Founder Angie Cella dreamt about a hair tool that would add effortless fun and glamour for any occasion and would be perfect for fashionistas of all ages. Despite having no business or entrepreneurial background, she got to work on making this dream a reality. After many prototypes and false starts, Angie finally developed what is now recognized as the blinger® gem-stamping tool you know and love. As a single mom of four, Angie invested crucial time, energy, and money into creating this product to spread light and joy, all from her small townhouse with help from her eldest daughter, Cambria.

The 2018 Dallas Toy Fair and Women in Toys events proved invaluable to blinger®. It was a major hit for its ease-of-use and endless styling options. These events helped grow their brand awareness, resulting in over $3 million in sales by 2023, and provided a platform that would lead to an opportunity for blinger® to appear on Shark Tank.

On April 12th, 2024, episode 20 of season 15 of Shark Tank aired, featuring blinger® with an estimated company evaluation of $800,000. Angie and Cambria approached the sharks looking for $200,000 for 5% equity in the company, making it clear that they were seeking an investor who could provide the business acumen to properly support their product. blinger® left Shark Tank with a deal for $200,000 for 25% and Barbara Corcoran in their corner. 

With Barbara’s expertise, blinger® has been able to grow and thrive in both the toy and beauty sectors, empowering girls and women to let their inner light shine. In the years since their Shark Tank appearance, the brand has expanded its product lines, shipping capabilities, and the blinger® community at large. To learn more about Angie’s story, you can read it in her own words from her memoir blinger®: An Entrepreneur's Faith-Based Journey.