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Hampton business owner shares how her experience on Shark Tank helped her small business succeed

Hampton business owner Lakesha Brown-Renfro reflects on how Shark Tank helped propel Mango Mangeaux ahead of this week's open casting call in Portsmouth.

HAMPTON, Va. — There is an open casting call for Shark Tank coming to Rivers Casino Portsmouth. A local business owner explains how going on Shark Tank opened up a world of opportunities for her and her business partners. 

"How fitting is that because at a casino, you're betting, you're gambling. That's what business is. Business is a gamble; you're taking a chance," Lakesha Brown-Renfro smiled. 

RELATED: Everything you need to know about Shark Tank auditions in Virginia

Brown-Renfro is one of the owners of Mango Mangeaux in Hampton, Virginia. She is no stranger to Shark Tank and putting her name out there. In 2013, she went on Shark Tank with her business partners to pitch their gourmet mango preserves, Mango Mango. "It started with a party in a jar," she laughed. 

They went on Shark Tank to ask for a production facility for their product. "We thought it would be cute to have a little bistro in front of the production facility. Little did we know that that little bistro was going to serve over 150 thousand people almost every year," she smiled as she looked around the bustling bistro, Mango Mangeaux. 

The menu is delicious. They sprinkle their preserves in certain dishes. They even serve lemonade with the mango preserves added. They are a French, Creole, and Neo-Soul restaurant, bringing a special flare to Pheoubus. 

Their business is thriving, but believe it or not, the sharks told them no. "After going on Shark Tank, we didn't receive a deal. We like to say the Sharks said no, but God said yes. We got 15,000 orders in 48 hours after the show, which equated to 300,000 dollars in sales," she said. 

Brown-Renfro said that their sales are proof that even a no is a yes. "This is your moment. Smile. Take it in," she said. 

For those who are unsure if this open casting call is for you, Brown-Renfro says to "Take a chance on business."

Mango Mangeaux is proof that taking a chance is worth it. "We were turned down in front of millions of people. We didn't get a deal. We did not secure a deal. But that's not the end. That is the beginning. Today is the beginning."

If you would like your beginning to be the Shark Tank Open Casting Call on Friday, April 12, you can learn more here

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