Mom. It was not wise of me. Little did I know, I'd ended up in an abusive relationship (professionally and personally) and lost a lot of time, stability, dignity, momentum, and money. Soul crushing experiences were the norm for 3 years. What I did gain were valuable lessons and healing I didn't even know I needed. I was finally able to pull myself out of the darkness and cut ties in June 2017. I ended up going to work full time as a writer/project manager at the local university to help make ends meet in 2015 through September 2018. I am a wiser, more discerning person now, and am thrilled to say that Scott and I reunited in August 2017 after being separated for three years. We are grateful for the healing 2014-2017 brought on many fronts!
  • January 2018 - I knew I needed to go back to looking for a licensing partner and found a fantastic one in Colorado! Little Colorado reached out asking if I was interested in having them license current and existing designs and we inked the deal officially in January 2018. 
  • 2019 - In 2019, I was asked to design the first-ever kids' table and chair set inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright. It was an honor and a joy. 
  • Now (2022) - I'm doing a few things, nowadays. A few I saw coming and a few I didn't! :) I'm consulting with entrepreneurs, and working as VP of Marketing for Moonshot at NACET, a non-profit business incubator program based in Arizona. I'm also still running Mod Mom. Now for the part I didn't see coming years ago...my memoir, Little Voices, will be released by Post Hill Press/ Simon & Schuster on September 20, 2022. Also, I'm co-chair for The National Institute for Law and Justice—a nonprofit organization that helps crime victims and their families. 
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​"Kiersten’s story teaches us that narcissistic abuse and coercive and controlling relationships scramble even the deepest metaphysical intuition. Little Voices teaches us how insidious these dynamics are, the trauma and generational issues that are activated, and how easy it is to get stuck in the cycle of confusion and self-blame. By telling her first person story in a vulnerable and raw way, Kiersten reminds us that narcissistic and abusive relationships have a unique architecture, and represent a gradual process of grooming, gaslighting, and indoctrination. Even when the voices around her and in her are trying to guide her out, her story shines a light on how shame can be weaponized to keep anyone stuck and isolated in a toxic relationship. This book is in essence a compendium of red flags and can serve as a valuable teaching tool on how to listen to our inner voices and our guides; and to clearly heed these warning signs and act on them swiftly. One person’s story can be a powerful lesson and motivator for change for others who find themselves in these kinds of relationships, and reminds survivors that you are not alone."
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​I couldn't be happier or more grateful for where I am today. It's definitely not been a straight and narrow road but I wouldn't have it any other way. When I think back to who I was pre-Shark Tank, I feel like I was just beginning to understand that I really did have all I needed inside of me to succeed. There were numerous obstacles and lessons along the way. Lessons that tested who I thought I was and lessons that reinforced that no matter what, I always needed to trust my own intuition. The advice I give now is to enlist help and advice from people who are smarter than you, but always trust your gut in the end.

​It truly is your compass.


-- Kiersten
42 Comments
Michael Lohnes link
8/1/2018 06:19:11 pm

Hi my name is Michael Lohnes I am the inventor of a new product myself called Ecolattice. A friend sent me your link. It’s funny I am actually patenting my design and product right now and the first thing anyone says to me is that I should go on shark tank! I just wanted to thank you for sharing your expireience. It’s very encouraging despite the hardships you faced along the way. Many people don’t understand just how hard and lonely this road can be at times. But you can never give up on yourself or your spirit. Thanks again

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Kiersten
8/1/2018 10:22:19 pm

Michael, thank you for lovely comment! It's so true--entrepreneurship is quite a ride, isn't it!?! I'm thrilled for you that you're in the patent stage. I'll be sure to keep an eye on your company! Best of luck!

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John Cannon
9/2/2018 02:19:39 pm

Kiersten, I just now saw your appearance on Shark Tank (9/2/18). I'm a sporadic viewer of the show. Your appearance touched me so I thought I'd see how Mod Mom Furniture was doing. It sounds like you've had quite the rollercoaster, but that everything seems to be healthy. Interesting that the initial investment from Robert never really materialized; I guess that's a reality to the show that the viewer never sees. Anyway, congratulations on your perseverance and inspiring story....!

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Kiersten
9/2/2018 02:58:48 pm

Thank you, John! It has definitely been a ride! I appreciate your lovely comment and am happy to hear you enjoyed my segment. And yeah, it seems that Hollywood is sometimes smoke and mirrors but I honestly feel it all happened the way it should have, in my case. I have the best angel investor on the planet! All my best, Kiersten

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Donald L Smith link
9/2/2018 02:20:31 pm

I must say when you pushed Mod Mom on SharkTank I was pleasantly suprised that you were so sexy. I mean this as a compliment and no disrespect to your husband. What made you sexy wasnt just your looks its was your drive, will to succeed, and your passion. As I read what you have gone through since just proofs this your a fighter the heels, dress and toolbelt the bonus. Keep it up you inspire us all and im happy lifes better now you earned it!

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Kiersten
9/2/2018 03:04:34 pm

Thank you, Donald! I'm super happy that life is where it is right now, that's for sure. What a ride! Entrepreneurship is not for the faint of heart. Ha! All my best, Kiersten

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Ronda
9/2/2018 11:26:24 pm

I just watched your episode and very shocked that Robert left your deal that he made with you in front of the world. But thats TV for you. You have inspired me to go do what I want to do. Glad your not in your roller coaster anymore. You deserve to live your dream the way you want to now. Congrats to you.

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Kiersten
9/3/2018 09:42:31 pm

Ronda, that makes me so happy to hear! You truly can do anything you set your mind to—I've learned this the hard way, at times. :)

Thanks for your wonderful comment. All the best to you!
Kiersten

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paul ocean
9/4/2018 06:37:14 am

EXCELLENT MY DEAR ,KEEP IT UP,GOD BLESS YOU

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Kiersten
10/6/2018 07:29:13 am

Thank you, Paul!

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Micah
10/5/2018 11:39:26 pm

My wife and I just watched your episode on Hulu. We like to look up how ppl are doing afterwards so that is how we found this post.

I am so mad for you. How dare Robert promise you a deal and backout. You declined a deal with Kevin so you could get his help. That was money and help you could have gotten and he took that away from you. Too bad it wasn't legally binding since you had video proof of a verbal agreement. He WAS my favorite on the show until I read this. He seemed so sincere. He would take up for people when Kevin would be flat out rude. I didn't feel like he took advantage... Guess he really is a shark.

I'm also sorry to hear about all your additional troubles. Life is so rough. Maybe my next life we be born rich and no problems. Keep your head up.

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Kiersten
10/6/2018 07:28:26 am

Hi Micah,

Thank you so much for taking the time to write a comment after watching the show. Honestly, I'm so grateful it happened the way it did. It saved me from a partnership that might not have been the best. The investor I have now is amazing, and I truly believe everything happens the way it should. I'm excited to be where I am now, and I'm gearing up for a Ted Talk! Mod Mom is growing and thriving and I finally have the right manufacturing partner. Life is a ride, isn't it?!!? Thanks again to you and your wife for your support!

All my best,
Kiersten

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Dana Cowles
12/28/2019 07:57:44 am

I agree Micah, he took her from being able to get an offer from Kevin, terrible.

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Adrienne
2/5/2020 04:24:49 pm

That is odd. I've read about this happening with Daymond John on a different deal- that things fell through during the due diligence stage. There really should be a back up plan to potentially renegotiate a deal with other sharks who made offers if the initial one falls through. I understand things worked out for you in the end with the exposure connecting you with an angel investor- happy they did- but it does seem to be a crack others have fallen through that should be reduced.

Norman Nickels
10/30/2018 04:33:09 pm

Kiersten, first of all, in case no one has told you, I am so proud of you! You have a never die attitude that will continue to take you far in life. I believe things happen for a reason, and in spite of everything that has happened in your life you seem to be very successful! Congratulations.

Norm

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Kiersten
10/31/2018 02:33:09 pm

Norm, thank you so much for your beautiful message. It's been quite a ride, this journey. And I feel the same way you do. Everything happens for a reason and I'm seeing that more and more over the years. Thanks again for taking the time to reach out. All my best, Kiersten

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Jan
12/1/2018 12:28:28 pm

Kiersten, thank you for sharing your experience. You always bounce back. Your risillience is respectful!

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Kiersten
12/2/2018 08:47:27 am

Jan, thank you for taking the time to read what happened after Shark Tank. And for your kind comment! It's been a journey, indeed, but one I wouldn't trade. I'm so grateful to be where I am today. Happy Holidays!

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David
1/11/2019 05:07:21 am

Your toy boxes are crap. Any first year 18yo cabinetmaker can make this in a couple hours. Its 6 pieces of Baltic Birch plywood, butt jointed and screwed together with a couple hinges. I seen the show when it aired and I could not believe that 2 sharks wanted to invest in that product. I am a cabinet maker for many years and I make high end wood products from 3D cutting boards to dining room furniture with queen anne legs, which I make myself by the way. The fact that you got as far as you did with that crap product Kiersten, says a whole lot about your ability to sell ice to an Eskimo, or ocean front property in Kansas. Sorry, just being 100% honest...

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Kiersten
1/11/2019 05:36:10 am

Wow! David, I clearly struck a nerve in you. Most of the time—when someone spews this much hate—it means they are projecting insecurities of their own. Hmmmm.

This comment is completely out of line and wrong. First of all, I used Miller dowels for construction. Second of all, I’ve had repeat customers for years and currently all of the prototypes I made 12 years ago are still being used. And still look beautiful. Believe me, if my toy boxes were crap, they wouldn’t have been picked up internationally by high end retailers and clients.

Sounds like you’re pretty proud of your carpentry skills. Good on you. Have you ever designed something new having had no experience? Have you ever put yourself out there like that? I’m betting that’s a no. It takes courage to step into an unknown arena. Much more courage than it takes to type out a hateful comment from behind a computer screen in Pittsburgh,PA having had zero experience with me or my products.

All I’m hearing from your comment is hate projected onto a woman you don’t even know. And that’s just sad.

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Roger link
12/3/2019 06:07:51 pm

Wow is right! I was shocked at the venom spewed out in this comment. As a cabinetmaker for over 40 years, I've seen all levels of construction and although fairly rudimentary, it is certainly adequate for a childs toy box. What David does not get is that Robert saw an entrepreneurial fire in Kiersten that intrigued him to make the offer. (BTW, lost some respect for Robert for backing out) Sharks invest in people as much as products. Products can be improved upon, but people's character and IQ are who they are and you, Kiersten, are brilliant. David's character...well, needs some work. Sorry, just being 100% honest...

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Kiersten
12/5/2019 11:30:55 am

Roger, thank you for your encouragement and support! I am so grateful to be where I am now. What a ride it's been! It's pretty surreal to think that even though I had no carpentry or design experience when I started, I'm now working on designs for Frank Lloyd Wright (Foundation)—they even sought me out! I'm so happy I pushed aside comments like David's and didn't listen to the naysayers when they said what I was doing wouldn't work. I'd say it's worked pretty well! Have a wonderful day !

Ben Sona
4/13/2020 05:21:01 pm

I think Robert had other motives when he offered Kiersten a deal. It was just creepy the way he looked at her and asked if she works in that dress and heels. Just an opinion and who knows for sure but it felt obvious to me that Robert was flirting.

MyKeshea
2/6/2019 09:15:53 pm

I just watched your episode on Hulu. You have such a beautiful story! It was inspiring to see that you stepped out of your comfort zone and just took a leap of faith. Also, I have such admiration for the strength that must have came as a result for all you went through. You didn't give up!! I wish you much success and happiness.

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Kiersten
2/27/2019 02:36:35 pm

Thank you, MyKeshea! Every step of the way, I've learned a lot about about myself and how to create the life I wanted, despite surviving abuse and hardship. All my best to you!

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Joseph link
3/10/2019 07:28:15 pm

David is just sour. When you hear stuff like that you know your doing something good. Keep up the good work! Good luck David I really hope you have a better day tomorrow

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Kiersten
3/10/2019 08:31:19 pm

Joseph, thank you for your kind words!

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Bob
10/30/2019 07:37:13 am

Some story you have, glad to hear things have come around. I guess we all have to live our own testimony. I enjoy Shark Tank but take it with a gran of salt as I believe less than half of the deals ever close or change from the offer. Keep up the good work, and sharing your story of courage.

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Kiersten
11/7/2019 06:49:13 pm

Thank you!

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George link
11/22/2019 04:27:15 pm

Thank you so much for taking the time over the years to educate the rest of us about the real world and being an entrepreneur.

I hope other people on Shark Tank whose hopes have been crushed over the years read what you have to say and follow your advice and golden rules. If your words of wisdom and encouragement save just one of them from folding their tent and bailing out, you have made another truly valuable contribution to humankind.

Stay with it and you'll succeed beyond your wildest dreams of achievement.

I admire you!

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Kiersten
12/5/2019 11:21:37 am

Thank you, George! I appreciate your kind words and support!

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Paul Kutscera
12/13/2019 05:41:25 pm

Keirsten:

An Amazing story of perseverance, determination and passion. The Shark tank thing was very interesting ; I had thought MUCH better of Robert H, Sorry you got jerked around. Also, I was very happy to hear that you re-united with your husband. The Shark Tank episode was just the tip of the iceberg, I much admire that you had the gumption to continue, faced with these otherwise crushing travails and disappointments.

Best of luck to you, Kiersten, and God Bless you and your family!

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Kiersten
12/15/2019 07:21:33 am

Thank you, Paul. I really appreciate your kind words and encouragement. I was definitely surprised by the Robert H outcome but I firmly believe it all happened the way it should have in the end. I'm thrilled to be where I am now. Happy Holidays!

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Mary
4/13/2020 08:28:43 pm

You are an inspiration Kiersten! Your sincerity and tenacity are empowering. So glad that you overcame the many issues and setbacks you’ve experienced and THANK YOU for so graciously sharing them for good! Congratulations on every success you’ve earned and best of luck to you and your family in all things! Your products are beautiful!

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Kiersten
4/14/2020 08:08:37 am

Mary, thanks so much for you support and kind words! What a ride it's been but I wouldn't trade it for the world. All my best to you!

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Jim link
4/13/2020 09:20:05 pm

Kiersten,
I was watching Shark Tank tonight and reading some news on my phone. I started paying attention midway through your presentation and watched it to the end. About 40 years ago I started watching This Old House on PBS. I bought some tools, portable table saw etc. I began by making a bookshelf and started enjoying myself making things, 100% self taught. I bought more serious equipment. Sears table say, 13 “ planer, router and so on. I made stereo cabinets, a large desk for my office and had fun making things. My day job is sitting on my butt talking, a stick broker. I rewound your presentation and looked up the year it was shown. I watched your presentation from the beginning. I was glad you got a deal, you seemed so sincere, plus I could relate to your being self taught in cabinet making. After you got a deal with Robert I looked up your company. It was only the second time I’ve done that and I watch Shark Tank all the time. I couldn’t stop reading about your story. I also read all of the comments too. I’m writing to tell you how much I admire you, your tenacity and perseverance. I respect how hard you’ve worked and the blood sweat and tears you’ve expended along the way. I wish you continued success in fighting to make your dreams come true. You story is an inspiration to aspiring American entrepreneurs. Hold your head high!

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Kiersten
4/14/2020 08:15:08 am

Jim, thank you so much for your support and encouragement! I love that you are also self taught. I've always wanted to make a stereo cabinet—you've inspired me! This journey has been quite the rollercoaster but I wouldn't trade it. I've learned a lot and continue to trust my gut through everything, and mainly, I just don't quit. :) All my best to you. Hope you and your loved ones are safe and healthy.

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Izabel link
6/16/2020 09:55:50 pm

Hi Kiersten!

I've been watching Shark Tank lately and I love it! I like specially Robert and got curious about his deals; I end up here because I also work with furniture, produced in Indonesia. I didn't know that could happen things like that behind the scenes of the deals and I felt a bit disappointed, but after all, what amazed me the most was your story, your trajectory, your resilience and that just make me reinsure that everything happens for a reason and in the end you were saved by the shark!

I wish you all the happiness in life and success in business and vice versa.

You inspired my day!

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Kiersten
7/27/2020 05:02:09 pm

Izabel, thank you for your lovely comment! And happy to know a fellow furniture person. It's been a journey, that's for sure, but one I wouldn't trade. Thanks, again! xx

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Joanie
7/27/2020 04:26:41 pm

You are just Friggin awesome! You deserve every great thing that comes your way! Glad you and your husband found your way back to each other ! I know your children are so proud of you. Invaluable lessons you have shared

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Kiersten
7/27/2020 05:04:02 pm

Hi Joanie, thanks so much for your beautiful message. I am so happy I'm where I am right now, too! Thank goodness! Sometimes life isn't straight and narrow but I've found if I trust my intuition, I'm on the right path. All my best to you and yours. xx

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Jeff Adinolfi
4/8/2021 05:26:07 pm

U r super cool

Reply



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