Carleton student Nick May successfully made a deal on Dragons’ Den for his shaving cream product, Vanilla Shower Time.
May, a chemistry student, developed a unique shaving gel bar as an alternative to regular shaving creams.
May said his product is more convenient than cream by having “less foam, less mess and waste.”
May said inspiration for the product started when he was 14 years old. He explained that lubrication and glide are important factors for a good shave.
“When I took chemistry and biology in school, it came to me that I could and that I should develop a convenient shaving cream with ingredients I trusted on my body,” May said via email.
May will be partnering with two of the five Dragons, Jim Treliving and Arlene Dickinson.
His evaluation was $50,000 for 25 per cent equity, with an additional $100,000 advertising budget.
With Treliving and Dickinson striking a deal together, May said he believes he has found the best match for his product. He said both are powerful, with Dickinson adding a feminine touch that he was lacking.
“I feel that all corporations should have a female at the top. Especially a consumer brand,” May said.
May said the process of finalizing a deal has been “long and demanding.”
However, he said he is optimistic that they are moving strongly and is anticipating closing in on a final agreement.
May said he is currently selling his product in pharmacies across Canada and continues to expand his distribution networks. A lot of people are involved in running the company, including manufacturers, distributors, and retailers, according to May.
“My goals for the future are to continue to grow the company,” he said. “I like to learn, and I will continue my education and use it as a tool to develop products.”
May said he is grateful for the opportunity to work with the Dragons.
“It is now time to take it from a reality show to the board room,” he said.
