Company: Bug Bite Thing, Port St. Lucie, FL
Company Description: As Seen on Shark Tank, Bug Bite Thing effectively alleviates the stinging, itching, and swelling caused by insect bites and stings. Amazon’s #1 best-selling product for insect bite relief with over 48,000 reviews, Bug Bite Thing is chemical-free, reusable, and safe to use on children of all ages, as well as adults.
Nomination Category: Thought Leadership Categories
Nomination Sub Category: Female Thought Leader of the Year - Consumer Products
 Nomination Title: Kelley Higney - Founder & CEO
- Briefly describe the nominated individual: history and past performance (up to 200 words):
Total 198 words used.
In 2013, Kelley Higney and her family relocated from San Diego, California to South Florida. There was one thing they were not prepared for—the mosquitoes. Her six-month-old daughter was constantly suffering from severe reactions to the bites. Determined to find a natural alternative to the available remedies on the market, Kelley began conducting research. She ordered an unfamiliar product that uses suction to remove the irritant—and it worked! It transformed the quality of life for her family—they could finally spend time outdoors! Kelley was determined to share it with others.
In 2017, she secured exclusive distribution rights to the product and branded it Bug Bite Thing. Kelley has since been a “Mom on a Mission” to educate the world on the most effective, chemical-free solution for insect bite relief.
The company gained national recognition in October 2019 when Kelley and her mother, Ellen McAlister, appeared on ABC’s hit show, ‘Shark Tank.’ All the Sharks were biting with offers to invest in the business, but it was Lori Greiner’s ‘Golden Ticket’ offer that secured the partnership. The daughter/mother duo made a second appearance on the show in April 2021, this time sharing an update on the company’s success.
- Outline the nominee's thought leadership achievements since July 1 2021 that you wish to bring to the judges' attention (up to 250 words):
Total 250 words used.
Higney was a keynote speaker at several events:
- Which will you submit for your nomination in this category, a video of up to five (5) minutes, explaining the achievements since July 1, 2021 of the nominated woman, OR written answers to the questions? (Choose one):
Written answers to the questions
- If you are submitting a video of up to five (5) minutes in length, provide the URL of the video here, OR attach it to your entry via the "Add Attachments, Videos, or Links to This Entry" link above, through which you may also upload a copy of your video. If you are submitting written answers to the questions for this category, provide them in the spaces below:
- Explain why the achievements you have highlighted are unique or significant. If possible compare the achievements to the performance of other players in your industry and/or to the nominee's past performance (up to 250 words):
Total 250 words used.
First time CEO Kelley Higney is a “Mom on a Mission” to offer the most effective, chemical-free solution for insect bite relief worldwide. She took a huge financial risk and sold her home to start her business. At first, Higney sold the product locally at bake sales and farmers’ markets in her South Florida community. Fast forward and the product has expanded its distribution to include over 30,000 retail partners in the U.S., available in 34 countries [REDACTED FOR PUBLICATION].
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The majority of other products available on the market [REDACTED FOR PUBLICATION] contain chemicals, product warning labels and are sold in environmentally hazardous aerosol cans, Bug Bite Thing is completely chemical-free, reusable, safe to use on children of all ages. It’s also Amazon’s bestseller with over 80,000 reviews.
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- Reference any attachments of supporting materials throughout this nomination and how they provide evidence of the claims you have made in this nomination (up to 250 words):
Total 5 words used.
Please see supporting documents attached.
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