SHARK TANK - “1514” - Impassioned entrepreneurs enter the Tank to score an investment deal on products, including a damage-free wall light, an umbrella with two handles, a silicone placemat with an edge and a gluten-free alternative to popcorn. FRIDAY, JAN. 19 (8:00-9:01 p.m. EST), on ABC. (Disney/Christopher Willard) BERYLN HAUGHTON

An entrepreneur with local roots is appearing on ABC’s Shark Tank program Friday in search of a deal for her product designed to keep little ones safe.

Hanford native Berlyn Haughton launched The Table Tyke in 2020.  The placement mat made from FDA-grade silicone is designed to protect children from hitting their faces on the edge of tables while they eat. It also protects against germs in the case of teething babies.

 

The Table Tyke can be purchased online at thetabletyke.com for $24.99. An extra-large version is $34.99. Haughton sold more than 1,000 mats her first year in business. When she last spoke to The Business Journal in November 2021, Haughton was based in Fresno and had just taken her single largest order of 1,000 mats.

Haughton, who works a day job for AT&T corporate, said the design was inspired by her experiences as the mother of two boys. The family has since relocated to Nashville, Tennessee, as part of job transfer for her husband.

She couldn’t talk about whether the “sharks” invested in her company when reached by phone Friday, but she’s excited for friends, family and fans to see the show.

Other local entrepreneurs and those with area connections have made appearances on Shark Tank, including Scotty Trujillo with the two-key Copy Keyboard and Matt Walsh with fantasy sports trophy company TrophySmack.

Shark Tank airs Fridays at 8 p.m. on ABC.