I was on Dragons' Den AMA

[jajadingdongg]

I was on last Thursday's episode and happy to answer any questions! I've name changed so I can talk openly about it :-)

But anything you've ever wanted to know about Dragons' Den, ask away and I shall try my best.

I’m often impressed by products in the Den.

I’m not often as impressed by the pitches though. Well done! I’d be a total blithering idiot and you were rock solid.

Did you not fancy having a go at asking for a triple dragon? Sara seemed desperate to work with you too?

Anyway. Congratulations. It wasn’t a surprise to see you get dragonned up. Properly deserved

I have some product specific questions

Is your hand sanitiser one which leaves a funny taste on your hands if you use it before eating? I use a Milton foam one for DD before we eat in cafes as it's the best one I've found, but would love to try yours instead.

How is it still so effective without alcohol? I remember during covid times that unless a hand sanitiser was 70% alcohol it wasn't considered effective against covid. Or is that the 1% your product isn't effective against?

Also, the sun spray excites me! I didn't realise it was a sun screen at first. Any idea how badly it stains clothes and just how good it is for sensitive skin? Used La Roche Posay last year but it's made so many clothes glow in the dark terribly...

Amazing pitch! I hadn't sent it until this thread but am now planning what products to purchase

Is that lift real? It appears to have no car doors. DPs a lift engineer and comments on it every single bloody episode.

Great pitch very well done

Well done you and thank you for sharing. This is the first AMA thread I've ever opened 👏👏☺️ xx

Wow, just wow. I ve just watched this episode and you were amazing. You were so well prepared, cool , calm and collected and had all the answers. Congratulations, well deserved and I ll be looking out for your products for my little grandsons

I can’t find it on Amazon, what do you type in?

@Hurrylittlefroggy I did feel a bit nervous speaking to Steven and Deborah post-deal, as they've put their money and trust in me! I'm still a bit intimidated by them but they're so down to earth and kind, and now it's just like talking to any board member. Also they have very kind PAs who totally put me at ease.

@savyusername

Bit random but loved your jumpsuit where is it from. It was New Look! The button popped off just before I went in so the lovely make up lady sewed me into it so they couldn't see my bra!

@MotherofAutism thanks so much! It's the only sanitiser I use on my son's skin as he's the same.

@Allthestarsabovemyhead No not a gimmick, we worked with a microbiology department as a University in Wales, with government funding to create it, and it took about 2 years!

@Libertybear80
Thanks so much!

@IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads We find our no alcohol sanitiser is popular in settings where alcohol is a bad idea; nurseries, care homes etc, psychiatric wards. They use the same technology to disinfect cattle's drinking water, so it's very non-toxic!

@Graphista I wish I knew you were, hello in any case!

@SheldonesqueTheBstard Honestly I didn't think Deborah and Steven wanted to dilute anymore and I didn't want to upset them. Having Sara on board would have been great, my friend works with her on her business and she's transformed it!

@findingsomeone

The non alcohol sanitiser has been tested on coronavirus and works. We've had to comply with EU standards that one (many many months of tests!)
The sun spray is suitable for sensitive skin, and doesn't stain. It's also INCREDIBLE, My husband is very pale and used it last week in Jamaica and didn't even get the slightest redness. He applied once and went in the sea loads.

@amylou8 your DH is right!

@billysboy thank you!

@Monty27 Thanks! I thought people might be interested, as in the grand scheme of the population, not many people have been on it!

@JustBeKinder thank you!

@Justyou this is us on Amazon...
www.amazon.co.uk/stores/page/4AC5D92E-B12E-4986-AF46-7A8B926F7FFB?ingress=0&visitId=df3d1b89-0e38-4d2d-a0a8-d2d83b390e18&lp_slot=auto-sparkle-hsa-tetris&ref_=sbx_be_s_sparkle_nafd_cta&store_ref=SB_A01087802WFCZ7YPHYU9H&tag=mumsnetforu03-21

Thank you! I’ve send everyone the link as I’m so impressed at it.

Are you given any direction or guidance to help you prepare your pitch i.e do they give you the Dragon's FAQs or anything?

Well done OP, I and my husband watched your pitch and thought you were so impressive, we knew you would get investment and thought you negotiated brilliantly.

[quote jajadingdongg]@MotherofAutism thanks so much! It's the only sanitiser I use on my son's skin as he's the same.

@Allthestarsabovemyhead No not a gimmick, we worked with a microbiology department as a University in Wales, with government funding to create it, and it took about 2 years!

@Libertybear80
Thanks so much!

@IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads We find our no alcohol sanitiser is popular in settings where alcohol is a bad idea; nurseries, care homes etc, psychiatric wards. They use the same technology to disinfect cattle's drinking water, so it's very non-toxic![/quote]
Ah brilliant. Love it. Yes, mum used to work with someone who would drink traditional handheld (she has done a lot of work with addicts).

@Allthestarsabovemyhead

How do the live cultures work topically? Is it just a gimmick?

I was curious about this as well. Probiotics boost immune system by restoring balance in the gut. How does it work topically?

Your products sound great BTW and I'm very interested in a lip balm that helps my sons eczema

I work in the start up/investor finance space - so work in the real world dragons den. I have to say your pitch was exemplary. I always get so frustrated watching the pitches and ridiculous lack of business sense with valuations of company worth etc. I hide behind my cushion.
But you nailed it, absolutely nailed it. I would invest if I had the dosh and knew the market.
I bought some hand sanitiser too.

And my question; problems with sore skin and hands don’t go away so would you consider a more grown up branding? my daughter is 11 and would really benefit with your lip balm as she won’t stop sucking her lip. She won’t however use it if it’s for toddlers (or anyone thinks it is).

They sound great! Is there a reason the sun spray is only UVA rated and not UVB? Shouldn't small children be covered in stuff that protects from both?

@Justyou Thank you, you're a star!

@Nopetryagain Thank you for your kind words! You do get help with the pitch and actually the research team were super helpful in terms of support with the pitch, due diligence, preparing the table and so on!

@LaCerbiatta thanks so much! The probiotics sit on the skin, helping to balance the microbiota, there are actually 1,000 species that sit on the surface! Working with a microbiolosgt has been one of the fascinating parts of this journey, as it's not my back ground.

@PeonyRose80
Thanks so much! That really means a lot, as you must really know your stuff. I've been on a steep learning curve since the Armed Forces and always admitted when I didn't know something, asked for advice and I have worked very hard. I worked my socks off for the den, but how many times will I get on prime time TV again?! I don't know why folk don't prepare, although their nerves could get the better of them I guess.

@findingsomeone

So SPF actually covers UVB... so we're SPF 50, so offer high protection from UVB. I don't know why this isn't more publicly shared! It's got me thinking we should make this clearer on pack though, so thank you!

I watched your dragons den video by chance a while back and I can happily say have since purchased the Toddle products, they are fantastic and well done again

Sorry to be cheeky and jump on this as it's not dragons related but do you have anything to do with sales on Amazon? Absolutely love the products, the hand sanitizer has been a god send!

@msb86 Yes, in terms of Amazon, the shipments all come from the Unit. The advertising and listings are done by a fab agency, and we tried a few! If you want any help feel free to private message.

OP you've a sweetheart ❤️
Good luck 🍀

@jajadingdongg

Thanks for the link!

I've only just had time (in peace & with coffee!) to watch the show, you're every bit as brilliant as my friend said and as others here have said!

Luckily I'm old enough now, not to mind using products aimed at toddlers & I'm going to go now and order a few bits and from there I'm sure I will be recommending them to lots of people, I'll certainly be recommending your pitch as a 'must watch'.

Your parents were full of 💩 & I'm very sorry they said those things to you, it sounds like your Mum, at least, had/has issues, but...really it's still an unforgivable way to treat your own child.

Live well, love your DH & children & BE HAPPY!! Then no matter what else you'll have proven them wrong!! 🌸