Next up is Belinda Jasmine of The Skinny Mirror, looking for $200,000 for 20 percent in order to increase production.
Key Takeaways:
- Product: A mirror that shows a slightly slimmer reflection to boost body confidence.
- Investment Ask: $200,000 for 20% equity.
- Shark Response: No deal was made, as the Sharks had ethical concerns about the product.
- Post-Show Success: The Skinny Mirror gained attention from the media and customers, but faced continued skepticism due to its controversial nature.
- Latest Update: The Skinny Mirror has continued to market itself as a confidence-boosting product, but it remains polarizing. The brand has seen moderate success, though it has faced challenges due to the debate over its ethics.
What is the Story behind The Skinny Mirror?
The mirror allows people to see their true selves confidently. A slightly slimmer reflection is seen, which enables individuals to feel more confident.
Their website describes the product as, “giving users the instant visual gratification of a ‘slimmer you’ while educating that how you choose to feel about your body has nothing to do with your actual shape, size or weight.”
Kevin O’Leary sees it as promoting a “falsehood” though and feels as though it is really just a lie. Robert Herjavec wants the details though. 350,000 units have been sold, mostly from clothing stores.
Stop the madnesss!!!! This product is an outrage and a lie! #SharkTank #TheSkinnyMirror
— Kevin O'Leary aka Mr. Wonderful (@kevinolearytv) October 24, 2015
O’Leary cannot get away from the deception, however, and goes out. Mark Cuban sees the problem as deceiving the shoppers when they look in the mirror. So he goes out too.
Herjavec likes the idea of the product but feels as though the customer will feel bad once they get their clothing home. He goes out as well.
Lori Greiner wants to know her inspiration, to which she explains that she developed body insecurities so she wanted a mirror to help change the way she saw herself.
NO. I can't deal with #TheSkinnyMirror. Need reality! #SharkTank
— Alesya (@Alesya) October 24, 2015
But Daymond John sees it as dangerous and goes out. Greiner agrees with her sentiments but cannot back the perceived deception. She too goes out.
Final deal: None.
The Controversy
The Skinny Mirror’s appearance on Shark Tank brought widespread attention to the product, but it also fueled a debate about the ethical implications of promoting a distorted reflection. Critics argued that the mirror could reinforce unrealistic beauty standards and potentially harm consumers who rely on it to feel good about themselves. Some saw it as a “lie,” with the potential to mislead people, especially when used in retail environments.
Supporters, however, praised The Skinny Mirror for helping people feel more confident and empowered. They viewed the mirror as a simple tool to combat negative body image and promote self-love. Belinda Jasmine herself emphasized that the mirror was not meant to deceive but to inspire a positive self-perception.
Where Is The Skinny Mirror Now?
Since its appearance on Shark Tank, The Skinny Mirror has continued to make waves in the media and among consumers. The product gained traction in both personal use and retail environments, where stores used it to help customers feel more confident while shopping. However, the company has had to contend with ongoing skepticism and ethical concerns surrounding the product’s impact on body image.
Despite these challenges, The Skinny Mirror has maintained a loyal customer base, particularly among those who appreciate its confidence-boosting effects. While it has not achieved widespread commercial success on the level of some other Shark Tank products, it remains a niche offering in the body positivity market.