Petite Keep Founder Takes the “Shark Tank” Stage
Table of Contents
- 1. Petite Keep Founder Takes the “Shark Tank” Stage
- 2. What key lessons did you learn from transitioning Petite Keep from your passion project to a full-time business?
- 3. The Legacy of Petite keep: An Interview with Stephanie Mullenger
- 4. From Passion Project to Thriving Business
- 5. Embracing the Direct-to-Consumer Journey
- 6. Merging Passion and Growth
- 7. mizzou: Shaping Leaders, Crafting Dreams
- 8. Looking ahead: Building a Legacy
On Friday,January 24th,Lindsay mullenger,a Missouri alumna and founder of the online retail business Petite Keep,will be pitching her innovative idea to the esteemed investors known as “Sharks” on ABC’s hit show “Shark Tank.”
Mullenger describes the opportunity as “truly a surreal and exhilarating experience,” highlighting the once-in-a-lifetime chance to share her business story with a massive audience. The platform, she says, is a dream come true for entrepreneurs like herself, allowing them to showcase their passion, dedication, and the potential of their ventures to some of the most influential figures in the investment world. She admits to feeling a mix of excitement, gratitude, and nerves, but ultimately sees it as an amazing opportunity to shine a spotlight on the brand she’s built and the customers who have supported her journey.
Mullenger isn’t just hoping to attract investment; she’s looking for a partner who can help her take Petite Keep to the next level. The “Shark Tank” experience offers a platform to gain valuable mentorship and guidance from experienced entrepreneurs, a resource that can be invaluable for any growing business.
Tune in to see if Lindsay successfully secures a deal with one of the Sharks and propels Petite Keep towards even greater success.
”Being on ‘Shark Tank’ is truly a surreal and exhilarating experience,” she said. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to share Petite Keep’s story with such a wide audience. As an entrepreneur, you dream about moments like this — where you can showcase your passion, your hard work and the potential of your business to some of the most influential investors in the world.It’s a mix of excitement, gratitude and nerves, but ultimately, it’s an incredible platform to highlight the brand we’ve built and the customers we serve every day. I feel so honored to represent the hard work of my team,my family and the customers who have supported us on this journey.”
Stephanie Mullenger’s entrepreneurial journey began with a simple desire to find a lovely and functional way to safeguard her daughter’s keepsakes. in 2018, frustrated by the lack of stylish options, she embarked on a project to craft her own special keepsake box. Little did she know, this passion project would blossom into a flourishing business, Petite Keep, specializing in handcrafted memory trunks.
Petite Keep’s personalized trunks are meticulously designed to preserve cherished mementos from weddings, births, and other milestone events. Mullenger’s commitment to excellence is evident in every detail, from custom embroidery to luxurious hardware, ensuring that these precious memories remain safe for generations.As Mullenger explains, “Our customers have brought us into some of the most vital moments of their lives.They’re bringing us into these very pivotal moments, and we want to bring them solutions that deliver on protecting these memories.”
The venture initially started as a labor of love during Mullenger’s free evenings and weekends. However, word spread quickly about her exquisite creations. Within a year, Petite Keep had generated meaningful revenue. This success prompted Mullenger, whose background was in consumer packaged goods, to take the leap and devote herself fully to her growing business in 2021.
Initially operating from her home with the help of her family and fellow Mizzou alumni, Mike and Dotti Durbin, the business quickly outgrew its cozy beginnings. Mullenger strategically relocated operations to a nearby warehouse in the greater St. Louis area.
Mullenger’s prior experience working with larger commercial retailers had given her valuable insight into the consumer landscape. “The direct-to-consumer space is a really special space, because you own that relationship with your customers,” she reflects. “I’m able to speak to them and hear why they’re coming to us and why they’re returning to us.” this direct connection with her customers has proven to be invaluable in shaping Petite Keep’s future and fostering a loyal following.
A Legacy of Tigers
Stephanie Mullenger, a proud Tiger herself, is joined in her entrepreneurial endeavor by her brother, Nicholas D …
Success stories often highlight the pivotal role of education in shaping individuals into the leaders they become. One such story revolves around Lindsay Mullenger, an entrepreneur who credits her journey to the University of missouri (Mizzou).While initially hesitant about attending her family’s alma mater, a chance encounter with Mary Beth Marrs, an associate teaching professor at the Robert J. Trulaske, Sr. College of Business,changed her outlook.
Marrs, who was newly appointed director of the Cornell Leadership Program (CLP) at the time, ignited a spark in Mullenger.“Lindsay had an insatiable curiosity about everything that was only matched by her optimism and determination,” Marrs stated. “She’s absolutely fearless, and Lindsay was a joy to have in class. I am confident these attributes will ensure her success as an entrepreneur.” This early validation proved prophetic, as mullenger would go on to participate in CLP’s inaugural Tigers on Wall Street corporate trip in 2008, further solidifying her path.
Looking back, Mullenger acknowledges the profound impact Mizzou had on her professional development. “The University of Missouri played a pivotal role in shaping my career and leadership journey,” she reflected. “Through my experience at Mizzou, notably as a part of the Cornell Leadership Program, I gained not only a solid foundation in business principles but also a deeper understanding of the valuable qualities of hard work, integrity, and resilience. The hands-on learning opportunities and the mentorship I received there prepared me for real-world challenges and helped me develop a strategic mindset.”
Beyond academics, Mullenger emphasizes the importance of networking and mentorship fostered within the Mizzou community. “Mizzou also gave me the chance to network and build relationships with peers and professors who challenged and inspired me,” she shared. “The lessons I learned there — both in and out of the classroom — have stayed with me throughout my career,from my time at procter & gamble to leading my own company today,” Mullenger concluded,expressing her enduring gratitude for Mizzou’s role in shaping her as both a person and a professional.
What key lessons did you learn from transitioning Petite Keep from your passion project to a full-time business?
The Legacy of Petite keep: An Interview with Stephanie Mullenger
Stephanie Mullenger, founder and CEO of Petite Keep, shares her inspiring journey of turning a passion project into a flourishing business, focusing on the unique challenges and triumphs of the direct-to-consumer space.
From Passion Project to Thriving Business
Q: Stephanie, can you tell us about the genesis of Petite Keep? What inspired you to launch this business?
A: Petite Keep began as a personal project. As a mom, I struggled to find beautiful and practical ways to preserve my daughterS precious keepsakes.I wanted something more than standard storage boxes – something that truly reflected the sentimentality of the memories. That’s when I decided to start crafting my own keepsake trunks. What started as a hobby quickly grew into a passion, and eventually, I realized there was a real market for handcrafted memory trunks that were both stylish and functional.
Embracing the Direct-to-Consumer Journey
Q: what drew you to the direct-to-consumer model for Petite Keep?
A: The direct-to-consumer space allows for a unique and intimate connection with our customers.It’s amazing to hear directly from them about why they choose Petite Keep, what milestones they’re commemorating, and how our trunks contribute to preserving their memories. This direct relationship is invaluable for understanding what our customers truly want and shaping the future of our brand.
Merging Passion and Growth
Q: Could you talk about the transition from a side project to a full-time endeavor? Was it a challenging decision?
A: It wasn’t easy! I had a agreeable career background, but the response to Petite Keep was overwhelmingly positive. The early success,coupled with the passion I had for the product,made it a decision that felt right. Leaving a stable job to pursue a dream is always a leap of faith, but it’s been incredibly rewarding to see Petite Keep thrive.
mizzou: Shaping Leaders, Crafting Dreams
Q: You speak often about the impact the University of Missouri had on your journey. What role did your Mizzou experience play in your success?
A: Mizzou provided me with a solid foundation in business principles and instilled in me the values of hard work and integrity. The Cornell Leadership Program was notably transformative. It gave me the tools and confidence to lead, manage, and navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship. The mentorship and network I built there continue to be invaluable assets.
Looking ahead: Building a Legacy
Q: What are your aspirations for petite Keep’s future?
A: Ultimately, I want Petite Keep to become synonymous with creating beautiful and meaningful heirlooms that families cherish for generations. We aim to expand our product offerings while staying true to our commitment to quality craftsmanship and remarkable customer service.
Now I’d love to hear from you: What are some of your favorite ways to preserve precious memories?
