Kawaii is a decades-long aesthetic that has spread throughout much of Japanese culture: fashion, beauty trends, merchandise, entertainment, personal appearance, even handwriting. It can be summed up as “cute.” Yes. Think Hello Kitty, Pokemon characters, little girl clothes on grown-up ladies. With Kawaii Lighting, Chloe Loop and Lan Bui, long-time life partners, now business partners, have made technology cute by incorporating stars, hearts and kitty cats into professional-caliber lights to be used by online photographers and videographers—that whole generation of content creators on TikTok, YouTube, Facebook Live, Instagram Live, Snapchat, Twitch and whatever might be in the works now! Kawaii Lighting is also popular with video bloggers, selfie lovers, and those who regularly attend meetings on Zoom.
Kawaii Lighting Products
The brightness of Kawaii Lights provides a beautiful, refined image without harsh shadows. The face looks flawless, wrinkles reduced to mere shadows. You can also light up your eyes with a dazzling star, heart, or kitty.
- Cat Ring Light (6” and 20”)
- Heart Ring Light (6” and 20”)
- Star Shape Ring Light (20”)
- Portable Ring Light (12”)
- Rose Gold Beauty Disk (to convert harsh sunlight into a soft golden-rose glow).
Kawaii Lighting Features
- Recharges in a few hours with the included micro-USB charging cable.
- Battery life lasts three hours for perfect lighting whether on the go or in your personal studio (aka bedroom).
- Stream for hours, or days, with the built-in USB charging port that is compatible with iPhone and Android phone charging cords.
- Clip-ons are designed for use on devices such as mobile phones, laptops and tablets.
- Brightness levels can be fine-tuned, from a dim, soft low setting to maximum brightness by using the included power adapter wall plug.
- Professional color temperatures, warm, neutral, and cool, ranging from 3000K to 7500K, set easily by pushing a button.
Lighting Kits Include
- Micro-USB charging cable
- Micro-USB remote control cord with mobile power bank plug
- Built-in universal power adapter with US plug
- Universal smart phone holders
- Light stand
- User manual
Kawaii Lighting in the Shark Tank
| Company | Kawaii Lighting |
| Shark Tank Air Date | 05/06/2022 |
| Season | Season 13 – Episode 22 |
| Entrepreneurs | Chloe Mae and Lan Bui |
| Pitch | $88,000 for 22% equity |
| On-air Deal* | $100,000 for 22% equity + $10 royalty |
| Shark | Barbara Corcoran |
| Website | kawaiilighting.com |
Entrepreneurs Chloe Mae and Lan Bui ventured into the Shark Tank seeking $88,000 in exchange for a 22% equity stake in Kawaii Lighting. The initial valuation set the stage for a high-stakes negotiation.
Mark Cuban, recognizing the fiercely competitive market, withdrew from consideration, citing its intensity as a deterrent to his investment.
Barbara Corcoran had a keen interest in the business, extending an offer that exceeded the entrepreneurs’ initial valuation. She proposed a $100,000 investment for a 22% equity stake, accompanied by a $10 royalty per light until her capital was recouped.
Lan expressed reservations about the royalty terms, prompting Kevin O’Leary to enter the fray with a counteroffer. Kevin offered the requested $88,000 for the same 22% equity stake, coupled with a more moderate $5 royalty per light until his initial investment was recuperated.
The guest Shark, Emma Grede, chose to step aside, deeming the opportunity incongruous with her investment criteria, while Lori Greiner followed suit, concerned about the competitive landscape.
Amidst the negotiation, Barbara demonstrated flexibility, reducing her royalty proposition to $5 per unit. This adjustment resonated with Chloe and Lan, leading them to accept Barbara’s offer, thus finalizing a deal that redefined Kawaii Lighting’s valuation, investment structure, and ownership split.
Kawaii Lighting After Shark Tank
Sales Increase: Following their feature on Shark Tank, Kawaii Lighting saw a surge in sales, achieving what they had earned in the previous two months in just two weeks. This influx of sales was driven by the increased visibility and interest generated by their appearance on the show.
Product Expansion: The company has been expanding its product line, introducing new complementary items. This expansion suggests a diversification strategy to cater to a broader range of customers and needs.
Market Presence: They have continued to maintain a strong presence in the market, with many influencers using their products. Their light and heart-shaped USB microphone have become particularly trendy among content creators.
Company Valuation and Revenue: As of 2023, Kawaii Lighting’s net worth is estimated at $1 million, with an annual revenue of $1 million in 2022. This indicates a steady growth in their business operations and market reach.
Intellectual Property: In 2022, Kawaii Lighting secured a design patent and a trademark, marking a significant step in protecting and formalizing their intellectual property. This move not only safeguards their designs but also adds to the company’s value and credibility.
Online and Social Media Presence: The company continues to actively sell their products through their official website and has garnered a following of 31.4k people on Instagram, indicating a strong online presence and engagement with their audience.
