Episode 188: Overcoming Challenges, Inventions & Shark Tank: Tiffany Krumins' Incredible Story

Tiffany Krumins entrepreneurial journey started 14 years ago, on the pilot episode of ABC's hit show Shark Tank. She pitched her first invention, Ava the Elephant. It was an idea she created while working as a caregiver for children with special needs. She received an investment from Barbara Corcoran and went on to build a much-loved brand.

Tiffany experienced some incredible HIGHS (being interviewed alongside investor Barbara Corcoran on Dr. Oz, GMA, Today show) and countless lows (70k lost on a retail deal, cancer diagnosis and devastating losses). She grew the business as far as she possibly could and it was acquired 7 years in.

Shortly after her Shark Tank filming she was diagnosed with cancer, at 27. She had surgery and treatments for 3 years and is now cancer free. The type of radiation she had was ingested and was so strong she had to wear rubber gloves when removing the pill from the vial, but then had to eat it. Tiffany was isolated from anything living for 7 days at a time because she was so radioactive.

These treatments wreaked havoc on her digestion and she started learning more about prebiotics & probiotics.

She eventually found a strain that worked best for her, but hated the delivery methods on the market - gummies, pills, chalky powders that had to be mixed in a beverage and juices.

Using what she learned through her first business, she set out to find a factory in the U.S. and started the development of 'Opu Probiotics. An INSTANT DISSOLVE pre + probiotic blend that comes in delicious MINT or MOCHA flavors! Not only is ‘Opu manufactured in the U.S., but their packaging is as well! Tiffany has been building this new company with her 68 year old Dad, a U.S. veteran. ’Opu Probiotics supports young adults with disabilities through hiring participants through their community partner, Lionheart WORKS!

Here's what I cover with Tiffany Krumins in this episode:

How did Tiffany Krumins survive cancer, start a business, and become an inspiring entrepreneur?

What is the incredible story behind Tiffany’s invention of Ava the Elephant?

How did Tiffany Krumins’ struggles with learning challenges lead her to discover her true potential?

You can find Tiffany on LinkedIn and check out OPU’s Website.

Remarkable Quote:

“My father had been an entrepreneur for 35 years after working in the Marines. He’s also very health-conscious. He’s always had a great diet and is very healthy, so we basically decided to go into business together on Opu Probiotics.”

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