Calm Strips is a product designed to help manage anxiety and stress through sensory stimulation. These strips feature various textures, such as soft sand and river rocks, providing a tactile experience that can help reduce stress and increase focus.
Michael Malkin, who invented Calm Strips in 2020, was inspired by his own struggle with social anxiety.
He initially found relief by drumming with his hands and later experimented with sensory methods like wrapping painter’s tape around his fingers. This led him to create Calm Strips as a more effective and less messy solution.
Michael Malkin and Luce Fuller pitched Calm Strips on Shark Tank Season 13, Episode 13, seeking $250,000 for 10% equity in their company, which was valued at $2.5 million.
The strips come in various textures and designs and can be adhered to items like phones, rings, and laptops. The product is sold in bulk packs, ranging from $24.99 to $39.99, and custom designs are also available.
To date, Calm Strips has served over 150,000 customers and is used in more than 5,000 schools. The new Calm Breathing Sticker features a colorful visual design and continues to contribute to the product’s popularity.
| Company Name | Calm Strips | |
| Founder | Michael Malkin and Luce Fuller | |
| Founded | Apr 2020 | |
| Product | textured sensory adhesive | |
| Asked For | $250k for 10% Equity | |
| Final Deal | $250k for $2.5 per unit until $250k is recouped, then $1.50 until $750k is paid | |
| Shark |  Robert Herjavec | |
| Episode (Shark Tank USA) | S13 E13 | |
| Air Date | Jan 28, 2022 | |
| Business Status | In Business | |
| Website | Visit Website | |
| Headquarters | Newport News, Virginia, US | |
| Lifetime Worth (Sales) | $10M *estimated | |
| Buy and Watch | Buy Now | Amazon Prime |
Another Shark Tank Pitch
Who Is The Founder Of Calm Strips?
Michael Malkin and Luce Fuller are the co-founders of Calm Strips. Both have experience working at Apple Stores.
Michael Malkin transitioned from his role as a manager at Dell and Apple Stores, where he worked for 15 years, to becoming an English teacher in a public school. He holds a Graduate Certificate in Project Management from Old Dominion University.
Luce Fuller serves as the administrative director and co-owner of Calm Strips. She held various positions at Apple for two years before co-founding the company.
How Was The Shark Tank Pitch Of Calm Strips?
Michael Malkin and Luce Fuller entered Shark Tank seeking $250,000 for a 10% equity stake in their company, Calm Strips, which is designed to help with anxiety through sensory stimulation. They showcased their product using a Charlie video animation.
Michael shared how the product helps him manage his anxiety. Despite the enthusiasm, Daymond John expressed confusion, stating, “I just don’t get it.” The product has been used by over 100,000 people, with a return rate of less than 1%.
The cost breakdown revealed that five packs are sold for $12.49, with the production cost of soft sand strips at $1 and river rock strips at $2 each. Shipping adds $3 per order. Kevin O’Leary was impressed by the product’s margin, noting that since its launch in April 2020, it has generated $2.5 million in sales.
Lori Greiner criticized the product’s price, attributing the low return rate to its cost. Mark Cuban found the shipping cost too high and expressed doubts about scalability. Michael responded that they offer full refunds if customers are not satisfied and do not require returns.
In the last three months, Calm Strips achieved $400,000 in sales and made a profit of $193,000 in 2020. Despite the solid numbers, Daymond John decided not to invest. Mark Cuban also opted out, citing concerns about scaling. Robert Herjavec offered $250,000 for 35% equity in the company.
What Happened To Calm Strips After Shark Tank?
After appearing on Shark Tank, Calm Strips experienced a surge in popularity, with many customers expressing interest on social media and quickly purchasing the product. The brand gained significant exposure:
- April 2022: Calm Strips was featured on the score screens at the Norfolk Tides Baseball Stadium.
- June 2022: The brand showcased its products at the Dallas Market Center trade show.
- October 2022: Calm Strips became available at Walmart and was also sold in over 75 independent stores across the U.S.
In 2022, the company’s annual revenue was estimated to be around $1 million. By January 2023, Calm Strips had sold to over 150,000 customers and reached more than 5,000 schools.
The episode aired on January 28, 2022, and Robert Herjavec ultimately invested in Calm Strips after extensive negotiations. We look forward to following Michael Malkin and Luce Fuller’s continued success with their company.
What Is The Calm Strips Net Worth?
Calm Strips was valued at $2.5 million during their Shark Tank appearance, and Robert Herjavec opted for a royalty deal instead of equity. Since the episode aired, the company has benefited from a significant increase in sales.
Current Status:
- Valuation: $2.5 million.
- Profitability: The business has been profitable since 2020, with a notable boost in sales post-Shark Tank.
- Sales Channels: Calm Strips are available on platforms like Etsy and Amazon.
- Website Traffic: The Calm Strips website attracts over 100,000 visits per month. Traffic sources include 36% from social media and 31% from direct visits.
- Media Exposure: The product has been featured in various media publications such as Gadgets Flow and ABC Action.
The company’s continued success reflects the growing demand for anxiety-reducing products and effective sensory tools.
Yes, Calm Strips is still in business as of April 2024.
