I just wanted to share a
As an inventor, investor, entrepreneur, Shark Tank “shark,” and much-loved QVC vendor and guest, Lori
Greiner knows a thing or two about business. So when I had the opportunity to interview her recently, I, of
course, wanted to draw from her wealth of knowledge. But because the holidays are quickly approaching, I
also wanted to find out a little more about some of her favorite festive traditions!
Anne Creedon: Tell me about the other “sharks.” What do you admire
about each of them?
Lori Greiner: People are always wondering what the other
“sharks” are really like, so I’ll share some things about them you
might not know. Daymond John is one of those witty guys who
comes up with one-liners all the time. He is constantly making
me laugh on the set! Barbara Corcoran has incredible drive—
when she wants something, she’s not going to give up until
she gets it. She’s also pretty zany and always says just what
she’s thinking. Mark Cuban might be aggressive and feisty in
the sports arena, but he can also show a softer side, which I
like. Robert Herjavec is a kid at heart and loves to play with
big-boy toys. You’ll notice he’s always the first to jump up when
toys come in the tank. And, although Kevin O’Leary is the guy
everyone loves to hate, I really like him! He’s extremely funny—
to the point that sometimes I have to stop and compose myself
when we’re in the middle of shooting the show!
AC: What about the entrepreneurs?
LG: We see about eight or nine entrepreneurs each day, and
we have no idea who (or what) is going to come into the tank.
When you see episodes of Shark Tank, you’re only seeing about
10 minutes for each entrepreneur. But, in reality, their pitch can
take anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours. There are a lot
of innovative things that came into the tank this season that I
love. I wish I could reveal more, but I don’t want to give away
anything that would ruin the fun of watching the show!
AC: Speaking of innovative products, tell me about your November 14
Today’s Special Value® Gold and Silver Safekeeper Double-Sided Jewelry
Armoire.
LG: The QVC customer asked me to create a product that would
be the largest capacity jewelry storage cabinet ever—and this
is it! It stores over 800 pieces of jewelry and they’re all hanging
in clear view like a beautiful store display. It’s designed with
my popular anti-tarnish lining, has two full-length mirrors, and
holds necklaces, bracelets, earrings, rings, pins, cuffs, and more!
And best of all, it takes up a really small space.
AC: Thanksgiving is quickly approaching. What are your family’s
Turkey Day traditions?
LG: Me making dinner! My mother didn’t really like to cook,
so being the food lover that I am, I learned fast and young. I
love making everything from scratch. I make all the traditional
Thanksgiving foods, plus I like to make different appetizers like
bruschetta and spanakopita (Greek spinach pie)*.
AC: This is a really important question—what is your favorite
Thanksgiving Day food?
LG: Stuffing and gravy. My preferred mix is 50/50!
AC: It’s not quite Christmastime yet, but that won’t stop me! What
do you love about the holidays? Any particular traditions that are
your favorites?
LG: Of course, I love getting together with family and friends.
And in recent years, we’ve started having a lobster-fest dinner
on Christmas Eve—which is a lot of fun! My husband and I also
have the tradition of collecting ornaments from all over the
world. It’s fun to pull them out and remember great memories
as we put them on the tree.
AC: When it comes to holiday shopping, do you have any gift-giving secrets?
LG: I always pay attention when people talk about what they
like. And I pay attention to the items being sold when I’m at
QVC throughout the holiday season. I often order great gifts
from the greenroom while I’m watching them being presented
on air!
AC: Thanks, Lori. Have a great holiday season!
LG: The same to you!