The Mad Optimist
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Personal care products, Organic soaps |
| Founded | April 1, 2012 in Bloomington, Indiana, United States |
| Founder | Mohammed M. Mahdi, Mohammed A. Mahdi, Anthony Duncan |
| Headquarters | Bloomington , United States |
Key people | Mohammed M. Mahdi (CEO), Mohammed A. Mahdi (COO), Anthony Duncan (CMO) |
| Products | Organic soaps, personal care items |
The Mad Optimist is a U.S.-based producer specializing in organic soaps and personal care items, enabling clients to tailor both ingredients and pricing to their preferences.
Established in April 2012 in Bloomington, Indiana, initially under the name Soapy Soap Company, the enterprise was founded by siblings Mohammed M. Mahdi (CEO), Mohammed A. Mahdi (COO), and Anthony Duncan (CMO). The company prioritizes formulations devoid of artificial fragrances, dyes, preservatives, parabens, and phthalates. Its product line is certified vegan, halal, cruelty-free, and gluten-free.
History
The Sabun brand was introduced by the company in April 2012. By mid-2016, they launched DesignMySoap.com to offer personalized personal care product options.
In 2017, The Mad Optimist became part of The Brandery, a Cincinnati-based startup accelerator, which supported its expansion and market presence.
A rebranding initiative occurred in 2018 following a collaboration with the international brand design firm LPK, resulting in the adoption of the current name, The Mad Optimist.
The business attained nationwide recognition after featuring on the Season 11 finale of ABC’s Shark Tank in May 2020. Investor Mark Cuban proposed an investment of $60,000 for a 20% ownership share, underscoring the company's innovative approach and growth prospects.
Awards
- Silver Award for Best Visual Identity in FMCG at the 2019 Transform Awards North America: The Mad Optimist
- Established Business EDGE Award from Indiana Small Business Development Center (ISBDC) in 2014