Imagine turning a simple idea into a life-changing product—one that not only disrupts an industry but also saves lives. That’s exactly what Shirah Benarde did with NightCap, a drink-spiking prevention company that started with a scrunchie and later became a worldwide movement. Let’s dive in.
In this episode, we sit down with Shirah to discuss her journey of building NightCap from the ground up. It all started with an idea born from a personal concern about drink safety, which quickly turned into a full-fledged business with the support of her brother. But launching a physical product isn’t that easy. From navigating manufacturing overseas to scaling distribution on platforms like Amazon, Shirah opens up about the real challenges behind bringing an idea to the market.
Of course, one of the most exciting moments in Shirah’s journey was landing a deal on Shark Tank. But what happens after the cameras stop rolling? Shirah shares the reality of securing funding, the lessons she learned, and the unexpected challenges that came with it.
Shirah shares how she integrates social impact into her business strategy. Beyond its success as a product, NightCap has evolved into a powerful advocacy brand, raising awareness about drink spiking and partnering with nonprofits and universities to educate and protect others from harm.
Being a young entrepreneur comes with its own unique hurdles. Shirah gets real about the highs and lows of running a company at a young age, working alongside family, and staying ahead in the “attention game” of marketing.
From a dorm room idea to a Shark Tank success, Shirah’s journey is just beginning.
