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‘Shark Tank’: Why did Love is Project's ‘cute’ Gladys remind Kevin O'Leary and Alex Rodriguez of their moms?

Kevin O'Leary shared a picture of himself and his mom, writing, 'Mother + daughter/son businesses make my cold heart sing!!'

Are charities fit to make a pitch on ‘Shark Tank’? If you're watching Season 12 Episode 10, the answer is a clear "no". Inspired by the culture and craftsmanship of each country, Love is Project pitched their handmade bracelets beaded with a dream “to create a life and career of purpose and help improve the lives of people around the world”. 

Chrissie Lam and Gladys not only sell bracelets, but have also documented love stories from all over the world in the book ‘The Greatest Love Story Ever Told’ and are all set to launch the second edition very soon! However, the adorable founders failed to grab a deal on the show. Gladys did win the hearts of Sharks but they still couldn't figure out why they were on the show. 

Love is Project may have failed to strike a deal but did make the Shark reminisce their mothers. Belonging to a strong lineage of women, she said she migrated to America with a dream when she was very young. Alex said on the show, "You remind me of my mother," and went on to narrate her story about how she came to America and supported her sons.

Alex Rodriguez tweeted, "I was so impressed with Gladys Lam of the Love is Project. She really reminded me of my mom. Hard-working, loving, passionate, and so smart." Raised by Lourdes Rodriguez, Alex grew up in the Washington Heights section of Manhattan to Dominican immigrants with his two half-siblings, Joe and Suzy, from his mother's first marriage.

When he was four years old, the family moved to the Dominican Republic, then to Miami, Florida and his mother supported her sons throughout her life. 

But the most adorable tweet was from Mr Wonderful who shared his late mother's tale.

Born in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, Kevin O'Leary is one of two sons of Georgette (née Bukalam), a small-business owner and investor of Lebanese descent. Meanwhile, Terry O'Leary, his father was a salesman of Irish descent. The toughest Shark grew up with his brother, Shane O'Leary. Always thanking the ladies in his life, he had earlier posted on Twitter, "I owe my successes to two women. My late mother Georgette, and my wife Linda. I'm inspired by both every day. #InternationalWomensDay."

After the episode aired, he posted, "Have you noticed how many companies on @ABCSharkTank have a social/environmental impact angle in the past couple seasons? It’s amazing to see entrepreneurs figure out how to make money while making the world a better place!"

He also shared a picture of himself and his mom, writing, "Mother + daughter/son businesses make my cold heart sing!! My mom Georgette taught me almost everything I know about business and finance...she was also one of my first investors."

Fans, however, loved Gladys and couldn't stop rooting for her. "I love Gladys she is too cute, I really want them to get a deal," one posted and another said, "If they get a deal, it’s going to be because of the mom. She’s the image you want (to be) associated with this product. She’s great." A third wrote, "How do you not love the Love Is Project founders?"

Lori Greiner said, "Love the messaging & will support their mission! Unfortunately, it’s just not investable for me." Some fans were pissed at Barbara because she insulted them. "@BarbaraCorcoran always has to personally insult people. Why not just say you’re out? It’s the sign of a little person that they need to put people down. It’s like Donald Trump," one tweet read.

Do you think they deserved a deal? Will you support them as a customer like Alex Rodriguez promised to? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

‘Shark Tank’ Season 12 Episode 9 returned to ABC after the winter break on January 8, 2021, at 8 pm ET. The latest episode featuring Alex Rodriguez premiered on January 15, 2021. Missed an episode? Been wanting to catch up? Episodes can also be viewed the next day on demand and on Hulu. Not just that, you can also watch old seasons and episodes on Amazon Prime and iTunes.