Bad lighting can ruin your Zoom calls, TikTok videos, and live streams. Many content creators struggle with harsh shadows or dull colors that make them look tired on camera. Regular ring lights help, but they’re often boring and bulky. Chloe Mae Loop and Lan Bui saw this problem and created Kawaii Lighting – adorable heart-shaped, star-shaped, and cat-shaped ring lights that not only brighten your face but also leave cute reflections in your eyes.
When Chloe and Lan appeared on Shark Tank Season 13, they asked for $88,000 for 22% equity in their business. The Sharks loved the fun, stylish design of the lights, but some worried about competition. After negotiations, Barbara Corcoran made a deal: $100,000 for 22% equity, plus a $5 royalty per unit until she got her money back.
Since the show, Kawaii Lighting has grown significantly. The company now has an estimated net worth of $1 million and is popular among influencers and even celebrities like Cardi B. But how did Chloe and Lan build this business? What did the Sharks think? And where is Kawaii Lighting today? Let’s dive into the full story.
Kawaii Lighting Net Worth Shark Tank Update 2025
Chloe and Lan were looking for an investment of $88,000 in exchange for 22% equity in the company. At the time of the episode, they valued their company at $400,000. Chloe and Lan successfully secured a deal with Barbara for an investment of $100,000 for 22% equity, with a $5 royalty per unit until she made her money back. The investment adjusted the company’s net worth to around $455,000. After the show was aired, the company experienced a good boost in exposure. As per my rough estimate, the current net worth of Kawaii Lighting is around $1 million.
$88,000 for 22% equity with a $5 royalty per light until $88k is paid
N/A
No
Barbara Corcoran
$100,000 for 22% equity with a $10 royalty per light until $100k is paid $100,000 for 22% equity with a $5 royalty per light until $100k is paid
N/A
Yes
Mark Cuban
Out
N/A
N/A
Chloe Mae Loop and Lan Bui Backstory + Their Initial Pitch
Chloe Mae Loop and Lan Bui first came up with the idea for Kawaii Lighting while exploring markets in China. They noticed a demand for cute, functional lighting for content creators. Most ring lights were plain and unattractive, so they designed lights in fun shapes like hearts, stars, and cats. These not only provided flattering light but also created a unique reflection in the eyes of users, perfect for social media.
They launched Kawaii Lighting in 2020, selling directly to consumers. By the time they appeared on Shark Tank, they had $261,000 in lifetime sales. Their biggest challenge was scaling production while keeping costs low. They hoped a Shark could help them expand their reach and improve manufacturing.
During their pitch, they demonstrated how the lights worked, showing the adorable eye reflections they created. The Sharks were impressed by their energy and sales numbers, but some had concerns.
Queries + Shark’s Responses, and Final Deal
Mark was the first to speak. He liked the product but thought the market was too competitive. “There are so many ring lights out there,” he said. He decided to pass.
Lori agreed with Mark. “It’s a cute idea, but I don’t see a big enough differentiator,” she said. She also walked away.
Guest Shark Emma Grede didn’t see a fit for her expertise. “This isn’t my area,” she said before declining.
Mr. Wonderful liked the numbers but wanted security. He offered $88,000 for 22% equity, plus a $5 royalty per unit until he recouped his investment.
Barbara loved the fun, feminine branding. She offered $100,000 for 22% equity, with a $10 royalty per light. When Lan hesitated, Barbara lowered the royalty to $5 per unit, matching Kevin’s offer. Chloe and Lan accepted, choosing Barbara for her marketing expertise.
Product Availability
Kawaii Lighting offers a range of fun and stylish ring lights that can add a cute touch to your video calls, streaming, or social media posts. Here’s a simple breakdown:
– Shapes: Their ring lights come in playful shapes like hearts, stars, and cats, making them not just functional but also adorable.
– Usage: These lights are great for enhancing your appearance during Zoom meetings, creating engaging TikTok videos, or improving your streaming setup.
– Special Effect: They are designed to create charming highlights in your eyes, making your photos and videos look even better.
You can purchase them directly from their official website at KawaiiLighting.com. They sell directly to customers, so you won’t find them in stores. Expect to pay between $60 and $100 for each light, depending on the design and features.
What Happened To The Kawaii Lighting After Shark Tank?
After appearing on Shark Tank, Kawaii Lighting, which specializes in cute and trendy lighting products, experienced significant growth. The company is now valued at $1 million, indicating it has built a successful business. Popular artists like Cardi B have become fans of Kawaii Lighting, which helps attract more customers and boosts the brand’s visibility.
The company has a strong presence on Instagram, with over 30,000 followers, helping to engage with fans and promote their products. Kawaii Lighting continues to focus on selling its products exclusively through its online platform, which has likely contributed to its growth.
The partnership with investor Barbara Corcoran has been finalized, and under the leadership of Lan (one of the founders), the company continues to thrive, even though Chloe (the other founder) has moved on to pursue different opportunities.
Overall, Kawaii Lighting has evolved into a successful and well-known brand, leveraging celebrity influence and social media to expand its reach while maintaining a focus on online sales.
Conclusion
Chloe and Lan’s Kawaii Lighting impressed the Sharks with its cute, functional design. Though some doubted its uniqueness, Barbara Corcoran saw its potential. Today, the company is a social media favorite, proving that good lighting doesn’t have to be boring.
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.
