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'Shark Tank': How Pizza Cupcake co-founder Michelle Jimenez used amazing negotiation skills to grab $150K deal

'It’s always great to see entrepreneurs sticking their ground and trying to get the best deal for their business because sometimes it DOES work out!'

The latest episode of 'Shark Tank' left the audience on the edge of their seats wondering why Pizza Cupcake co-founder Michelle Jimenez was risking her chances of closing a deal with a shark.

Michelle Jimenez and her husband Andrea Meggiato entered the tank seeking $125,000 for a 10% stake in their company. They then proceeded to explain how their frozen food turns pizza into an appetizer or even a gourmet snack item that can be enjoyed on the go. Andrea, who hails from Venice, Italy, revealed that the dough used in the pizza cupcake is unlike anything the sharks would have eaten before, as it has a melt-in-mouth texture. 

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It was time for the sharks to try the delicious goodies. One bite of the pepperoni and margherita cupcakes, and the sharks couldn't believe how incredibly tasty they were. However, despite the heavenly taste, Daymond John, Kevin O'Leary, Mark Cuban and Robert Herjaves backed out from making the deal. They all gave reasons ranging from the logistical issues that come with dealing with frozen food, to intense competition in the sector for not making an offer, 

But Lori Greiner surprised everyone by deciding to make an offer. She agreed to invest $150,000 but wanted a 20% stake in the company. Michelle, who has a strong background in sales and marketing, felt that the shark was asking for a lot of stake in the company. Although there were no other offers on the table, Michelle still decided to take a risk and negotiate the offer, with hopes of securing a better deal. 

She came up with a counter-offer of $150,000 for 10%, but Lori wasn't willing to budge. Michelle still stayed her ground. After some consideration, she decided to come up with a  counteroffer of $150,000 for a 12.5% stake. Lori decided to meet Michelle midway and gave her a final offer of $150,000 for 15%. Michelle again tried persuading Lori to increase the money she would be investing. But when the shark showed no sign of budging, Michelle gave one last try and asked Lori if she would be okay with an offer of $150,000 for a 12.5 % stake in the company and 2.5% advisory shares. The shark instantly accepted the offer, and the deal was closed.

When fans saw how hard Michelle negotiated, they were impressed. A fan tweeted, "Wow. Negotiation skills goals! (Making this a thing now!) So here for Women who know their business  @ABCSharkTank @thepizzacupcake #SharkTank." "Shoutout to Pizza Cupcake! That was some damn good negotiating. For real #SharkTank," wrote a fan. Another fan commented, "Michelle knows her stuff. Awesome negotiator. Bravo #SharkTank."

Another fan exclaimed, "Whoa -- she was a good negotiator, @LoriGreiner! #SharkTank." "Yay for creative negotiations! Congratulations to @thepizzacupcake and @LoriGreiner! Y’all will make a fantastic team! #SharkTank," seconded a fan. Daymond too appreciated Michelle's negotiation skills in his tweet, "It’s always great to see entrepreneurs sticking their ground and trying to get the best deal for their business because sometimes it DOES work out! Congrats @lorigreiner #SharkTank.

'Shark Tank' Season 12 airs every Friday at 8/7c only on ABC.