Every parent knows the struggle of finding shoes for children. Kids grow so fast that a new pair often lasts mere weeks. Shopping becomes a constant chore. You want shoes that fit, feel good, and look nice. But learning their size takes time. Wasting money on shoes that last a few wears is painful. Many parents wish their child’s shoes could last longer and still feel special.
Lisa and Duc Nguyen saw this same pain. They wanted shoes that could change style with their child’s mood. What if you could swap decorations on shoes instead of buying new pairs? That simple idea became Baubles + Soles. The couple aimed to combine cost-saving, sustainability, and style. Their solution: a shoe with attachable, interchangeable baubles, fun charms that change with the outfit or day.
They brought this idea to Shark Tank Season 11. In their pitch, they shared it was a fix for short-lived, single-style kids’ shoes. In the episode, they asked for $100,000 for a 15% equity stake. Their goal was to expand product lines, grow retail presence, and make shoes that last through childhood phases.
Baubles + Soles Net Worth Shark Tank Update 2025
Lisa and Duc were looking for an investment of $100k in exchange for 15% equity in the company. At the time of the episode, they valued their company at around $666k. Lisa and Duc successfully secured a deal with Daymond for an investment of $100k for 25% equity in the company. The investment adjusted the company’s net worth to around $400k. After the show was aired, the company experienced a good boost in exposure. As per my rough estimate, the current net worth of Baubles + Soles is around $0, as the business officially closed in early 2023.
Shark(s) name | Offer & Demand | Counteroffer | Accepted? |
Robert Herjavec | Out | N/A | N/A |
Lori Greiner | Out | N/A | N/A |
Kevin O’Leary | Out | N/A | N/A |
Daymond John | $100,000 for 25% equity | N/A | Yes |
Mark Cuban | Out | N/A | N/A |
Lisa and Duc Nguyen Backstory + Their Initial Pitch
Lisa Nguyen grew up in tough conditions. She escaped wartime Vietnam by fishing boat, then spent years in a refugee camp. Eventually, she moved to Australia, helping refugees before settling in America. Duc Nguyen arrived from Montreal and found business success as an entrepreneur. Together, they had a daughter.
They watched shoes outgrow their child almost overnight. She loved certain styles, but soon those stopped fitting. Concerned about waste and cost, they imagined a flexible solution.
In 2018, they launched the idea. They used eco-friendly, washable plastic with a patented twist-lock bauble system. The mechanism was secure, tested for a 30-pound pull force, but simple enough for kids. Their shoes were machine-washable, vegan, and recyclable. In their Shark pitch, they shared production costs: $11 each wholesale. They sold most at $50 retail, with baubles separately sold at $13–17. They had achieved $150k in sales by then.
Their presentation was warm and vibrant. They wore baubles on stage and smiled as they handed them around. They told their personal backstories in a heartfelt way. They asked for $150k for a 15% stake to boost manufacturing, retail exposure, and brand awareness. Their passion was clear.
Queries + Sharks’ Responses, and Final Deal
Daymond John went first. He voiced concern over inventory. He pointed out that stocking shoes in men’s sizes, colors, and charms multiply quickly. “Inventory will be a nightmare,” he said. He dropped out of the pitch.
Robert Herjavec said he didn’t see strong online momentum. He worried about customer adoption and growth. He also left.
Mark Cuban said the idea was too similar to other shoe accessory products. He felt the market was saturated. He was out too.
Kevin O’Leary praised their valuation but confessed he didn’t want to enter the shoe business. He followed suit and exited.
Lori Greiner expressed genuine affection for the founders and product design. However, she said she was not ready to handle the shoe industry challenges. She declined to invest.
With all the Sharks out, Lisa didn’t stop. She announced they would take a loan rather than equity if needed. She refused to stop until someone listened. That drive moved Daymond, and he re-entered. He offered $100k for 25% equity, pointing out he believed in Lisa’s heart and grit. He felt he could guide them through inventory and retail pitfalls. She accepted his offer.
So the deal closed verbally: Daymond John $100,000 for 25% equity. Though lower than the ask and higher equity, it was still a big win. It recognized her passion and his faith in their team.
Product Availability
At its best, Baubles + Soles offered shoes and charms via their website and retail partnerships. By 2020, they landed a placement in Macy’s and BuyBuy Baby. Shoes were dishwasher safe, flexible, and made from recyclable materials. The twist-lock baubles could handle rough toddler use, yet were replaceable for style changes.
Shoes retailed at about $49.95. Baubles sold for $12.95–16.95 each. They featured child-friendly designs, even collabs like Pixar tie-ins (e.g., “Luca” baubles) through Daymond’s connections. The focus was on individuality, fun, and eco-conscious materials.
Online, their main shop supported multiple styles and charming visuals. They branded themselves as a sustainable and stylish choice for growing kids. However, their pricing relegated them from mainstream to niche appeal.
What Happened To The Baubles + Soles After Shark Tank?
After Shark Tank, Lisa and Duc worked to expand. They used Daymond’s network to get retailer attention. By 2020, they were in national stores. Their Instagram showed promise and engagement until late 2022.
But challenges remained. Orders from retailers imposed high inventory burdens. Fashion-forward kids’ interests shifted fast. The pandemic affected the discretionary purchases of kids’ fashion items. Sales slowed. Engagement dropped, and margins tightened.
By January 2023, they announced a closing sale. They prepared to wind down operations. A final message came on February 28, 2023: they were taking time to reflect and cease that chapter. The official shutdown occurred on March 1, 2023.
Lisa moved on. She returned to varied ventures, including TV work, hosting, a nonprofit, and launching Custom Nest LLC. Duc appeared to focus on family time and personal ventures.
Although officially paused, their brand no longer operates. Some baubles remain available through Love Oka-B, but the original Baubles + Soles is effectively closed.
Conclusion
Baubles + Soles offered a warm and clever solution. It addressed a real parent challenge and used sustainable design. The founders’ resilience and story moved both the audience and the Sharks. They landed a deal with Daymond John, valuing the relationship over a dollar amount. The brand reached major retailers and expanded product lines.
Yet inventory complexity, pricing pressures, and shifting consumer motives created lasting obstacles. Despite great intentions and a clear heart, the company could not sustain growth. It closed in early 2023 after about four years of operation and two years after Shark Tank.
Still, Lisa and Duc’s journey is inspiring. It shows how passion, perseverance, and vulnerability can earn support. More so, it demonstrates that even great ideas face tough real-world constraints. For every product that succeeds, many more give it their best shot and learn valuable lessons. Although their business ended, their story lives on, and their creativity and courage will fuel the next idea they build.

Hey, I’m Amna Habib, an undergraduate student pursuing a Bachelor’s in Business Administration. Shark Tank has always been one of my favorite TV shows because it offers a unique glimpse into the world of entrepreneurship. The way entrepreneurs present innovative solutions to everyday problems aligns with my academic interests and fuels my curiosity about business strategies. Each pitch showcases creativity and strategic decision-making, which I find both insightful and inspiring. Watching the show has deepened my passion for business and motivated me to explore the world of entrepreneurship even further. Beyond business and writing, I love food, shopping, and spending time with my friends and family.