Shark Tank contestant and former Coles worker scores $100,000 investment
A Shark Tank contestant has scored a $100,000 investment for his business idea to gift cupcakes in mason jars.
Former Coles employee James Willis, 26, impressed the show’s judges when he presented his idea on Tuesday.
Instead of sending flowers, James’s business sees overnight delivery of assorted cupcakes in secured mason jars, ensuring they are not ruined in transit.
“I knew people would want to get cake in the mail but you can't send cupcakes because they get squished,” he said.
He explained to the judges that his concept and delivery method was a first in Australia.
“So we're the only cake manufacturer that can ship Australia-wide overnight which is pretty exciting,” he said.
“Everyone's sending flowers, no one's sending cupcakes in a jar.”
Judges Andrew Banks and Naomi Simson offered James the $100,000 investment for a 30 per cent stake in the business.
The business, named The Mason Baker, is expected to bring in over one million dollars in retail sales over the next year.
On The Mason Baker Instagram page, James shared a photo with his two new investors.
He wrote: “Excited to do a deal with @abanks_88 and @naomisimson - Some big announcements to come! Watch this space.”
Before launching the business in July 2017, James worked in the bakery department at Coles.
The young entrepreneur has also signed a deal with Australian online flower retailer Roses Only to sell his jars, increasing weekly production from 1,000 per week to 5,000 plus.
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