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FunCakes is a revolutionary bakery concept that has overtaken the food industry. FunCakes quickly became one of the most successful businesses in its niche.
The company initially appeared on Shark Tank before gaining traction with customers nationwide. By focusing on creating delicious and attractive cakes using only natural ingredients, FunCakes has managed to differentiate itself from competitors and create a unique market position for its products.
With an innovative approach to cake-making that emphasizes both quality and convenience, FunCakes’ products have won over consumers everywhere.
The company’s commitment to offering freshly baked cakes made with organic ingredients makes it a standout among traditional bakeries, making it easy for customers to enjoy healthy treats without sacrificing taste or quality.
What Is FunCakes?
FunCakes are three-tiered desserts built of styrofoam layers and topped with genuine fondant icing to resemble real wedding cakes. FunCakes are easy to transport to the venue and substantially less expensive than a real custom cake.
FunCakes provides a more reasonable option by renting the exquisitely created wedding cake centerpiece.
The main cake is made of real fondant, and it looks and feels like a real cake in every way except that it has a compartment for storing a small piece of edible cake for the ceremony.
A standard sheet cake from a local bakery or wholesale store is served to the guests after the couple performs their ritual of “feeding each other.”
| Company Name | FunCakes Rental |
| Entrepreneur | Kimberly Aya |
| Product | Rental wedding cakes made of foam and fondant |
| Investment Asking For | $285,000 For 25% equity in FunCakes |
| Final Deal | No Deal |
| Shark | No Shark |
| Episode | Season 6 Episode 4 |
| Business Status | In Business |
| Website | Visit Website |
Who Is The Founder Of FunCakes?
The Grand Rapids-based baker Kimberly Aya is the founder of FunCakes, who formerly owned a bakery in Europe before relocating to Michigan.
She now co-owns FunCakes with her son in Grand Rapids, specializing in creating fake wedding cakes. The objective is to provide brides with an economical confectionery choice.
Kimberly first encountered fake cakes in 2007 during a bridal exhibition, which opened her eyes to the possibilities. The concealed compartment in the styrofoam cakes was also discovered during the show.
One cake slice is in the slot, enabling the bride and groom to cut the phony cake right up to the last slice. It was from this occurrence that FunCakes was born.
Kimberly began by preparing the mock cakes for presentation and then delivering a standard sheet cake for guests to slice and serve. There was no difference between the two cakes.
FunCakes Before Shark Tank
Kimberly Aya founded a specialty bakery in Europe called Fun Cakes in the 1990s.
Kimberly’s family moved to Michigan when she became pregnant with her first child, where Kimberly maintained her commercial dreams by opening a bakery.
She created six prop cakes for display at her first bridal convention as part of her advertising campaign.
Most showgoers expressed their desire to purchase the props instead of the more costly and real cakes due to the authenticity of the cakes.
Kimberley decided to move away from the oven’s heat in favor of a new business model, providing fake cakes to couples on a budget and for weddings.
The newly formed FunCakes firm gained quick recognition after the local Grand Rapids Press published a top-page story on “Wedding Deception.” Media coverage resulted in increased sales, and the company gained great exposure.
Kimberley was requested to appear on The Today Show six weeks after the local newspaper article, and the media’s interest in her has never waned.
Fun Cakes also contributed props to the 2009 blockbuster film “The Hangover.”. Kimberley thought appearing on Shark Tank would be a great opportunity to grow her business, and she had a way of catching the producers’ attention.
She sent a Shark Tank-themed cake along with her application, and her unorthodox approach worked very well. Kimberley received an email confirming her application within hours of receiving the cake.
How Was The Shark Tank Pitch Of FunCakes?
Kimberly and Koray appeared on Shark Tank requesting an investment of $285,000 in exchange for a 25% stake in FunCakes.
The founders of FunCakes left the Shark Tank stage without securing any deal from the Sharks.
Final Deal: No deal between Sharks and FunCakes.
What Happened To FunCakes After Shark Tank?
Korey and Kimberley were optimistic about appearing on the broadcast despite the sharks’ rejection.
Kimberley anticipated Fun Cakes would have difficulty attracting a shark investor before the segment aired due to the product’s niche nature.
Kimberley concluded that the Sharks’ rejection of her business venture primarily resulted from their inability to estimate the potential market size due to the absence of competition.
Meanwhile, the sharks were humming an entirely different melody.
Mark Cuban commented that Kimberley and Koray’s exit from the tank gave the impression that the problem wasn’t with the business but rather with the entrepreneurs. Still, Kevin O’Leary observed, ‘I thought too that business was awful.’
Fun Cakes continues to grow its brand but did not land a transaction on Shark Tank. In May 2016, they secured an agreement with Michigan-based retailer SpartanNash. SpartanNash operates over 160 retail locations.
By May 2016, Fun Cakes was available in all SpartanNash locations, and Kimberley actively sought new retail relationships.
Fun Cakes maintains a consistent online presence across multiple social media platforms and a professionally designed website, from which Kimberley announced the partnership with SpartanNash in early 2016.
FunCakes also provides cakes for numerous corporate events, including those hosted by prestigious brands like Budweiser and Calvin Klein.
FunCakes’ entry into SpartanNash and the 200 Jewel Osco stores indicates that they may be exceeding expectations in terms of demand for their phony cakes.
The Sharks are so wealthy these days that they have forgotten what a low budget may do to a ceremony that is already pricey, commentators have noted online.
The Fun Cakes business is growing slowly but steadily for the Aya family. The future will tell, but the sharks may have to swallow a bitter pill by passing up such a lucrative opportunity.
FunCakes Shark Tank Update
Fun Cakes has sold three-tiered cakes since the show’s debut at over 180 Jewel Osco grocery stores in Illinois (a division of Albertsons).
The sales and popularity of FunCakes skyrocketed after its appearance on Shark Tank. FunCakes generate $1.1 million in annual income and are in its 14th year of operation in 2023.
Is FunCakes Still In Business?
FunCakes is still a booming business that has made its way into Hollywood. FunCakes were featured in The Hangover and have been featured on television.
FunCakes’ website features a variety of cake options, ranging from weddings to other festivities, and the cakes may be shipped to any area.
What Is the Net Worth of FunCakes?
The valuation of FunCakes was $1.14 million when it appeared on Shark Tank. The net worth of FunCakes is $1 million as of 2023.
