The ABC Hit show "Shark Tank" could be the answer to a dream for two Walton County moms - but we will have to wait until Feb. 15 to find out whether it was or not.
"We've been waiting seven long months to share the news with our family and friends," said Brooke Bryant, of Loganville. She is co-owner of Addison's Wonderland, an Atlanta-based children's bedding company. "My business partner, Brittany Hayes (owner/designer), and I are excited to share that we will be appearing on the ABC television show "Shark Tank" on Friday, Feb. 15, at 9 p.m."
Bryant said out of the 36,000 companies that applied for the show, Addison's Wonderland was one of the few chosen.
"We are two hard-working moms, and UGA graduates, from Loganville, Ga. who started this company from the basement of Brittany's home," Bryant said. "The idea for our company started when our girls were ready for big girl bedding, and we felt the market lacked unique options. Our products have quickly gained national attention as we have been featured in numerous magazines, blogs and on a home makeover episode of The Doctors. We are two very driven southern belles and we are ready to share our huge dream with the world!"
That is where Shark Tank comes in.
"The show was taped in July in Los Angeles, Calif.," Bryant said, adding the application process began at the end of March, 2012. "Our husbands went with us and we had a fabulous time. We were out there for about a week and met some amazing and talented people from other companies who were also pitching to the sharks. When we were not at the studio, we were able to be typical tourists and visit Hollywood, Malibu and Santa Monica."
Bryant said, as is the case with all similar type shows, they are under heavy contract and sworn to secrecy with regard to much of the information - but they could share that they played on the GA Peach/Southern Belle theme when presenting to the sharks about their children's bedding company.
"We truly feel we have a one-of-a-kind product that is unique in design and is transitional from baby to young adult," Bryant said. "Brittany started AW when she was searching for bedding for her little girl, Addison, and couldn't find anything that wasn't themed or filled with pastels."
As for "the Sharks" themselves "They surprised us," Bryant said, adding some were a lot different in person than they are actually portrayed on TV.
Bryant and Hayes are not only business partners, they are also best friends and Bryant can't say enough good things about their relationship.
"She's the reason I'm involved in such an amazing experience. Without her amazing design ability and desire to create a unique brand, we wouldn't be here today., Bryant said. "She's my best friend and has given me the privilege of partnering with her, and for that I am very grateful!!"
And about whether or not they have added a shark or two to the partnership.
"You'll just have to watch on Feb 15th at 9pm," she said.
