Stress is something that many people feel every day. Work, school, family—these things can all add up and make us feel overwhelmed. Some people try slow breathing or going for a walk. Yet it can be hard to stop and find a few quiet moments. Things that help our minds often don’t fit into our busy days. We need something simple and quick for ourselves or for loved ones.
Nancy Rothner saw this problem and found a solution. She created a therapy dough called Pinch Me. It is a small jar of dough infused with calming scents. With it, you can squeeze and knead when you feel tension. It gives your hands something to do and your mind a moment of peace.
On Season 12 of Shark Tank, Nancy hoped the sharks would help her bring this tool to more people. She came in asking for $300,000 in exchange for 7% of her company, which was valued Pinch Me at $4.29 million. Let’s look at her journey from pitch to where the company stands today.
Pinch Me Therapy Dough Net Worth Shark Tank Update 2025
Nancy was looking for an investment of $300k in exchange for 7% equity in the company. At the time of the episode, she valued her company at $4.29 million. Nancy successfully secured a deal with Robert for an investment of $300k for 20% equity in the company. The investment adjusted the company’s net worth to around $1.5 million. After the show was aired, the company experienced a good boost in exposure. As per my rough estimate, the current net worth of Pinch Me Therapy Dough is around $2.42 million.
Shark(s) name | Offer & Demand | Counteroffer | Accepted? |
Daymond John | $300,000 for 20% equity | $300,000 for 17% equity | No |
Lori Greiner | Out | N/A | N/A |
Kevin O’Leary | $300,000 for 25% equity | $300,000 for 10% equity | No |
Robert Herjavec | $300,000 for 25% equity $300,000 for 20% equity | $300,000 for 10% equity $300,000 for 17% equity | Yes |
Mark Cuban | Out | N/A | N/A |
Nancy Rothner Backstory + Their Initial Pitch
Nancy Rothner worked as a volunteer at a domestic abuse shelter. She saw firsthand how grief, anxiety, and trauma affected survivors. She wanted to give them a portable tool to ease stress. She was also a trained clinical hypnotherapist and knew how tension affects the mind and body. She searched for simple, non‑drug tools that anyone could use anywhere. That journey led her to therapy dough.
She spent months researching ingredients, testing textures, and blending in essential oils for calming scents. She wanted the dough to feel smooth, pliable, and gentle on her hands. She also made sure it smelled nice and stayed soft after many uses. Creating a safe, tactile experience took patience. She had to test for allergies, shelf‑life, and smell retention.
When Nancy pitched, she walked into the tank holding jars of dough. She told her personal story, explained her mission, and invited the sharks to squeeze the dough themselves. Their reactions were positive. Some smiled, others inhaled deeply. She then explained her business numbers. She shared past sales of $1.95 million in 2019, a drop during the COVID‑19 year, and a rebound to around $1.2 million in 2020.
She stated she had sold over $5 million before tank day. Then she asked for $300,000 for 7% equity to scale further into wholesale and develop new products.
Queries + Shark’s Responses, and Final Deal
Kevin O’Leary was the first to question the numbers. He asked if her lifetime sales were truly $5.3 million. Nancy confirmed. He asked about profit margins and distribution contracts. She said they paid $4.50–$7.50 per jar to make and wholesaled at $14.99–$24.99, depending on size. Kevin noted the strong margins but wanted more ownership. He offered $300,000 for 25% equity.
Robert Herjavec then stepped in. He repeated Kevin’s offer but hoped she might go for a lower percentage. He brought his experience in consumer goods to the pitch, showing eagerness to work with her.
Daymond John wanted to know how well the dough was supported by customer demand. Nancy said many users had ADHD, ASD, PTSD, anxiety, or sensory needs. Her product had found new markets via social media shares and word‑of‑mouth after the episode aired. That convinced Daymond to offer $300,000 for 20%.
Robert then matched Daymond’s offer, and Nancy accepted it.
Mark Cuban and Lori Greiner both said they loved the product and Nancy’s story, but the category didn’t fit their strategies. Lori said she felt Nancy did not need her help at that time. Mark agreed while complimenting her professionalism.
Finally, Nancy shook hands with Robert on $300,000 for 20% equity. The deal valued Pinch Me at $1.5 million post‑money.
Product Availability
Pinch Me Therapy Dough is both tactile and aromatic. Each jar is made in the US, vegan, and cruelty‑free. The dough is soft, non‑sticky, and scented with essential oils like lavender, citrus, or ocean breeze to inspire calm. They come in multiple sizes, from travel tins to larger jars, ranging $14.99 to $24.99.
Since the show, Nancy expanded the line to over 20 scents and added complementary products like Mist Me Therapy Spritz, pillow sprays, stress‑relief clip‑on lockets, charm bracelets, and a companion book called Stress Relief in a Pinch. You can buy them online through the official Pinch Me site or on Amazon.
You will also find them in gift shops and wellness stores. Buying a jar also supports the Wounded Warrior Project, with part of the proceeds donated. The dough stays pliable after hundreds of uses if sealed properly.
What Happened To The Pinch Me Therapy Dough After Shark Tank?
The deal with Robert Herjavec became a major step forward. By March 2024, Nancy confirmed the company was still in full swing, with a growing catalog of products and continued strong sales. She told reporters her audience had broadened to include people with disabilities like ADHD, ASD, and chronic pain.
As of today, the Pinch Me Therapy Dough brand is estimated to bring in over $1 million annually, with a net worth of around $2.42 million based on growth and valuation trends. The product remains available on Amazon, the brand’s website, and select wholesale outlets. The company continues to release new products. In early 2023, it launched Mist Me Spritz, and by 2024, it teased yet another calming item.
Nancy herself continued her work beyond the dough. She maintained involvement in her hypnotherapy practice and expanded her reach via workshops and online content.
Conclusion
Pinch Me Therapy Dough started as a simple idea from a caring clinical hypnotherapist. Nancy wanted a way to help people feel calmer in a fast, stressful world. Her therapy dough added scent, touch, and movement to ease tension. On Shark Tank, she showed numbers, samples, and passion. Though some sharks passed, Robert Herjavec came to match her spirit and invested $300,000 for 20% of the company.
Since that deal, Nancy’s company has thrived. Millions of dollars in sales, a wide product range, and meaningful partnerships with groups like the Wounded Warrior Project have followed. Today, the dough and its sister products are sold online and in stores. Customers from all walks of life—from veterans to people facing ADHD—have found solace in a jar.
Pinch Me Therapy Dough is a true example of how a caring idea can grow with the right help. And it all began with one simple pinch.

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.