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www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Thursday, March 23, 2017 | 14 Trio of locals enter Dragons'Den D i s c o v e r M y S e c r e t ... My wife and I discovered that real independence means having the freedom to do what we want, when we want, without being tied to household chores and expenses. True independence means fine dining with friends and enjoying retirement in an active community of like-minded adults with a staff as dependable as family. Our new independence means less worry and more freedom. The real secret? We chose a Delmanor community. by Nathan Howes Oakville Beaver Staff DELMANOR Glen Abbey In s p ir e d R e tir e m e n t L iv in g TM trId e l (9 0 5 ) 4 6 9 -3 2 3 2 1459 Nottinghill Gate, Oakville Delmanor Welcomes Your Pet V is it d e lm a n o r.c o m fo r all o u r GTA lo ca tio n s . An Oakville woman has turned her marriage proposal into a successful business. TessaMedlock, 2 6 ,launched her Chicago, Illbased company Pearl Bath Bombs, several years ago after her fiance proposed with a ring inside a homemade bath bomb. The company has since grown to include 16 employees and offers its products across Canada and the U.S. To further expand her business, the Oakville native successfully pitched her idea on Dragons' Den , which aired March 8, securing a $150,000 investment deal with Michele Romanow for eight per cent control of the company Medlock was "really excited" when she was selected to appear on the show, she said, as she wanted to showcase to a national audience. "While I was filming the show, it was a little nerve-wracking, but all of the Dragons gave me some pretty positive feedback and I learned a lot. " Initially, she asked for $150,000 for a 10 per cent stake in the business, so Medlock is satisfied. "It' s great to know I do have full control over my product, but Michele has brought in some pretty good ideas. We work really well together, so at the end of the day, I think we make a really good team," said Medlock. A bath bomb, as Medlock explained, is a combination of natural ingredients such as baking soda, citric acid and essential oils, and lavender or bergamot. When released into a bathtub, it works to "smooth and soften your skin." But there is one difference, with the one the Oakville woman created. "Inside each of our bath bombs, you get a hidden ring surprise," Tessa Medlock said Medlock. |submitted photo "The idea for this entire thing was my fiance' s idea. He proposed to me with a ring inside of a bath bomb. Obviously I loved the idea. My family and friends also loved the idea." Medlock began making them in her kitchen and the business quickly "took off," so it moved from her Toronto home to a 2,500 sq.-ft. factory "When we started, it was just my fiance and I. We' ve grown... things are getting good." The Dragons' Den investment deal enabled development of new products, acquired inventory and a move to an 8,000 sq.-ft. factory in Chicago to mass manufacture the bath bombs. Since filming the show last year, Medlock expanded the firm' s product line by adding gem stone soaps and coconut wax candles. "My company has doubled since the show in profit. We want to keep going along that path for the next year," she said. see Businesses on p.18 Leave a Legacy Planned giving has a powerful impact. Making a legacy gift to the Oakville Trafalgar M em orial Hospital helps put essential m edical equipm ent into the hands of our caregivers, making a difference in the lives of patients for generations to come. There are many ways to leave a legacy such as bequests, life insurance, gifts o f securities, charitable annuities and charitable rem ainder trusts. Legacy gifts do not require great wealth, only great planning. Your estate plan reflects your wishes and values. The Oakville Hospital Foundation can work with you and your advisors to help you plan for tom orrow, while being recognized for your generosity today. Please call 905.338.4642 or visit us online a t w w w .oakvillehospitalfoundation.com fo r more inform ation. Oakville H o spital Foundation ce£BRA% G 2: