Soy-Yer Dough, a unique modeling clay made from organic and all-natural ingredients, took center stage on the popular TV show Shark Tank, sparking intrigue and admiration from both viewers and sharks alike. This innovative product, designed to be safe for children with gluten sensitivities, caught the attention of many, including billionaire investor Mark Cuban.
But what happened to Soy-Yer Dough after its moment in the Shark Tank spotlight? In this article, we delve into the journey of Soy-Yer Dough post-Shark Tank, exploring its trials, triumphs, and the impact of its Shark Tank appearance on its trajectory.
What Is Soy-Yer Dough?
The paramount question, however, centers on its performance. Will children find joy and creativity in this versatile play material?
Yer-Dough boasts a delightful softness that facilitates easy molding into a myriad of imaginative shapes, igniting the curiosity of playful toddlers. The tactile sensation of this dough is noteworthy; it is remarkably soft and incredibly pliable. Simply holding it in your hands provides comfort and entertainment. Thanks to its pliancy, playing with Yer-Dough becomes a truly enjoyable experience, ensuring that your child will have a splendid time with it.
One notable feature is its reduced stickiness compared to other dough varieties, leaving your hands clean and smooth once playtime concludes.
Yer-Dough exhibits commendable shape retention when fashioned into various creations. While its colors may not be as vivid and flashy as some alternatives, it more than compensates with its safety profile.
Moreover, its scent is pleasantly subtle; unless intentionally smelled, the mild aroma might easily escape notice, which can be advantageous for individuals sensitive to strong odors [2].
Handling the dough may leave some residue on your hands. Additionally, if left exposed for an extended period, it may harden slightly. However, revitalizing it to its original softness is a simple task – just add a few drops of water and knead it back to its pliable state.
With an impressive selection of 11 different colors to choose from, Yer-Dough offers a wide array of creative possibilities for young minds.
Pros:
Safety and Health Consciousness
One of the most notable features of Soy-Yer Dough is its non-toxic nature3. Parents can have peace of mind knowing that their children are playing with a safe product. Additionally, the dough is gluten-free, which makes it an excellent choice for gluten-sensitive children.
Pleasant Scent
Unlike other modeling clays that have a distinct chemical smell, Soy-Yer Dough has a pleasant scent. This feature adds to the overall appeal of the product, making it enjoyable for children to play with.
Workability
According to some reviews, the dough is very workable and is great for building and molding. This allows children to unleash their creativity without any limitations [3].
Cons:
Stickiness
Despite the numerous positive aspects of Soy-Yer Dough, some users have complained about the dough being too sticky. This can make it hard to work with and potentially messy, which could be a turn-off for some parents.
Molding Issues
Some reviews have mentioned that the dough does not mold well. If this is the case, it could limit the creative possibilities for children, which is a significant downside for a product designed to inspire creativity.
Who Is Soy-Yer Dough For?
Soy-Yer Dough is designed for everyone, but it’s especially beneficial to certain groups:
- Children: As a modeling clay, Soy-Yer Dough is primarily targeted towards children. It offers them a medium to express their creativity, improve their motor skills, and engage in play;
- Parents: Parents who are conscious about the safety and health aspects of their children’s toys will find Soy-Yer Dough appealing. The product is non-toxic and gluten-free, ensuring that children can play without risk of exposure to harmful substances or allergens;
- Educators: Teachers and educators can use Soy-Yer Dough as a teaching aid in classrooms or educational settings. It can be used for various creative and learning activities;
- Individuals with Gluten Sensitivity or Celiac Disease: Since Soy-Yer Dough is made from soy and is gluten-free, it’s safe for individuals with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease. This is a significant advantage as many modeling clays on the market contain wheat;
- Artists and Craft Enthusiasts: Artists or craft enthusiasts who enjoy working with modeling clay for various projects might also find Soy-Yer Dough interesting due to its unique properties [4];
How Kids Can Benefit From Using Soy-Yer Dough?
Moreover, Soy-Yer Dough stimulates a child’s mind, fostering creativity, and inspiring imagination3. It also promotes cognitive development by encouraging children to explore and discover, thus aiding in their overall growth. The dough also has a pleasant scent, adding to its appeal for both children and parents.
Soy-Yer Dough is not only fun but also a valuable educational tool that helps children develop motor skills, spatial understanding, and even social skills when used in group settings.
About Founders Of Soy-Yer Dough
Sawyer, armed with determination and a makeshift “laboratory” (in his mom’s kitchen), embarked on a mission to create the world’s first patented wheat-free modeling dough. His creation was soft, vibrant in color, pleasantly scented, and, importantly, non-toxic.
What set it apart was that it was crafted from rice flour, rendering it not only safe for play but also edible. The kitchen transformed into both a factory and distribution center as Sawyer, with the support of his mother and girlfriend, began producing, packaging, and shipping this innovative product.
Soon, the demand for Soy-Yer Dough surged, with a staggering 8,000 containers already sold, and a recent order for an additional 11,000 containers further underscored its popularity. In the midst of this success, a tempting offer emerged from the giant conglomerate Hasbro, the owner of Play-Doh, who dangled a generous $ 500,000 in exchange for Sawyer’s patent.
While financial gain was certainly on his mind, Sawyer’s aspirations extended beyond personal profit; he also aimed to create employment opportunities in his community, which was grappling with one of the highest unemployment rates in the state. However, it became clear that Hasbro had no intentions of manufacturing Soy-Yer Dough in Indiana.
Summing up, Soy-Yer Dough, or just Yer-Dough, a unique wheat-free modeling clay, made its debut on Season 1 of the popular entrepreneurial show, Shark Tank [6].
The Pitch Of Soy-Yer Dough At Shark Tank
Sawyer Sparks kicked off his pitch by introducing himself to the Sharks, emphasizing that he is the brains behind Soy-Yer-Dough, a wheat-based modeling clay. He expressed his need for a $ 125,000 investment, in exchange for a 25% ownership stake in his company [7].
Continuing with his presentation, Sawyer Sparks pointed out that traditional modeling clay relies on wheat as a primary ingredient, leaving children with wheat allergies excluded. This led him to develop Soy-Yer-Dough, the first and only patented modeling clay that’s both gluten-free and non-toxic, featuring delightful scents to enhance the play experience.
Sawyer proudly showcased examples of Soy-Yer-Dough to the Sharks, who eagerly examined and even smelled the clay.
Kevin Harrington inquired about the prevalence of wheat allergies among children, prompting Sawyer Sparks to reveal that one in eight kids is affected. With this statistic in mind, the market potential for Soy-Yer-Dough appeared substantial.
When Daymond John asked about the number of containers already sold, Sawyer Sparks mentioned that they’ve successfully sold 8,000 units within a few months, with a recent order for an additional 11,000 containers received just a week ago [8].
Barbara Corcoran inquired about their sales strategy, to which Sawyer Sparks explained that they primarily sell through their online webshop.
Kevin Harrington questioned whether Sawyer Sparks had secured a patent for Soy-Yer-Dough, and he confirmed holding a provisional patent in his name.
As for the production process, Sawyer Sparks revealed that they manufacture Soy-Yer-Dough in his own kitchen, with the help of his mother and girlfriend, producing approximately 12 containers in just ten minutes.
In response to Daymond John’s inquiry about potential licensing or partnerships, Sawyer Sparks revealed that Playdough had expressed interest in purchasing Soy-Yer-Dough. Negotiations were ongoing, as Playdough also sought to acquire the patent.
The Sharks pressed Sawyer Sparks for more details on Playdough’s interest, to which he confirmed their strong desire to acquire Soy-Yer-Dough and ongoing negotiations.
Kevin O’Leary expressed his keen interest in the licensing aspect, offering $ 125,000 for a 51% stake in Soy-Yer-Dough, emphasizing his expertise in licensing and his intention to remove Sawyer from the equation to secure a better deal from Playdough.
Daymond John acted as Sawyer’s advocate, endorsing Kevin O’Leary’s offer and choosing not to compete. Kevin Harrington and Barbara Corcoran followed suit, opting out as they recognized Kevin O’Leary’s specialization in licensing.
Robert Herjavec, however, made a counteroffer of $ 125,000 for 40% of Soy-Yer-Dough.
Sawyer Sparks hesitated between the offers and questioned Robert Herjavec on his plans for the product. Robert Herjavec assured that he’d strive to secure a better deal with Playdough while focusing on licensing Soy-Yer-Dough.
After some contemplation, Sawyer Sparks made a request to Kevin O’Leary, proposing a $ 125,000 investment in exchange for a 40% stake. Kevin O’Leary countered, explaining that he needed 51% to show his negotiation power and create jobs in Sawyer’s community.
Robert Herjavec then offered $ 125,000 for 40%, prompting a moment of decision for Sawyer Sparks.
In the end, Sawyer Sparks chose to accept a joint offer from Daymond John, Robert Herjavec, and Kevin O’Leary [9]. Each Shark would invest $ 100,000 for a 51% stake in Soy-Yer-Dough. Sawyer left the Tank with the assurance that they were about to “make a lot of dough”.
Soy-Yer Dough After The Shark Tank
Sawyer Sparks had successfully established his business in his mother’s kitchen, where he created and sold Soy-Yer-Dough, a wheat-based modeling clay [10]. His venture had already gained traction with sales of eight thousand containers, and a recent order for an additional eleven thousand containers indicated promising growth.
Seeking investment to expand his enterprise and build a dedicated facility to provide employment opportunities for his community, Sawyer Sparks entered the Shark Tank. His commitment to job creation was a pivotal aspect of his pitch. Ultimately, he secured a substantial investment of three hundred thousand dollars from three Sharks: Daymond John, Kevin O’Leary, and Robert Herjavec. In exchange, they collectively obtained a fifty-one percent stake in Soy-Yer-Dough.
The reception of Soy-Yer-Dough on Shark Tank wasn’t explicitly mentioned as the best or worst, but Sawyer Sparks successfully secured an investment exceeding his initial request, showcasing the potential the Sharks saw in his business.
For those interested in purchasing Soy-Yer-Dough, the official website offers various packages, each containing differently colored Soy-Yer-Dough. The Shark Tank Special, priced at $ 17.95, includes a variety pack with four extra containers for free. Other packages range from $ 7.50 to $ 29.95. Additionally, single five-ounce containers are available for $ 1.95. The website provides details on the available colors, their corresponding fruit scents, and their ingredients.
Soy-Yer-Dough has garnered mixed reviews from customers. Opinions vary from very positive to quite negative. Some users have expressed dissatisfaction with the clay, citing stickiness and an unpleasant texture. However, others appreciate its affordability, wide range of colors, and delightful fruity scents. It’s worth noting that some Amazon customers recommend purchasing Soy-Yer-Dough directly from the official website rather than through Amazon itself.
The Net Worth Of Soy-Yer Dough
Alternatives To Soy-Yer Dough
- Whoa Dough: This brand offers a play dough that is not only gluten-free but also free from peanuts, soy, eggs, and milk;
- Aroma Dough: Aroma Dough provides a gluten-free, soy-free modeling dough with all-natural aromas. It’s developed using natural non-GMO ingredients;
- Blue Dominoes: Mentioned in a product review alongside Soy-Yer Dough, Blue Dominoes could be another alternative. However, more information would be needed to confirm its suitability;
- Colorations: Another brand mentioned in the same product review, Colorations may offer a suitable alternative to Soy-Yer Dough;
But that’s not all; the fun continues with the Play-Doh Play Date Party Crate Arts & Crafts set [12]. Your kids will take pride in the incredible works of art they can create with the tools included in this play-dough kit. This set unlocks the inner artist in your little ones, stimulating their creativity and providing hours of entertainment.
A generously sized mat is included to serve as a canvas for displaying and preserving their cherished creations. With this versatile play set, there’s no predefined path for working with the play dough. Simply let your imagination roam freely and enjoy endless hours of creative fun.
FAQ:
- What are the contents of Soy-Yer Dough products?
Soy-Yer Dough is a patented wheat-free modeling dough made from organic and all-natural ingredients. It was initially made with soy flour, but manufacturers removed it after a customer’s feedback. The product is not only gluten-free but also free of lead, heavy metals, bromine, and Bisphenol-A.
- Where can you buy Soy-Yer Dough products?
Soy-Yer Dough products are available for purchase online on Amazon. Additionally, the product can be found in Hamleys, one of the world’s largest toy stores.
- Is Soy-Yer Dough completely gluten-free?
Yes, Soy-Yer Dough is completely gluten-free, making it a suitable choice for children with gluten sensitivities.
- Does Soy-Yer Dough contain any allergens?
Soy-Yer Dough was initially made with soy flour, but manufacturers removed it after a customer’s feedback. The product is now free of lead, heavy metals, bromine, and Bisphenol-A.
- Can Soy-Yer Dough be used for educational purposes?
Yes, like other modeling clays, Soy-Yer Dough can be used for a variety of educational and creative activities, helping children develop motor skills, creativity, and spatial understanding.
- Are Soy-Yer Dough products completely safe for kids?
Yes, Soy-Yer Dough products are safe for kids. They are made from organic and all-natural ingredients which are free of lead, heavy metals, bromine, and Bisphenol-A. Additionally, they are gluten-free, catering to children with gluten sensitivities.
- How can I clean the mass after using Soy-Yer Dough?
Modeling clay can be cleaned up by letting it dry and then vacuuming or sweeping it up. For any residue left, a damp cloth can be used.
- Which Shark Tank business failed?
There have been several businesses on Shark Tank that didn’t succeed post-show, but one of the most notable is Toygaroo, a toy rental service that went bankrupt just two years after securing a deal on the show.
- What is the “number 1” most successful Shark Tank’s business?
The most successful business that has come out of Shark Tank is Scrub Daddy, a reusable super sponge in the shape of a smiley face.
- Has anyone from Shark Tank made it big?
Yes, several entrepreneurs who pitched on Shark Tank have made it big. Apart from Scrub Daddy, other successful businesses include Bombas Socks and Squatty Potty.
- Which “shark” has made the most money from deals?
While individual deal earnings are not publicly disclosed, Lori Greiner, often referred to as the “Queen of QVC”, is known to have made some of the most profitable deals on the show, including the highly successful Scrub Daddy.
- How many billionaires are on Shark Tank?
As of 2023, there are two billionaires on the Shark Tank panel: Mark Cuban and Kevin O’Leary.
- Why do deals not close after Shark Tank?
Deals may not close after Shark Tank for a variety of reasons, including discrepancies in the valuation of the company, due diligence revealing issues not discussed on the show, and disagreements on contract terms during post-show negotiations.
- Is anyone on Shark Tank a billionaire?
Yes, Mark Cuban and Kevin O’Leary are both billionaires.
- Was Shark Tank canceled?
As of September 15, 2023, Shark Tank has not been canceled and continues to air new episodes.
- Which investor on Shark Tank died?
No investor from Shark Tank has died as of September 2023.
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References:
- https://sharktankrecap.com/soy-yer-dough-gluten-free-modeling-clay-update-shark-tank-season-1/
- https://bizzbucket.co/soy-yer-dough-shark-tank-update/?expand_article=1
- https://sharktanktales.com/soy-yer-dough-shark-tank-update/
- https://2paragraphs.com/2020/11/soy-yer-dough-what-happened-after-300k-shark-tank-deal-2020-update/
- https://biznewske.com/soy-yer-dough-shark-tank-net-worth/
- https://www.sharktankblog.com/business/soy-yer-dough/
- https://www.sharktanksuccess.com/soy-yer-dough/
- https://gazettereview.com/2016/04/soy-yer-dough-shark-tank-update-after-show/
- https://allsharktankproducts.com/shark-tank-products-kids/soy-yer-dough/
- https://sharktankinfo.com/soy-yer-dough/
- https://toybook.com/shark-tank-hit-soy-yer-dough-acquired-by-sustainable-projects-group/
- https://seriosity.com/soy-yer-dough-shark-tank/