Hi there! Let me take you on a fascinating journey of innovation, resilience, and success—a story about how one couple turned a simple vacation observation into a thriving business that captured the hearts of families worldwide. This is the tale of Create A Castle, a sand-and-snow castle-building kit that revolutionized an age-old pastime. If you’ve ever struggled with a traditional bucket and shovel at the beach, this story will resonate with you.
The Birth of Create A Castle
It all started in 2016 during a family vacation at Laguna Beach, California. Kevin Lane, a web developer and avid sand sculptor, noticed a father and son struggling to build a sandcastle. Watching their frustration sparked an idea: What if there was an easier way to create elaborate sandcastles without the hassle of traditional tools?
Kevin’s creative mind went into overdrive. He envisioned molds that could split apart for easy release, eliminating the common problem of sand sticking to buckets. By 2017, Kevin and his wife Laurie Lane had turned this idea into reality, founding Create A Castle. Their patented split-mold system allowed users to build detailed castles in both sand and snow with ease. The product wasn’t just about building castles—it was about creating memories and bringing families together.
The Shark Tank Experience
Fast forward to October 7, 2022—Kevin and Laurie stepped into the spotlight on Shark Tank Season 14, Episode 3. They sought $350,000 for 10% equity, valuing their company at $3.5 million. The couple’s pitch was nothing short of captivating. They demonstrated how their molds worked, showcasing the simplicity and creativity behind their product.
The Sharks were intrigued by the versatility of Create A Castle as both a summer and winter toy. Guest Shark Kendra Scott was particularly impressed by its potential to foster family bonding. Daymond John also showed interest due to the product’s licensing opportunities. One memorable moment was when Kevin quickly built an intricate castle during the pitch, leaving everyone in awe.
Ultimately, Kendra Scott made an offer: $350,000 for 20% equity—double the stake originally proposed. Kevin and Laurie accepted her deal, gaining not just funding but also a partner who shared their vision for growth.
Breaking Down the Shark Tank Details
Here’s a snapshot of Create A Castle’s Shark Tank journey:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Create A Castle |
| Founders | Kevin and Laurie Lane |
| Season & Episode | Season 14, Episode 3 |
| Ask (Investment & Equity) | $350,000 for 10% equity |
| Final Deal | $350,000 for 20% equity |
| Shark(s) Involved | Kendra Scott |
| Memorable Episode Moments | Demonstration of quick castle-building; Kendra’s enthusiastic response |
| Current Net Worth | Estimated at over $4 million (2024 revenue projection) |
| Current Business Status | Active |
| Revenue Since Shark Tank | Over $2 million (as of mid-2023); projected $4 million in 2024 |
| Social Media Presence | Active on Instagram, Facebook; strong engagement with family-oriented content |
| Key Achievements | TOTY Award (2020), partnerships with Walmart, Target, Barnes & Noble |
Post-Shark Tank Growth
Life after Shark Tank has been nothing short of transformative for Create A Castle. The exposure from the show catapulted sales and opened doors to new opportunities:
1. Revenue Surge
Before appearing on Shark Tank, Create A Castle had generated $600,000 in sales in 2021 despite pandemic challenges. By mid-2023, sales had exceeded $2 million, with projections for 2024 reaching over $4 million.
2. Retail Expansion
The product is now available at major retailers like Walmart, Target, Barnes & Noble, and specialty stores across the U.S. Internationally, Create A Castle has partnered with TOMY Australia to distribute its kits in Australia and New Zealand.
3. Product Innovation
To cater to consumer demand for year-round use, the Lanes introduced new products like the BuildMaster indoor set featuring reusable “Castle Magic Sand.” Other additions include light kits for castles and anchoring systems for stability.
4. Awards and Recognition
Create A Castle has earned accolades such as the prestigious Toy Foundation’s Outdoor Toy of the Year Award in 2020. Laurie Lane was also nominated for the Wonder Women Awards in Toys in 2023.
Overcoming Challenges
Every entrepreneurial journey has its hurdles, and Create A Castle was no exception:
- Pandemic Impact: The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted supply chains and increased shipping costs dramatically. Despite these setbacks, Kevin and Laurie persevered by focusing on innovation.
- Scaling Issues: As demand grew rapidly post-Shark Tank, managing inventory became a challenge. The investment from Kendra Scott helped alleviate these pressures.
- Seasonality: Sandcastle kits are naturally tied to summer sales cycles. By introducing snow-friendly molds and indoor kits like BuildMaster, Create A Castle successfully mitigated this limitation.
The Current Status
As of January 2025:
- Annual revenue is projected to exceed $4 million.
- The company’s net worth is estimated at over $4 million.
- Products are sold both online (via Amazon and their website) and offline through major retailers.
- Social media channels remain active and engaging, showcasing user-generated content from families worldwide.
Create A Castle continues to thrive as a leader in its niche market.
Lessons from Create A Castle’s Success
The story of Kevin and Laurie Lane offers valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs:
- Identify a Problem Worth Solving
Kevin’s inspiration came from observing a common frustration—building sandcastles with traditional tools—and addressing it creatively. - Resilience is Key
From navigating pandemic challenges to scaling operations post-Shark Tank, persistence has been central to their success. - Innovation Drives Growth
By continuously expanding their product line (e.g., indoor kits), Create A Castle stayed relevant across seasons. - Strategic Partnerships Matter
Partnering with Kendra Scott provided not just capital but also mentorship and access to her extensive network.
Looking Ahead
The future looks bright for Create A Castle as it continues to expand its product offerings and global reach. With plans for further retail partnerships and innovative designs in the pipeline, Kevin and Laurie remain committed to their mission: bringing families together one castle at a time.
Their journey reminds us that even simple ideas—like building castles—can lead to extraordinary success when fueled by passion and perseverance.
So next time you’re at the beach or playing in the snow with your family, think about how one couple turned their dream into reality—and maybe start dreaming up your own “castle” too!