ECONOMY & WORK
MONEY 101
NEWS
PERSONAL FINANCE
NET WORTH
About Us Contact Us Privacy Policy Terms of Use DMCA Opt-out of personalized ads
© Copyright 2023 Market Realist. Market Realist is a registered trademark. All Rights Reserved. People may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice.
MARKETREALIST.COM / NEWS

'Shark Tank' contestant makes judges smell dirty diapers — still gets $75,000 deal from Mark Cuban

After everyone backed out, the billionaire Shark stepped up to help the founder of Diaper Dust.
PUBLISHED JUL 17, 2025
Screenshots showing guest Shark Emma Grede's reaction and the founder of Diaper Dust (Cover image source: YouTube/Sony Pictures Television)
Screenshots showing guest Shark Emma Grede's reaction and the founder of Diaper Dust (Cover image source: YouTube/Sony Pictures Television)

It's hard to impress investors on "Shark Tank," and even after a successful pitch, they don't back a business without strong numbers. However, there was a time when the biggest shark in the tank, Mark Cuban, broke his rules and backed the founder of "Diaper Dust," even after she made the judges sniff dirty diapers. Regina Crisci, who made the product in her backyard, had nothing but a great product and $3,000 in sales to show the Sharks. While everyone in the panel refused to make a deal, Cuban stepped in to close a $75,000 deal to help out the traveling nurse with her dream.

Screenshot showing Cuban taling to Crisci (Image source: YouTube/Sony Pictures Television)
Screenshot showing Cuban taling to Crisci (Image source: YouTube/Sony Pictures Television)

Crisci entered the Tank seeking $75,000 for 40% equity in her company before she explained how the stench of dirty diapers is a big problem for parents across the world and how other solutions, like special disposal bins and fragrances, don't work. Thus, to solve the problem, she introduced 'Diaper Dust', a powder solution that absorbs all bad odours from diapers. 

Screenshot showing Crisci making her pitch (Image source: YouTube/Sony Pictures Television)
Screenshot showing Crisci making her pitch (Image source: YouTube/Sony Pictures Television)

To show the efficacy of her product, she presented the Sharks with samples of dirty diapers soaked with prank 'fart sprays'. As she asked the Sharks to take a whiff, the entire panel was disgusted. She then asked the judges to sprinkle some of the Diaper Dust and see the difference. Instantly, all the Sharks were amazed to see how wonderfully the product worked.

Screenshots showing the before and after reactions (Image source: YouTube/Sony Pictures Television)
Screenshots showing the before and after reactions (Image source: YouTube/Sony Pictures Television)

O'Leary then asked about the sales, and Crisci had to make a shocking revelation. She shared that since she started in 2020, she had made just $3,000 from sales. The founder explained that all her marketing was primarily driven by mere social media posts and word of mouth. She added that each bottle cost her $3.50 to land, and they sold for $14.

Screenshot showing O'Leary talking to the entrepreneur (Image source: YouTube/Sony Pictures Television)
Screenshot showing O'Leary talking to the entrepreneur (Image source: YouTube/Sony Pictures Television)

This wasn't enough to convince O'Lear, and he dropped out, saying that it would be too much work for him. Barbara Corcoran followed his lead as she believed that Crisci needed a working partner rather than a Shark. Next to go out was Greiner, who felt it was too early for her to invest in the business. Guest judge Emma Grede complimented Crisci on her journey, but she felt that the company didn't have a clear marketing strategy, so she was out as well.

Screenshot showing the entrepreneur listening to the Sharks (Image source: YouTube/Sony Pictures Television)
Screenshot showing the entrepreneur listening to the Sharks (Image source: YouTube/Sony Pictures Television)

This left Crisci with just one Shark, Cuban. As the rejection caused Crisci to visibly choke up, Cuban stepped in to commend the entrepreneur. “You’ve demonstrated every bit that you are an entrepreneur. You figured out how to make this gunk in the backyard. You figured out how to get the patent application. You figured out the formulations. You figured out to do it all while this is not your first language,” he said. Adding that he wanted to be the partner who helped out, Cuban offered $75,000 for 40%, exactly what Crisci asked for. "It's a no-brainer!" the teary-eyed entrepreneur exclaimed before accepting the deal. “Thank you so much for all you do for other people. Now it’s time for you to have somebody help you," Cuban said as he hugged Crisci in the end. 

According to Shark Tank Recap, Diaper Dust received an influx of orders after the episode, and the product was sold out in days. The company soon surpassed $1 million in revenue, as its products are still available on its website and Amazon. 

More on Market Realist:

'Shark Tank' judge Mark Cuban calls Kevin O'Leary 'an idiot' — moments before closing a $180k deal

'Shark Tank' contestants give their entire company to Mark Cuban and Lori Greiner in wild offer

'Shark Tank' contestants who threw healthy food in trash tempt Mark Cuban to invest in junk food

RELATED TOPICS SHARK TANK
MORE ON MARKET REALIST
The star of Boyz II Men got sentimental after looking at the item from their first album cover.
4 hours ago
The answer on the survey board made Harvey put up a funny skit.
6 hours ago
It wasn't an ordinary ring but the 2004 Patriots Super Bowl Ring, which Harrison refused to let go.
1 day ago
Harvey was in disbelief after he misheard what Ming-Na Wen's teammate said.
1 day ago
Harvey could feel the pain as he collected the answers from the contestants.
1 day ago
The owner of Harry Karstens' First Ascent Denali Ice Axe was shocked to learn how valuable it was.
2 days ago
As model Rachel Reynolds slammed on the brakes, fellow presenter Alexis Gaube nearly fell over.
2 days ago
Harvey couldn't believe his eyes when an answer did not show up on the board.
2 days ago
The winner, Trish yelled "This cannot be happening!" as she sat in her new car.
2 days ago
Harvey was shocked to see some of the answers show up on the board.
2 days ago
The seemingly tough puzzle cost contestant, Kelly Amodio a brand new Mini Cooper.
2 days ago
The contestant, Jodi Hope took home $75,000, using her puzzle solving skills.
2 days ago
The guest had to promise on camera to share the profits with her friend who gifted the item.
3 days ago
Harvey just couldn't seem to understand what Giuliana Rancic's mother was saying.
3 days ago
Harvey had to take a moment to school the contestant on how the game is played.
3 days ago
It seemed like Veronica forgot she was holding the host's hand after the win.
3 days ago
The owner of the Jean-Michel Basquiat Oil Stick Painting made it clear that it wasn't going anywhere
3 days ago
The player, Jason Warren missed out on taking home more than $86,000.
3 days ago
The TikTok creator @thebiteo87 stirred a debate on social media by exposing the new tactic.
4 days ago