Clutch Glue’s Shark Tank Debut Lit up Socials. We’ve Asked Founder Annabel Hay How She Nailed The Pitch
Source: Channel 10
We saw socials light up with the strong, confident presence of Annabel Hay and immediately knew we had to slide into her inbox and know how she aced it.
Clutch glue secured a $400,000 deal, split between Sharks Rob Haerjavec and Davie Forgarty.
These are the questions White Rabbit Social asked Annabel, and her responses.
What is Clutch Glue?
CLUTCH Glue is the product you never knew you needed.
A first of it’s kind product, CLUTCH seeks to revolutionise the way we all wear and enjoy our clothes.
CLUTCH fixes wardrobe malfunctions on the go, and tosses those uncomfortable inconveniences of ill-fitting clothing aside.
It’s important to be truly comfortable in our clothes.
Image: Clutch glue. Source: Provided
CLUTCH has been coined a ‘game changer’ and a ‘fashion tape killer’, as it is an adhesive that you simply apply to your skin, stick your clothes ontop, and washes off your skin and clothes when you’re done!
This globally patented glue is a super strong, sweat resistant formula that is compatible with all fabric and skin types, won’t seep through your clothes and is a vegan formula, made in Australia and made of 100% recycled and recyclable packaging!
And the best part is - it washes off your skin and clothes in the wash when you’re done… MAGIC!
There has never been a time where I have regretted having CLUTCH in my bag… only a million times I’ve wished I brought more with me!
Image: Clutch glue in use. Source: Provided
How did you feel when you found out you were going on Shark Tank? How did you prepare?
I was super excited to get that call from my producer that I was in fact, going to go in the Tank (dun dun dunnnnn!). But oh boy what lay ahead was thousands of hours practicing that pitch.
You have one opportunity to go on TV and showcase your business, so I knew we had to be overprepared in order to ace it.
Image: Annabel Hay. Source: Provided
We ended up hosting 4 or 5 mock shark tank nights, endearly labelled as ‘fish bowl’ nights, where we would gather ‘shark’ like people we knew, and watch my pitch, then proceed to grill me in an hour long Q&A.
Although it was a massive effort and an incredibly gruelling process, I am so glad we did that because once my film day came, I knew I had the answers to literally every question under the sun and I felt so confident, which obviously now we know translated so well to the Sharks.
I run a very legitimate business that I am truly passionate about, and I wanted to make sure we got it 100% right. And there is no way winging it, is the way to go about TV.
What's your vision for Clutch in the next two years? Is there a plan?
CLUTCH will be available across every corner of the earth! From every convenience store, supermarket and pharmacy, CLUTCH will be there for you, when you need it most!
This year alone we have sold over 100,000 units which is the equivalent of saving 6.5 tonnes of fashion tape waste out of landfill, so in 2 years time we have ambitions to at least 20x that number, and make sure everyone has made the switch to CLUTCH!
Lucy Hay, Clutch CMO (Left) and Annabel Hay, Clutch Founder (Right). Photo: Provided
The best and worst part of starting a business?
Witnessing the real-time, tangible success of the business—directly attributable to you, your team, and your vision—would be the most rewarding aspect. Nothing is more validating than seeing CLUTCH thrive and realizing your own potential.
Additionally, the opportunity to connect with and regularly engage with like-minded entrepreneurs, who eagerly share experiences and offer support, has been invaluable. Being in such an encouraging, ambitious, and supportive environment is truly invigorating and addictive.
Image: Clutch glue in use. Source: Provided
The most challenging aspect is the lack of a clear boundary between work and personal life. The constant demands of the business pervade every aspect of my life, making it difficult to establish healthy limits.
I often find myself preoccupied with work-related thoughts during moments that should be spent enjoying personal time.
My mind frequently wanders to mental to-do lists, brainstorming ideas, or problem-solving, even in social situations. I've even caught myself sneaking away to respond to emails during personal events.
This constant mental engagement with work has made it increasingly hard to be fully present and appreciate life outside of the business. But on the other hand... I absolutely love every second of it hahaha
How are you dealing with the fire that's been lit for Clutch? Any self care tips for founders under the pump?
Prioritise sleep! As much as I am always working during my waking hours, I have very hard boundaries when it comes to bed time! Everyone who knows me, knows you'll rarely get a reply from me between the hours of 9pm and 5am.
I also workout first thing every morning before commencing my to-do list. I find this routine serves as a buffer, preventing me from immediately shifting into work mode upon waking up.
It gives me the ability to start my day with a focus on my personal well-being before diving into work responsibilities.
Watch the pitch and be inspired:
Where can you find Clutch Glue?
CLUTCH can be found at Priceline, Woolworths, Amazon and clutchglue.com
