Here's What Went Down With Saavy Naturals After Shark Tank
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It might seem unlikely that two chefs would create a skincare line, but with Saavy Naturals, we've been proven wrong. Spouses Hugo and Debra Saavedra put their culinary talent to the test in creating a line of bath and body products that are so natural you can actually eat them. While we don't recommend you take a big bite out of one of their soaps (though you technically can!) the logic behind food-grade skin products is a wise one. Since your skin is your body's biggest organ, what you put on it gets quickly absorbed into your system. The Saavedras thought the same thing and decided to do something about it.
The list of care that goes into their products is as salivating as a restaurant menu. According to their website, everything by Saavy Naturals is made in small batches in a kitchen, no less, and entirely made in the United States. Their products are plant-based, cruelty-free, soy-free, gluten-free, and non-GMO. They started by selling their products at Los Angeles-based farmer's markets and were a hit, so it wasn't long before they set their eyes on "Shark Tank" as a way to take their brand to the next level. It was a brilliant idea; after all, we've seen other health-focused skincare lines appear on the entrepreneurial reality show. Just think of Curie, the aluminum-free deodorant brand that appeared on the ABC show. The Korean skincare line Glow Recipe was another "Shark Tank" special. So Saavy Naturals was a shoe-in.
What happened to Saavy Naturals on Shark Tank?
Professional chefs Hugo and Debra Saavedra appeared on Season 7 of "Shark Tank" in November 2015, seeking $200,000 for 10% of their company. The detail of company ownership was a big one for the Saavedras, as they had owned businesses before, but made the mistake of selling off too much equity. Now that they were focused on Saavy Naturals, they were determined to keep the majority of their brand. Hugo and Debra were a huge hit with the sharks; not only was their product intriguing, but their happy marriage was an equally compelling element to an enticing business.
While discussing with the sharks, Hugo and Debra say that their business reached $750,000 in sales the year before, much of which came from a collaboration with a few Whole Foods locations. Kevin O'Leary didn't agree with the Saavedra's overly generous assessment that their company was worth $2 million, and said that he was out. Mark Cuban said that he was already linked with the brand Simple Sugars, and there would be a conflict of interest. Lori Greiner pulled herself out, but Barbara Corcoran was intrigued and came up with a unique offer so that the Saavedras still had the majority of their company. She gave them $100,000 for 40% of their business plus $100,000 for purchase orders. It certainly looked like a good deal on the show!
What happened to Saavy Naturals after Shark Tank?
It's more common than you'd think that "Shark Tank" deals made on air don't end up going through. This was the case between Hugo and Debra Saavedra and Barbara Corcoran, and unfortunately, the deal got dropped. However, as is often the case with brands, exposure on "Shark Tank" led to growth for Saavy Naturals and the brand continued to grow, even without Corcoran's help. They opened a pop-up store in Pacific City, California, giving curious customers the chance to stop by in person to smell — and taste — the products for themselves. However, the pop-up shop didn't stay open for very long, and news broke that the brick-and-mortar store closed in 2016.
Despite that hiccup, they continued to sell Saavy Naturals both on their own website and on their Amazon shop. The Saavedras continued to expand their brand, adding new and exciting products continuously, all under the banner of being good for both your skin and your body. They proved their adaptability during the Covid-19 pandemic, when they started manufacturing hand sanitizers made with certified organic, non-GMO alcohol. So even without Corcoran's clout, the Saavedras made a booming business for themselves.
Is Saavy Naturals still in business?
The answer is yes, Saavy Naturals is still a lively, growing business. In 2018, they updated fans on Facebook that some of their products were available at Walmart, so they had hit the big box stores. That's certainly a wide reach! In March of that year, Forbes included Saavy Naturals in a piece on the latest innovators in the beauty industry. Obviously, things were really happening for the brand.
However, it seems like Hugo and Debra Saavedra did sell their brand. In June 2021, they sold Saavy Naturals to Arcadia Biosciences, a California-based company that specializes in science-based options to create a healthier world. The purchase price was undisclosed. It seems as though the Saavedras didn't like the experience of losing their company, because on June 13, 2023, Hugo jumped on Facebook to share a link to the Indiegogo fundraising site. In the caption, he wrote: "It's a dream come true — We have Saavy back in our hands! Be a part of our mission and help us grow!" So they had acquired the brand back and were fundraising to keep it. They were asking for $125,000 but had since closed the campaign after raising only $560.
What's next for Saavy Naturals?
It's clear that Hugo and Debra Saavedra are very committed to keeping a hold on Saavy Naturals. Besides their fundraising campaign, the couple has been active on social media with new product launches and posts. In the fundraising video that Hugo and Debra created for their Indiegogo campaign, the couple asked fans to simply buy their products and gift packages to support them.
It seems like a plan that might work, at least based on fan feedback. People really love the naturalness of Saavy Naturals. "The best skin care products on the planet! Created with integrity, intention, mastery and so much love. You guys are amazing and extraordinary," one fan wrote on Instagram. "The best of the best!" another person added. The two are certainly unstoppable; after starting the company by themselves, then taking it to "Shark Tank," they've forged their own way, even after selling the brand and re-acquiring it. Based on their incredible fortitude, we're guessing that they'll continue with the brilliant success that Saavy Naturals has already proven to be.