Where Is Slawsa From Shark Tank Today?

Slaw. Derived from the Dutch "koolsla," meaning "cabbage salad" (via BBC goodfood), coleslaw is just that. Raw bits of cabbage with dressings like mayo, mustard, or vinaigrette. Sometimes, you'll find other produce like apples, carrots, and onions thrown in, too, as well as herbs and spices like fennel or turmeric. It's widely available at stores, but there is also a myriad of coleslaw recipes you can try at home.

Salsa. While it generally refers to "sauce," per the Association for Dressings & Sauces, the specific combo of chiles, onions, and tomatoes is what people usually mean. This condiment comes from the Aztecs, and nowadays, it's so popular, there are limitless kinds of salsas. Many include additional ingredients like corn, lime, mango, and papaya. It's also readily available at stores, and easy to make at home if you're looking to spice up your cooking.

But what do you get when you put slaw and salsa together?

Slawsa! On the fifth season of "Shark Tank," Julie Busha brought in a hybrid relish of slaw and salsa, asking for $150k in exchange for a 15% stake in the Slawsa company (via hulu). "Traditional condiments are boring," Busha claimed, "and they haven't changed in decades." Luckily, she said this "slaw-some" family recipe could change the Sharks' lives, enhancing cookouts and snacks alike. Flavors included garlic and original with a spicy version of both, but while some Sharks weren't impressed by the taste, they were impressed by Slawsa's sales numbers. 4,200 stores nationwide, including big names like Kroger, were selling the condiment at the time, and annual sales were in the hundreds of thousands of dollars.

What truly blew them away, however, was Busha's sense of fiscal responsibility. She had earned academic scholarships, avoided going into debt, and saved up enough money to survive as an entrepreneur for years without taking a salary. All Busha needed was an investment to increase production and meet rapidly expanding demand. Regardless, every Shark replied, "I'm out."

"After I left... I was honestly in a state of disbelief," Busha reflected on Slawsa's website. Initially, she wondered if it was not her business but rather herself that was the problem. "You hear all the time how they invest in the entrepreneur more than the product," but eventually, Busha realized it was simply a matter of taste. The Sharks weren't hungry for something that was out of their wheelhouse.

Busha didn't let rejection discourage her. "I appreciate all of your time, and I will make all of you regret this," she informed the Sharks (via hulu). Per Slawsa, Busha prepared emails, Facebook posts, press releases, and a video to go out immediately after her episode aired in order to capitalize on the exposure. She also stocked up on Slawsa, so when demand went up after her TV appearance, Busha was ready. #Slawsa trended on Twitter, and fans posted on Facebook making their disagreement with the Sharks known. According to the Independent Women's Forum, Busha also used this momentum to crowdfund money for new Slawsa varieties, and she's also teamed up with celebs like NASCAR driver Kenny Wallace to further promote the product.

In 2018, Busha interviewed with Earn the Necklace and discussed how she was faring. "We've received many traditional media mentions, but there is a huge community of barbecue, grilling, or food influencers who have just embraced Slawsa on their own," revealed Busha. "We also have sampling programs with retailers, in-store marketing, and other traditional things, too," like a feature at the 2018 Minnesota State Fair. As a result of that event, Slawsa was able to get into local stores like Lowe's. Additionally, Slawsa has since gone international, spreading from the United States to Australia, Canada, and Germany. Busha even announced she's considering a secondary product line. It's safe to say the Sharks missed out!