Hot Mama Gowns: The Brand’s Journey Post-Shark Tank

From the jump, the male Shark Tank investors weren’t buying what Deidrea Haysel was selling. When she revealed Hot Mama Gowns had made just $11,500 in two years but wanted $30,000 for 20% equity, they called the disconnect out. Daymond John immediately flagged the valuation as unrealistic, and Kevin O’Leary asked her how she planned to grow her business without the necessary framework.

She explained that Hot Mama Gowns retailed for $119 because she was producing in small batches, and even without advertising, retailers were reaching out. She insisted there was genuine interest: “People are coming to me,” she said (via YouTube). But her confidence quickly came off as combative. When O’Leary asked why she hadn’t identified her customer acquisition costs, she shot back, “I’m not sure what you want from me because I have all the answers.” That didn’t sit well with the Sharks.

Barbara Corcoran tried to steer things in a different direction, suggesting they simplify the product with a one-size-fits-all approach, but Haysel said she didn’t see how that would work for Hot Mama Gowns. She also dismissed licensing ideas. Meanwhile, Kevin Harrington questioned why she was asking for full-time investment money while treating the business like a side hustle and claimed she wanted to have her cake and eat it, too. Haysel was undeterred and declared she was “amazing” and would be dangerous if she had the time to go all in, prompting Robert Herjavec to sarcastically call her humble.

Unfortunately, Deidrea Haysel’s confidence didn’t win the Sharks over. Kevin O’Leary dismissed the business entirely, calling it more of an idea than a company. “I don’t want to ride that road with you … I’m out,” he said flatly after the pitch. Robert Herjavec took issue with her lack of clarity around the numbers and her resistance to feedback. To him, she sounded more like a sales rep than a CEO. His advice was brutal: “Look at yourself in the mirror and mature to the point where you can be a business owner, not just a great sales rep.”

Daymond John wasn’t buying her certainty either. Her tendency to push back on every suggestion gave him the impression that she wasn’t willing to grow. “It’s what you think you already know that will prevent you from learning … You have all the answers, so you’ll never learn from me. So with that, I’m out.” Kevin Harrington’s rejection was the softest, but it was still firm. “I can’t get over the part-time situation … I’m out,” he said. At this point, Haysel became emotional, asking if it was bad that she had a job. 

Barbara Corcoran, on the other hand, pointed out that Haysel was unwilling to compromise and didn’t seem like a great person to work with. This made Haysel tear up and apologize to the Sharks. However, Corcoran shocked everyone by offering Hot Mama Gowns a deal. She seemed to view investing in the brand’s core idea as a way to support women-owned businesses, which was a noble aim. The Shark asked for 40% equity, not 20%, in exchange for the $30,000, pointing out that the business would also require her time. The other Sharks tried to dissuade her, but Haysel pulled the plug herself, saying the offer didn’t feel mutually beneficial. With that, Corcoran pulled out too, and Haysel left the tank empty-handed.

Following her tough “Shark Tank” appearance, Deidrea Haysel continued pushing to grow Hot Mama Gowns. She expanded into more retailers and managed to reduce her prices from $119 to a $69 to $89 range. Unfortunately, Hot Mama Gowns is not one of the fashion and beauty “Shark Tank” products you can still buy currently, as the business quietly shut down in 2013. There was no formal announcement. In fact, the last post on her X account was a promotional one.

Since then, Haysel has virtually disappeared from the spotlight. Several LinkedIn profiles appear to match her name, but without photos or confirmed updates, it’s impossible to say for sure. She hasn’t spoken publicly about the company’s closure or why she vanished from the scene altogether.

It’s hard not to wonder if her story is similar to Mikki Bey’s from Mikki Bey Eyelash Extensions, another “Shark Tank” entrepreneur who tearfully pitched her business and later revealed she left it behind. Haysel’s comment sections also saw their share of harsh criticism, especially over her decision to reject Barbara Corcoran’s offer. Whether that backlash played a role in her exit or not, it’s clear that “Shark Tank” can leave a lasting impact on both the businesses and the people behind them.