Just in time for Halloween, Lara Spear Riley ’97, creator of the children’s book Switch Witch and its doll companion, will appear on the popular ABC show Shark Tank Friday, October 23, 2015.
Spear Riley, who had long dreamed of writing a children’s book, wanted to create a Halloween tradition for families that helps parents with the problem presented by the sudden intake of way too much candy.
She wrote and self-published the story of a witch that switches out candy for toys and goodies. With a business partner, Spear Riley also produced a doll and together they made their pitch to the Shark Tank investors.
Lara Spear Riley ’97 (right) and business partner Rob Bouley make their pitch on Shark Tank. (ABC/Michael Desmond)
“The whole Shark Tank experience has been amazing and also surreal,” said Spear Riley. “It’s still hard to believe that we made it all the way through to airing on the show, considering they get more than 40,000 applications a year. We feel lucky and honored, and found everyone behind the scenes at Shark Tank to be so friendly and helpful.” Shark Tank airs tonight at 9 p.m. ET. Check local listings for channel.