"Entering the tank...." I never imagined I would ever hear those words precede my name. With over 35,000 entrepreneurs applying to be on the show every year and only 100 that ultimately air, it takes luck. I had heard “you should be on Shark Tank” from dozens of enthusiastic Peekaboo fans since I launched the company; so when the Shark Tank casting team descended upon Miami, I signed up for the open casting call. A Shark Tank open casting call is one way to apply to be on the show. It takes place in different cities and you can sign up in advance to wait in line with hundreds of other entrepreneurs for your chance to pitch.
 
A few days before the open call, I received a random phone call: “Hi, I am a casting director for Shark Tank. We would really like to encourage you to apply this season! We have been following Peekaboo and your incredible growth and think you would be great!” I assumed the director had seen my name on the open call list and decided to reach out, but it turned out that this call was completely unrelated to the open call. In fact, they suggested I skip the open call, and simply submit the show application, so I did!
 
A few rounds of interviews later, I was cast! Now to be sure, the steps in between were nerve-wracking and nail-biting but ultimately, such a breeze compared to what comes next….
 
When you are cast on Shark Tank, you are assigned producers and work with them to craft your set design and script your initial pitch. Then, it’s up to you to have everything built and shipped. Once it arrives on set, you have to assemble it and hope you packed all the pieces! I was lucky enough to be accompanied by the illustrious Paul Jacober, from my design team (Jacober Creative). He was the perfect companion because he has great instinct and eye for design and is supremely flattering. No one boosts my confidence like Paul. And when you are about to enter The Tank, it helps to be with someone that makes you feel like 10 million bucks, before you are made to feel like chopped liver. Just kidding :) I should add that Paul adds no value when it comes to building anything and we had to seduce a few guys with tools in order to get it done. That being said, Paul is the best.

The day of filming was so exciting! As we sat around waiting for my turn, we stalked the snack bar and made great friends: impressive, resilient  entrepreneurs with innovative products, also waiting for their turn to make the deal of a lifetime.
 
As the day winded down, the producer finally came speeding toward me to get me “It’s your turn! Lessssgooo!” My entire body was calm and collected, cool as a cucumber.  Then suddenly my right leg began flopping around so violently from my nerves it blew my whole chill cover. I couldn’t even adjust the ankle strap on my heels I was so nervous.
 
Curious to know what happened next? Watch me on December 11 to see how it all shakes out….