Mum On a Mission
Educating the World One Bite (or Sting) at a Time!
2013
A Cross Country Move to Florida
We were completely unprepared for the mosquitoes after moving to Florida from California! My oldest daughter, who was just six-months-old at the time, suffers terribly from mosquito bites and none of the over-the-counter remedies worked. We began avoiding the outdoors. I knew there had to be a better way!
2015
Kelley Discovers the Suction Tool Now Known as Bug Bite Thing
I began to research how other countries were combating mosquito bites and stings and I came across a little-known suction tool.
The day the tool arrived, I actually got a mozzie bite walking to my mailbox! I immediately gave it a try and instantly all the itching, swelling, and pain just disappeared!
The suction tool transformed the quality of life for my family! We were back outdoors again, doing what we loved. If this could be so life changing for my family, I had to share it with the world! I tracked down the owner and pitched him my idea. He granted me exclusive distribution rights for the United States and we began our partnership.
2016
Kelley Creates the Bug Bite Thing Brand
2018
Bug Bite Thing’s First Big Break!
2019
All the Sharks Were Biting with Offers and Overnight Growth!
Then came my first appearance on national television! A Bug Bite Thing social media post caught the attention of a Shark Tank producer who encouraged me to audition for the show. I enlisted the help and 35 years + business experience of my mum. We flew out to L.A. and pitched the Sharks. My mum even dressed up as “Mosquito Magnet Mum!”
All the Sharks were biting with offers to invest in the business, but it was Lori Greiner’s ‘Golden Ticket’ offer—something she only gives out once a season!—that secured our partnership. Then came the Shark Tank effect!
We opened Bug Bite Thing’s first office in Port St. Lucie that same year and expanded our original partnership to tackle this worldwide. They have now become Bug Bite Thing Europe!!
2021
Bug Bite Thing’s Shark Tank Update and Gives Back to Community
A year later, because of Bug Bite Thing’s success we were invited to appear on the show again! This time, we shared details on our company’s transformation into a growing business with Bug Bite Thing sold at over 25,000 retail locations, in 25 countries and how we’ve become Amazon’s #1 selling product for mosquito bite relief!
Just like Bug Bite Thing took off, so did my personal journey as an entrepreneur. I was named ‘Woman of the Year’ by the 2021 American Business Awards and ‘Female Entrepreneur of the Year’ by the 2021 Stevie Awards for Women in Business! And I was invited to join the Fast Company Executive Board and Forbes Business Council to start sharing what I’ve learned.
I also became passionate about giving back to the community that supports Bug Bite Thing. We became active in the local chapters of organizations, including Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida and Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Lucie County, Treasure Coast Food Bank (a member of Feeding America), as well as St. Lucie Chamber of Commerce and a member of the Cancer Free Economy Network.
2022
Bug Bite Thing Continues to Expand
Bug Bite Thing remains Amazon’s #1 selling product for mosquito bite relief with over 75,000 reviews! We’re continuing our global expansion and thrilled to be carried by over 30,000 retail locations including CVS Pharmacy, JOANN’s, Rite Aid, The Home Depot, Walgreen and more!
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