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In a compelling appeal to the community, a Chicago entrepreneur who once captured the nation’s attention on “Shark Tank” is reaching out for support amid a challenging economic climate.
The founder of CurlMix, a popular hair care brand, has expressed concerns that this year might mark the end of her business’s journey. She attributes the potential closure to rising operational costs driven by tariffs, inflation, and other economic pressures.
Determined to keep her company afloat, she is urging residents of Chicago to rally behind CurlMix and help preserve a local success story.
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Established a decade ago in Chicago, CurlMix gained national recognition after its founders, Kim and Tim Lewis, appeared on the hit TV show “Shark Tank.” Their appearance was memorable, particularly because they turned down a tempting offer from investor Robert Herjavec, choosing instead to maintain control and faith in their business’s future.
It was a moment that even the sharks couldn’t believe. CurlMix founders and South Side natives Kim and Tim Lewis rejected an offer from Robert Herjavec and betted on their brand.
“Being on ‘Shark Tank’ definitely put us on the national stage,” Kime Lewis said. “It was our biggest year in business.”
Their textured hair care products, known for their flaxseed recipe, were flying off the shelves nationwide. But today, the owner is asking the public to help save CurlMix.
“I am a proud, hardworking, entrepreneur, and I hate asking for help,” Lewis said. “My bank account was negative $18,000, and I was like, ‘I don’t know what I’m going to do,’ and I was like, ‘I can’t just close silently.’”
Lewis says 2025 has been the hardest year for her business by far.
“When tariffs go up, our cost of raw materials goes up,” Lewis said. “The second thing I would say is… there’s less investment in DEI… we also have, people have less money, just in general. Everyone needs to think about their purchase a bit longer.”
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Her massive warehouse on the South Side that once had 40 employees is now down to 14.
“We have to do everything that we can to survive,” she said.
So, Lewis launched a social media campaign called Protect CurlMix.
“If our community wants it, our community will show up for it. I believe that,” Lewis said. “There’s a lot of shame with telling people, ‘Hey I’m struggling.’”
Lewis says if there’s anyone who will have their backs during difficult times, it’s Chicagoans.
“If a bank’s not going to give it, if an investor’s not going to give it, we can earn it, and our community can be our heroes, and that’s what they’re doing,” Lewis said.
Lewis says people can support CurlMix by donating to their campaign, purchasing some of her products or simply sharing her post.
