What Happened to Sseko Designs after the Shark Tank?
What exactly is Sseko Designs?
Sseko Designs is a company established in Portland, Oregon. It began by selling handcrafted sandals with removable embellishments.
The sandals are handcrafted by Ugandan women “attempting to pursue their dreams and overcome poverty.”
In Uganda, Sseko provides life skills training, professional mentors, and the opportunity to pursue their education to female Sseko Fellows.
They began with sandals and have expanded to include a whole line of other fashion products created solely by Ugandan women.
They offer their products online and in over 100 small boutiques across the United States and Canada.
Who founded Sseko Designs?
Liz launched the firm after relocating to Uganda in 2008 to work in public relations and communications for a non-profit organization.
She met a number of young women who were attempting to fund their college educations, and she decided to start making sandals and employing the same young women.
They were able to pay their college educations with their revenue from Sseko Designs.
Bohannon receives immense satisfaction from knowing that she is supporting others in escaping poverty and finding significance in their life.
What Happened to Sseko Designs during the Shark Tank pitch?
Sseko Designs made an appearance on Shark Tank season 6 episode 19 and requested $300,000 for a 10% stake in the company. This translates to a valuation of $3 million.
They demonstrate their sandals and detail their work-study program for Ugandan women, complete with a video message from Uganda.
They underline that they are a for-profit business and that their benevolence derives from their employment of Ugandan women – there is no “percentage of income donated to charity” agreement.
Liz reveals to Barbara how she got into her company and how the ladies she met became her employees when Barbara inquires about her background.
She distributes sandals while describing the program.
She has graduated 47 women from the program.
They produced $1.1 million in sales this year and borrowed $250K to hire salesmen.
They will not earn a profit for several years. Barbara draws parallels between Sseko and Grace and Lace, but feels they were more profit-driven. She does not recognize it in Ben or Liz and departs.
Mark does not see the “cause and effect,” but he does see a great deal of self-promotion that is not bringing them from where they are to where they need to go. Mark has withdrawn from the agreement.
Kevin feels the business is worth less than $700,000, and he is certain they will not reach an agreement; thus, he is resigning.
Robert when investing in a small business, it is preferable to invest when revenues are generated rather than in advance.
To gain a 20% increase in income, they would need a 30% rise in sales, and hence Robert does not see a realistic growth strategy for them. Robert is also unavailable.
Lori, like the other Sharks, appreciates the mission and the look, but when she put it on, she admitted to having difficulty with the sandal due to the possibility of the ribbon biting into the foot depending on how it is tied.
Lori is therefore no longer included in the deal, leaving Liz and Ben with no stake in Sseko Designs.
What became of Sseko Designs following its appearance on Shark Tank?
They sold enough stuff to last a month in the 48 hours following their initial air date.
The firm is still operational as of August 20, 2021.
They’ve expanded their product line to include handbags, outerwear, jewelry, and coffee, and have partnered with women in Kenya, Ethiopia, and India. The corporation generates $24 million in annual sales.
How much is Sseko Designs worth?
Sseko Designs appeared on Shark Tank season 6 episode 19 seeking $300,000 for a 10% stake in the company. This translates into a $3 million valuation for the business.
The Company’s current valuation is clearly greater as a result of its growth.
Who are Sseko Designs’s Rivals?
Chaco, OluKai, KEEN, Kamik, Sanuk, soleRebels, and Wiivv are among Sseko Designs’ primary rivals.
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Sseko Designs FAQS
1. Sseko Designs products authentic?
Yes, their sandals are 100% genuine and authentic. They sell their products online and also in over 100 small boutiques across the United States and Canada.
2. What is the difference between Sseko Designs and other companies?
The sandals are handcrafted by Ugandan women “attempting to pursue their dreams and overcome poverty.”
3. What is Sseko Designs?
Sseko Designs is a company established in Portland, Oregon. It began by selling handcrafted sandals with removable embellishments.
4. How does Sseko Designs operate?
They produce and market high quality sandals that are crafted by Ugandan women “attempting to pursue their dreams and overcome poverty.”
5. Who founded Sseko Designs?
Liz Bohannon launched the firm after relocating to Uganda in 2008 to work in public relations and communications for a non-profit organization. She founded the firm in 2009.
6. How did Sseko Designs do on Shark Tank pitch?
Sseko Designs made an appearance on Shark Tank season 6 episode 19 and requested $300,000 for a 10% stake in the company. This translates to a valuation of $3 million.
7. Did they get the deal?
No, they failed to secure a deal for their company.
8. Is Sseko Designs a charity?
No, they are a for-profit business. They employ local women to craft sandals and provide them with an education fund in exchange.
9. Where are they sold?
They are available online at www.ssekodesigns.com
10. Are Sseko Design sandals good for running?
No, they are not suitable for running because the sole is quite thick and lacks flexibility.
11. Where is Sseko Design based?
Sseko Designs is based in Portland, Oregon.
12. How did Sseko Design start?
In August 2008, Liz Bohannon moved to Uganda as Executive Director of Communications and Public Affairs for the Alliance of Non-profit Organizations (ANO) in Kampala, Uganda.
She met a number of young women who were attempting to fund their college educations, and she decided to start making sandals and employing the same young women.
13. What is the annual revenue of Sseko Design?
The firm generates approximately $24 million in annual sales.
14. Is Sseko Design still in business?
Yes, the firm is still operational as of August 20, 2021. They’ve expanded their product line to include handbags, outerwear, jewellery, and coffee, and have partnered with women in Kenya, Ethiopia, and India