'Shark Tank' Season 15: Internet slams The Tomte Cake founder as she ditches Barbara Corcoran for Kevin O'Leary
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: As the Christmas season approaches, a fresh take on the traditional gingerbread house is winning hearts and kitchens nationwide. The Tomte Cake is a unique and mess-free alternative to the traditional festive pastime.
Entrepreneur Miranda Vaughn's Tomte Cake made a memorable appearance on 'Shark Tank' and received an offer from both Barbara Corcoran and Kevin O'Leary. However, Miranda ditched Barbara Corcoran and signed a deal with Kevin O'Leary.
Fans, however, mocked Miranda for choosing Kevin O'Leary over Barbara. A comment on X expressed, "I would have gone with Barbara on the tomte (sic) deal."
Another user felt, "Ugh I hate when offers are all on the table and the entrepreneur (sic) asks another shark if they would like up their offer. It seems disrespectful."
I would have gone with Barbara on the tomte deal. #sharktank
— LeaLeander (@LeaLeander1) December 9, 2023
Ugh I hate when offers are all on the table and the entrepreneuer asks another shark if they would like up their offer. It seems disrespectful. #sharktank
— Jill the Tøp Møm (@FigureSk8ingMom) December 9, 2023
One user added, "She should take Barbara's deal on the last deal for this episode." A user suggested, "Loving the Tomte cake/book idea but I kinda think it needs a different name."
She should take Barbara's deal on the last deal for this episode. #SharkTank
— MikeyinNM (@MikeyinNm) December 9, 2023
Loving the Tomte cake/book idea but I kinda think it needs a different name. #sharktank
— Jill the Tøp Møm (@FigureSk8ingMom) December 9, 2023
How did The Tomte Cake end up on 'Shark Tank' Season 15?
Miranda appears to have tried her luck at a casting call in March 2023 and was chosen to participate in the show by a panel of many other local candidates.
She shared a clip of her experience on Facebook, but she couldn't share what her pitch looked like due to legal restrictions.
Miranda has been called up to share The Tomte Cake with the rest of the world, so whatever she said to the test panel must have piqued their interest.
The Tomte Cake hints at expanding the product line in the future
Customers may get a whole cake set for $60, which is an economical and all-inclusive alternative. Additional baking pans are available for $35, and an additional gnome is available for $18.
The favorable customer evaluations, which can be seen on both their social media channels and their website, demonstrate how families have embraced the product, turning it into a treasured tradition that they look forward to each year.
The product fundamentally altered an existing system, making it more convenient, pleasurable, and better.
Miranda and her team deserve credit for their dedication, successfully creating a product that resonates with many. With their evident passion and innovative approach, there is a palpable anticipation that the company will achieve even greater heights in the future.
The Tomte Cake is a social media hit
Miranda's clients appear to appreciate her work, evident in the five-star rating on Facebook for the Tomte Cake, even with only three reviews. Furthermore, the company boasts 1,200 followers and 1,400 likes.
The positivity extends to Instagram, where the brand has garnered nearly 2,000 followers. On the company's website, every review has a five-star rating, with feedback from 16 customers expressing their satisfaction with the product.
Numerous reviews underscore customers' satisfaction with the product's quality and the perceived value for their money. Additionally, the original tale featured in Miranda's picture book is frequently praised.
Each Tomte Cake set includes two baking pans, an aluminum Tomte figure, Tompkins' picture book, and a recipe card featuring the classic gingerbread Tomte cake recipe.
In Miranda's fairy tale, a gnome named Tomte accidentally falls into a batch of cake batter. Despite being baked into a cake, he not only survives but also becomes the originator of a brand-new Christmas tradition in his hamlet.
In homage to this folklore, children follow the tradition of baking their metal tomtes into cake batter, proceeding to decorate the finished goods. The festive cakes are enjoyed until the delightful surprise of discovering the hidden gnome within.
'Shark Tank' Season 15 airs on Fridays on ABC at 8 pm ET.
For those who miss the episode, it will be available on demand the following day and on Hulu. Additionally, viewers can explore past seasons and episodes on Amazon Prime Video and iTunes.