The smell of used diapers is unpleasant, to say the least! Thankfully, you don’t have to suffer from the stink if you spread some Diaper Dust inside the diaper before rolling it up. The unique deodorizing powder was created by Regina Crisci and scored a deal with Mark Cuban on Shark Tank. As of 2023, Diaper Dust is worth an estimated $300,000.
Regina Crisci’s Background
Regina Crisci resides in Winterville, North Carolina, but used to live in Boonsboro, Maryland, where she finished high school. She started her nursing studies in Italy but eventually completed them at Frederick Community College.
In 2014, Regina earned her professional license and worked at Meritus Medical Center. After several years, she took on the role of a contact or travel nurse, filling temporary positions in high-demand areas. With her husband Bobby, she had a baby boy named Maddox, who inspired her to become an entrepreneur.
Founding Diaper Dust
While taking care of Maddox, Crisci always found the smell of her son’s diaper unbearable. She had always wanted to make a solution for it, and when the pandemic happened, she had her chance.
The mom of one tried different formulas and discovered the right combination of sodium bicarbonate and activated charcoal. She manually mixed the ingredients in a compost machine in her backyard, and the Diaper Dust was born.
It was the first diaper deodorizing powder on the market, and it launched in 2020. The founder first sold to her friends and family before going online. However, her sales were only $3,000 after months of being in business.
Shark Tank Appearance
Regina Crisci’s revenue was low in 2022 as the startup was only a side hustle. Plus, she didn’t know how to navigate the industry and was in desperate need of a mentor. She appeared on season 13 of Shark Tank, seeking $75,000 for 40% equity.
The Sharks tested the product by using diapers with a prank spray, and they were convinced that it worked. However, they instantly got reluctant after hearing about the sales. The Sharks backed out one by one, thinking that the startup was too early for an investment. Emma Grede advised her to collaborate with “mum influencers” to promote the product.
Mark Cuban was the only one who didn’t go out. He was hesitant at first but was swayed by Regina’s enthusiasm. Cuban kindly agreed to offer Regina what she asked for.
Following Up After Shark Tank
Once the episode aired on television, Diaper Dust was overwhelmed with orders. The founder wasn’t prepared for this surge and quickly sold out. The business suffered from supply chain issues as a result.
Under the guidance of Mark Cuban and his team, she handled it very well. Now you can purchase Diaper Dust on Amazon and its official website, TheDiaperDust.com. The product has a 4.4-star rating from 64 reviews on Amazon. All the reviews are positive and it clearly works as advertised.
Sales are better than before, though it seems that Regina is still a full-time nurse and only works on the business part-time. She is focusing on scaling operations and improving distribution. Currently, Diaper Dust is worth an estimated $300,000. Regina did an interview with Joe Pardo on YouTube and gave a great insight into her experience on the show.
