Cooking oil disposal is a sticky issue, but LaTangela Newsome thought she had the perfect solution: Grease Bags. These compostable, absorbent, resealable bags were designed to make getting rid of kitchen grease safer, easier, and more eco-friendly. Newsome, an actress-turned-entrepreneur, took her idea to the “Shark Tank” stage in Season 8, Episode 13, pitching for $75,000 in exchange for 25% of her company. But what happened after her big moment? Let’s dive into the story of Grease Bags, its journey on “Shark Tank,” and where the company stands today.
A Pitch with Promise: Newsome’s “Shark Tank” Experience
When LaTangela Newsome appeared on “Shark Tank”, she presented a compelling argument. Improper grease disposal can cause everything from clogged drains to environmental disasters. Her solution? Grease Bags, a biodegradable product designed to encapsulate cooking grease safely and efficiently. The Sharks liked the concept but were skeptical about the product’s viability and price point.
Out of the five Sharks, Barbara Corcoran was the only one willing to make an offer. She proposed $75,000 for 50% of the company, on the condition that Newsome reduce the retail price from $12.99 to $6.99. Newsome agreed on the spot, but the deal never materialized. According to Newsome, the partnership fell through during post-show negotiations.
The Post-“Shark Tank” Struggles
“Shark Tank” appearances often bring an influx of attention and orders. For Newsome, this was both a blessing and a curse. While the exposure was great, her company faced significant challenges in fulfilling initial orders. Without the resources from Barbara Corcoran’s deal, Newsome paid out of pocket to produce Grease Bags. Unfortunately, the delays in shipping tarnished her brand’s reputation.
The early setbacks cost Grease Bags credibility with customers, and the company never quite recovered. However, Newsome persisted, eventually getting products to market on Amazon and Shopify. By 2023, Grease Bags were retailing for $13.99, but customer reviews were mixed. Many praised the eco-friendly concept but criticized the bags for structural issues, such as leaking oil and durability concerns. The product’s 3.4-star rating on Amazon painted a picture of unmet potential.
A Closer Look at LaTangela Newsome
Born in Los Angeles, California, LaTangela Newsome has always been a creative force. Before her entrepreneurial endeavors, she was best known for her work as an actress and singer, appearing on shows like “All That” and “The Parkers.” Transitioning from Hollywood to entrepreneurship wasn’t an easy journey, but Newsome’s passion for solving real-world problems kept her going.
At the time of her “Shark Tank” appearance, Newsome was in her mid-30s. She has kept her personal life relatively private, but her family has been a source of support throughout her entrepreneurial journey. As of 2024, Newsome’s net worth is estimated to be around $200,000, much of which stems from her acting career and other ventures rather than Grease Bags.
The Market Challenge: Grease Bags vs. Competitors
Grease Bags isn’t the only product addressing cooking oil disposal. Competing brands like Toss-It! have entered the market with similar solutions. Toss-It! bags, which are less eco-friendly, retail for about $9.99 per six-pack and boast a more favorable 4-star rating on Amazon.
While Grease Bags’ compostable materials set it apart, the higher price and durability concerns have hindered its ability to compete. Reviews often mention leaking grease, which defeats the purpose of a product designed to simplify cleanup. The challenge lies in balancing cost, functionality, and sustainability—a trifecta Grease Bags has struggled to master.
A Glimpse of Hope: Partnerships and Plans
In January 2020, Grease Bags announced a partnership with the city of Atlanta for an undisclosed order size. This collaboration was a step in the right direction, demonstrating interest from municipal organizations. Additionally, the company teased a relaunch of “even greener” bags for the summer of 2022. However, Grease Bags’ social media pages went silent by August 2022, leaving fans and customers in the dark.
Despite these setbacks, the brand’s Instagram account was active as recently as July 2023, suggesting there may still be hope for a revival. Whether Grease Bags can address its product issues and regain customer trust remains to be seen.
For now, the company’s future hangs in the balance. Customers eager to support sustainable solutions are rooting for a comeback. Whether Grease Bags can deliver on its promise remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the world needs more creative solutions to everyday problems, and LaTangela Newsome isn’t afraid to tackle them head-on.
