Amber Leong grew up in poverty in Malaysia. While she moved to America for a better life and more opportunities, she quickly realized that there was something missing from her new life in America: sunlight.

In Malaysia, she spent plenty of time outdoors, but in her corporate job in the United States, she realized that the lack of light was really affecting her health. This helped her to understand the importance of circadian rhythm. Light is vital to our physical and mental health.

When we don’t get enough sunlight, it disrupts our body’s clock and makes us tired and unhealthy.

Key Takeaways:

  • Investment Secured: Circadian Optics received $750,000 for 20% equity from Mark Cuban and Lori Greiner, plus a $50,000 gift to the founder’s family.
  • Health-Focused Product: The company offers sunlight lamps designed to regulate circadian rhythms, addressing the need for light therapy in modern living.
  • Strong Sales and Margins: With $4 million in sales and 70% profit margins, Circadian Optics is already a successful business with growth potential.
  • Personal Story: The founder’s inspiring journey from Malaysia to the U.S., overcoming significant challenges, resonated with the Sharks.
  • Growth Potential: Mark and Lori’s partnership is expected to help the company move beyond online sales and expand into retail markets.

How Circadian Optics Came Into Existence

While Amber looked for a desk lamp that provided sunlight to help balance her sleep cycle, she couldn’t find any stylish or small lamps that wouldn’t invite playful teasing from her co-workers. This experience led to the creation of Circadian Optics. Their range of lamps is designed to mimic the colors and brightness of the sun.

Although Circadian Optics has been very successful, selling $4 million in the last year alone with 70% profit margins, Amber is seeking a strategic partner that can help get her business to the next level and take her beyond online direct sales to really grow her business.

She came to the Shark Tank in hopes of securing $750,000 in exchange for 10% of her company.

The Sharks React to the Company’s Pitch

The Sharks were impressed with her product, her company, and her profits, but most of all, they were impressed with Amber as an entrepreneur. When she came to the United States, she survived TSS after being given a 50% chance of survival.

This gave her a new perspective on life and made her ask herself what she was going to do with the wild and precious life she was gifted. After sending money home to her family and depositing money in her savings, she made the decision to choose creativity over certainty.

That notion drove and motivated her to take a chance and launch her own company.

After listening to her amazing story and hearing about the great success of her company, the Sharks were in awe of Amber and they began trying to figure out how to structure the best deal. Mark Cuban and Lori Greiner quickly paired up, and in an unusual turn of events, Barbara Corcoran and Kevin O’Leary began to structure a deal together. Both sets of Sharks offered Amber $750,000 in exchange for 20% equity in Circadian Optics.

Although Kevin proposes some strategies for quickly growing her business and manufacturing, Lori and Mark offer an additional $50,000 to be given directly to Amber’s family in Malaysia.

Overwhelmed with gratitude, Amber accepts Mark and Lori’s offer.

Closing Thoughts

What do you think of the deal that Amber secured with the Sharks? Which Shark Tank duo would you have chosen to partner with? Sound off in the comments below!

Latest Update: Since the Shark Tank appearance, Circadian Optics has expanded its product range and increased its retail presence, including deals with major retailers. The company continues to educate consumers on the importance of light therapy, further solidifying its place in the health and wellness market.