Sticky notes are widely used to jot down reminders, tasks, and important information. However, they often get lost, clutter desks, or fall off when stuck to a computer. To solve this problem, Mary Ellen Simonsen created the Sticky Note Holder.
A simple yet useful product designed to keep sticky notes organized and secure on a laptop or computer screen. Mary brought her invention to Shark Tank in Season 1, hoping to secure a deal that would help her scale production and market her product to a larger audience.
She asked the sharks for $100,000 in exchange for 20% equity in her company, valuing her business at $500,000. Did the entrepreneur get a deal on Shark Tank? Check out our Sticky Note Holder update to find out!
Sticky Note Holder Net Worth Shark Tank Update 2025
Ryan Naylor went on Shark Tank asking for $100,000 for 25% of his company. This meant he thought his business was worth $400,000. He did not make a deal with any Shark. The episode was aired on August 9, 2009. The company later went out of business and is no longer active. The current net worth of Sticky Note Holder is $0 in 2025.
After appearing on Shark Tank, Mary renamed the product to Flip-N-Note in an attempt to give it a fresh identity and improve its market appeal. Despite this rebranding, the product did not gain widespread popularity.
Unfortunately, Flip-N-Note did not achieve significant sales and was not able to establish itself as a must-have product in the market. Eventually, the company ceased operations in 2020. The exact reasons behind the business shutting down are not fully detailed, but a lack of sales and limited consumer interest likely played a major role.
While appearing on Shark Tank can boost a company’s visibility, it does not guarantee success. Without a strong customer demand and an effective sales strategy, many products struggle to survive even after being featured on the show.
Mary Ellen Simonsen did not receive a deal on Shark Tank. Despite her enthusiasm for the product, the sharks did not see enough potential for investment. They were concerned about the lack of sales, high price points, and market demand for the product.
| Shark(s) name | Offer & Demand | Counteroffer | Accepted? |
| Barbara Corcoran | Out | N/A | N/A |
| Robert Herjavec | Out | N/A | N/A |
| Kevin O’Leary | Out | N/A | N/A |
| Daymond John | Out | N/A | N/A |
| Kevin Harrington | Out | N/A | N/A |
Sticky Note Holder Shark Tank pitch
Mary Ellen Simonsen is the inventor behind the Sticky Note Holder. She came up with the idea after noticing that sticky notes often fall off computer screens, get lost, or create a messy workspace.
To solve this issue, she designed a foldable sticky note holder that could be attached to the side of a laptop or computer screen. It could hold up to nine sticky notes and three small photos, keeping important reminders within sight. When the laptop closed, the holder would fold in, protecting the notes inside.
Mary believed that her product would be useful for students, professionals, and anyone who relies on sticky notes to stay organized. However, as she entered the Shark Tank, she knew she needed the sharks’ help to turn her idea into a successful business.
When Mary stepped into the Shark Tank, she confidently introduced her product to the investors. She explained how the Sticky Note Holder solved a common problem for people who frequently use sticky notes. She asked for $100,000 in exchange for 20% equity, which meant she valued her business at $500,000.
During her pitch, she demonstrated how the Sticky Note Holder attaches to the side of a laptop, showing how it keeps notes secure while allowing users to close their laptops without removing them. The sharks were curious but also skeptical, and they had several important questions before making a decision. Keep reading our Sticky Note Holder update to see what happens next!
The sharks had several questions about the Sticky Note Holder, mostly focused on the business potential and scalability of the product.
Kevin O’Leary asked, “What are your sales so far?” Mary admitted that she had not yet made any sales, which immediately raised concerns among the sharks.
Robert Herjavec asked about production costs and pricing. Mary explained that it cost around $1,000 to develop the product and that she planned to sell each unit for $9.50.
The sharks thought this was too expensive for a simple plastic holder.
Barbara Corcoran wanted to know if Mary had a patent to protect her idea. Mary did not have a patent, which worried the sharks because it meant that anyone could copy her idea.
These questions made it clear that Mary had not fully developed a business plan, which made the sharks hesitant to invest.
After discussing the business, each shark gave their final thoughts:
Kevin O’Leary: Thought the business was overvalued and lacked sales. He didn’t make an offer.
Robert Herjavec: Felt the product was unnecessary and wouldn’t sell well. No offer.
Kevin Harrington: Didn’t see strong market demand. No offer.
Daymond John: Didn’t believe the Sticky Note Holder solved a big enough problem. No offer.
Barbara Corcoran: Liked the idea but worried about the lack of sales and patents. No offer.
With no offers on the table, Mary left the tank without a deal.
What Went Wrong With Sticky Note Holder On Shark Tank?
The Sticky Note Holder had some good qualities, but there were several reasons why it failed to secure an investment: The biggest issue was that Mary had no sales before coming on Shark Tank. The sharks prefer to invest in businesses that have already shown some level of success. Selling the product for $9.50 seemed too expensive for a simple plastic holder. The sharks believed customers would be unwilling to pay that much.
Without a patent, the idea could be easily copied by other companies. This made it risky for investors. The sharks felt that not enough people would want or need the product. They saw it as a nice-to-have rather than a must-have item. These factors made it difficult for Mary to convince the sharks that Sticky Note Holder was a strong business opportunity.
Product Availability
After Shark Tank, Mary rebranded the product as Flip-N-Note, hoping that a new name would help attract more customers. However, despite the rebranding, sales remained low, and the business eventually shut down in 2020.
As of today, Flip-N-Note is no longer available for purchase, and the company’s website and social media pages have been taken down.
Conclusion
Mary Ellen Simonsen had a simple but clever idea to help people keep their sticky notes organized. However, without sales, a clear business strategy, or a patent, she was unable to convince the sharks to invest.
After the show, she tried rebranding the product as Flip-N-Note, but it failed to gain traction in the market. Eventually, the business closed in 2020. Her story serves as an example that having a good idea is not enough—a strong business plan, proof of demand, and the right pricing strategy are crucial for success.
Hey, I’m Amna Habib an undergraduate student of Bachelors in Business Administration. Shark Tank is one of my favorite TV shows of all time. The show provides a fascinating insight into the world of entrepreneurship by presenting creative solutions to common problems, which strongly connects to my academic interests. I’m interested in learning more about the strategic thinking and creativity that lead these companies as each pitch provides insightful information. I’ve found that watching Shark Tank has inspired my enthusiasm for business and entrepreneurship and has been a very enlightening and motivating experience. Apart from business and writing, I love food, shopping, and hanging out with friends and family. Read more About me.
