Aldo Orta: How ABC's 'Shark Tank' Made the Mexican Entreprenuer's American Dream Come True
"Thanks to Shark Tank, I live the American dream," said Mexican born entrepreneur Aldo Orta, who received financial backing from ABC's Shark Tank's Barbara Corcoran and Kevin Harrington in season two.
He's designed jewelry for clients like Prince Albert of Monaco, Calvin Klein, Elizabeth Taylor, the Bacardi Family -- and his exclusive collections have been worn by celebrities such as Holly Hunter, Jay-Z, Colin Farrell, Kim Kardashian, Kendra, Paris and Nicky Hilton, P. Diddy, Eugene Rodriguez, Chis Ciccone, Adrian Jenner, Hulk Hogan and Giselle Bunchen.
This Friday, Shark Tank followed up with Orta to see how the successful jewelry designer has flourished since his appearance on the popular entrepreneur-based reality TV show. Shark Tank, which premiered in August 2009, features business pitches from aspiring entrepreneurs to a panel of potential investors.
Orta's "royal collection of jewelry is a consortium to the patronage of exquisite art forms that convey the language of symbols found in our universe."
"My approach blends ancient and traditional metalworking techniques, using silver and high carat gold as well as precious and semi-precious gemstones, selected as much for their spiritual energy as for light and color," Aldo says on his official website.
While Orta got a deal with QVC, he needed the inventory to be able to sell his jewelry -- which was the reason he sought guidance and financial backing from Shark Tank. Sharks, Corcoran and Harrington each invested $90K and got 45 percent of the business.
"Barbara liked the jewelry, Kevin liked the celebrity endorsements. That was in May, 2011. Now Aldo Orta is burning up the ticker on QVC every time he appears. He even made friends with Lori Greiner!" it said in a press release.
Originally from Mexico, Aldo Orta recently relocated his business and design studio to the Chicago area. Orta's sculptures are still displayed at many government offices in his native Mexico and he still does private design for the rich and famous. The regular masses can purchase his jewelry through QVC.
A Shark Tank success story, Orta, "exudes the entrepreneurial confidence of the immigrant entrepreneurs that made this country great."
Subscribe to Latin Post!
Sign up for our free newsletter for the Latest coverage!