Company: FunkkOFF! Inc.
Company Description: FunkkOFF! Inc. is a lifestyle brand company that launched FunkkOFF! TeethRefreshers®, a game-changer in the oral care category that fills a white space for consumers with a revolutionary solution for smiles on-the-go! FunkkOFF! TeethRefreshers® is the 1st & ONLY 2-in-1 Toothbrush + Toothpaste that is Reusable (30x), 100% Natural & Vegan, to refresh your teeth back to white on-the-go.
Nomination Category: Company/Organization Awards Categories
Nomination Sub Category: Startup of the Year - Consumer Products Industries
 Nomination Title: FunkkOFF! Inc.
- 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 organization, 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 appropriate spaces below:
We are providing written answers in lieu of a video. See below. In addition, we do have our Shark Tank Episode 14 Season 14 video online that is a great video to learn about us, our business and our achievements.
- Briefly describe the nominated organization: history and past performance (up to 200 words):
Total 200 words used.
FunkkOFF!® Inc. is a lifestyle brand company creating oral care, beauty & personal care products. FunkkOFF!® Inc. was formed in 2019 by 2 lifelong friends, Joelle Flynn & Sonia Hounsell, who go back to the 7th grade and joined forces to launch their signature product FunkkOFF! TeethRefreshers®. The genesis for the product occurred when Joelle was wine tasting in Napa. She loved her red wine but loved her white teeth more! Joelle carried around a toothbrush and toothpaste to remove the purple “Funkk™” “OFF!” of her teeth. One time, Joelle pulled out her lipstick and thought, “Why isn’t there something compact, reusable, and easy to use like my lipstick – but to refresh my teeth?!?” Joelle began inventing one, filed 8 U.S. Patents on her designs and 3 U.S. Trademarks. She joined forces with Sonia who had spent decades in brand management in major CPG companies. They worked together to refine the product design and usability and build a supply chain to manufacture. They formulated their proprietary 100% Natural & Vegan tooth gel and completed product development in early 2021. Now they have 10 U.S. Patents (Utility & Design) and 1 PCT Patent.
- Outline the organization's achievements since July 1 2021 that you wish to bring to the judges' attention (up to 250 words):
Total 250 words used.
July 2, 2021, FunkkOFF!® introduced multi-patented FunkkOFF! TeethRefreshers® a game-changer in the oral care category that fills white space for consumers with a revolutionary solution. FunkkOFF! TeethRefreshers® is the 1st & ONLY 2-in-1 Toothbrush + Toothpaste that is Reusable (30x), 100% Natural & Vegan, to refresh your teeth back to white on-the-go. Certified Women-Owned, FunkkOFF! TeethRefreshers® grew steadily with a robust DTC business on their website and Amazon and sold out 3 months! When back in stock, they entered the Retail Market and have since gained distribution in 90+ stores in 40+ states. They were discovered organically and listed by a number of retailers including SHEN Beauty & Uncommon Goods. They were also discovered by the QVC Personal Care Buyer and received a large Purchase Order and airdate of August 28, 2023. FunkkOFF!® achieved international recognition in February 2023 when featured on Shark Tank Season 14 Episode 14 (sold out in 12 minutes!) and received a $250000 deal from Robert Herjavec. After the appearance and unanimous rave reviews by ALL of the Sharks demand has been skyrocketing. Sales in the first 6 months of 2023 are 350% higher than f 2022. When FunkkOFF® sold out in the 1st quarter, consumers place pre-orders and were willing to wait 3+ months for delivery. Press feedback is also strong with organic features in NBC News, Los Angeles Times, Travel + Leisure, SHAPE, Real Simple, BuzzFeed. FunkkOFF! TeethRefreshers® has won the 2022 International Grand Prix Du Design award for Consumer Product Design.
- 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 246 words used.
Joelle & Sonia have built a business based upon passion, values and implicit trust. Their friendship started in 7th grade. The grew up together from a young age and attended a small all-girls Catholic school where they learned a tremendous about teamwork, integrity and responsiblity. Their teamwork, whether on the lacrosse or soccer fields or as Co-Editors of the school newspaper, instilled in them at a formative age the ability to partner exceptionally well together to find success. While the stakes are much higher, the thread of teamwork is an integral and powerful for FunkkOFF!®. It has driven the successes of the Certified Women Owned company and will continue to do so. Joelle's persistence in the early years led to extensive patent work which puts her among the only 2.5% of patent holders who are women-only. Together Joelle & Sonia turned the invention into a consumer product in a male-dominated environment and now own 10 U.S. Patents (5 design & 5 Utility) and 1 PCT China Patent. In addition, with little to no access to Venture Funding since only 4% of VC capital goes to women-only founded companies, Joelle & Sonia found a way to self-fund, raise capital, creatively grow their business and find success. Now leading a burgeoning business, they currently have purchase order interest from 5 countries and endless channels including dental, wine, travel, hospitality, and food/beverage. Because after all, anyone who has teeth and likes to smile needs FunkkOFF! TeethRefreshers® :)
- 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 organization's past performance (up to 250 words):
Total 249 words used.
What sets us apart from any oral care company out there is our multi-patented and first ever product, our sustainability, our team and our values. Product: FunkkOFF!® is the only company that has delivered a solution for on-the-go reususable oral care maintenance. Large oral care giants like Proctor & Gamble (Crest) and Colgate did not figure out how to meet this consumer need for keeping smiles fresh and white in-between brushings and whitening treatments in order to prolong their white smile and prevent stains. The only products on the market are one-time use solutions like Colgate Wisp or teeth wipes. Both formats are used once and disposed. Sustainability: FunkkOFF! TeethRefreshers® are multi-use, a sustainable solution for on-the-go oral care maintenance. Furthermore, throughout the supply chain, FunkkOFF!® is committed to sustainable practices that reduce the impact on the planet. This includes the 100% Natural, proprietary tooth gel inside FunkkOFF! TeethRefreshers® that is free of Sulphates (SLS/SLES), BPA Free, Cruelty Free. Team: Joelle & Sonia, single-handledy and Certified 100% Women-Owned, created the product and manufacturing supply chain from nothing and have built a successful company with tremendous demand. As minority business owners, we are going up against the oral care giants and giving back along the way. Values: In fact, our support of young women and aspiring female entrepreneurs is an integral part of our business. A portion of our sales is donated to Girls on the Run, which helps girls find their limitless potential and pursue their dreams.
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