Debbie Brooks Handbags appeared on Shark Tank Season 3, Episode 12, seeking $540,000 for 20% equity. The company, founded by Debbie Brooks and her husband Paul D’Auriac, designs high-quality, hand-made Italian leather handbags featuring a patented “Magnafabs” system-removable magnetic art pieces that allow customers to customize the look of their bags by switching out the magnetic fronts to match different outfits and styles.
| Company Name | Debbie Brooks Handbags | |
| Founder/Co-Founder | Debbie Brooks & Paul D’Auriac | |
| Founded | 2010 | |
| Product | Customizable handbags with magnetic interchangeable fronts | |
| Asked For | $540,000 for 20% equity | |
| Final Deal | No Deal | |
| Shark | No Shark | |
| Episode | S3 E12 | |
| Air Date | April 27, 2012 | |
| Business Status | In Business | |
| Website | Visit Website | |
| Headquarters | New York City, United States | |
| Annual (Revenue) | Approximately $5 million (as of 2023) | |
| Worth / Valuation | $2.7 Million | |
| Buy and Watch | Buy Now | Amazon Prime |
Business Pitch Episode Recap
Debbie and Paul introduced the sharks to their innovative handbag line, explaining how Debbie created her own handbag when money was tight and later developed a business after receiving compliments on her design.
Paul invented the patented magnetic system called “Magnafabs,” which are interchangeable magnetic pieces of art on the handbag fronts, allowing customers to change the bag’s look easily without needing multiple bags.
The founders showcased their success selling in over 1,000 jewelry stores nationwide and at the upscale Henri Bendel store in New York City. However, the sharks expressed concerns about the company’s valuation and the strength of the patent protecting the Magnafab technology.
Kevin O’Leary thought the business was overvalued, Daymond John worried about patent issues, Lori Greiner was skeptical about the patents, and Mark Cuban liked the concept but was not personally interested in handbags. Robert Herjavec found the pitch confusing. Due to these concerns, none of the sharks made an offer, and Debbie and Paul left without a deal.
Sharks Offers List
| Sharks | Offers |
|---|---|
| Mark Cuban | No Offer |
| Daymond John | No Offer |
| Kevin O’Leary | No Offer |
| Lori Greiner | No Offer |
| Robert Herjavec | No Offer |
| Founder’s Counter | No Counter |
| Final Deals | No Deal |
Debbie Brooks Handbags Shark Tank Update
Despite not securing a deal, Debbie Brooks Handbags leveraged the exposure from Shark Tank to increase brand recognition and sales.
The handbags gained celebrity customers, including Gwyneth Paltrow, LL Cool J, and Mariah Carey, and are available online and in numerous retail outlets nationwide. Debbie also used her platform to support Hurricane Sandy victims.
As of 2023, the company generates approximately $5 million in annual revenue, reflecting steady growth and a loyal customer base. The patented Magnafab system remains a unique selling point, and the brand continues to expand through trunk shows and online sales.
What is Debbie Brooks Handbags’s Net Worth?
At the time of the Shark Tank pitch, Debbie Brooks Handbags was valued at approximately $2.7 million, based on the founders’ ask of $540,000 for 20% equity.
Although the sharks passed on investing due to valuation and patent concerns, the company’s net worth has grown substantially since then, driven by strong sales, celebrity endorsements, and expanded retail presence.
