Kelley Higney

Member Since 2021

Kelley Higney

Founder & CEO

Bug Bite Thing

Florida

I am the founder and CEO of Bug Bite Thing. In 2013, my family relocated from San Diego, California to South Florida. There was one thing we were not prepared for—the mosquitos. My six-month-old daughter was constantly suffering from severe reactions to the bites. Determined to find a natural alternative to the available remedies on the market, I began conducting research. I ordered an unfamiliar product that uses suction to remove the irritant—and it worked! It transformed the quality of life for my family—we could finally spend time outdoors! I was determined to share it with others. In 2017, I secured exclusive distribution rights to the product and branded it Bug Bite Thing. I have since been a “Mom on a Mission” to educate the world on the most effective, chemical-free solution for insect bite relief. My company gained national recognition in October 2019 when my mother, Ellen McAlister, and I appeared on ABC’s hit show, ‘Shark Tank.’ All the Sharks were biting with offers to invest in our business, but it was Lori Greiner’s ‘Golden Ticket’ offer that secured our partnership. In April 2021, my mother and I returned to ‘Shark Tank.’ This time, we shared details on our company's transformation into a multi-million dollar enterprise following our first appearance on the show. Bug Bite Thing is Amazon’s #1 selling product for insect bite relief with more than 45,000 reviews. I am a member of the Fast Company Executive Board and Forbes Business Council. I am also the recipient of numerous awards, including two Gold Stevie Awards wins and was named ‘Woman of the Year’ by the 2021 American Business Awards and ‘Female Entrepreneur of the Year’ by the 2021 Stevie Awards for Women in Business. I am active within the South Florida business community. I resides in South Florida with my husband, Richard, and our daughters, Leah and Lilly.


SKILLS

  • Ecommerce
  • Product Launch
  • Product Strategy

RECENT CONTENT

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COMPANY INFO

Bug Bite Thing

As Seen on Shark Tank, Bug Bite Thing is a chemical-free solution that instantly alleviates the stinging, itching and swelling caused by insect bites and stings. The reusable tool solely uses suction to remove insect saliva or venom from underneath the skin, making it safe for all ages. Bug Bite Thing is Amazon’s #1 selling product for insect bite relief with over 45,000 reviews. The company gained national recognition in October 2019 when Kelley and her mother, Ellen McAlister, appeared on ABC’s hit show, ‘Shark Tank.’ All the Sharks were biting with offers to invest in the business, but it was Lori Greiner’s ‘Golden Ticket’ offer that secured the partnership. Bug Bite Thing is the recipient of 23 prestigious awards including the 2021 BIG Innovation Award, the 2021 Mom’s Choice Award and 2021 National Parenting Product Award. Based in Port St. Lucie, Florida, Bug Bite Thing is active in community organizations, including St. Lucie County Chamber of Commerce, Treasure Coast Food Bank (a member of Feeding America), and Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida. The company is also a member of Cancer Free Economy Network. Bug Bite Thing is available on Amazon.com, BugBiteThing.com and at over 25,000 retailer locations nationwide.


AREA OF FOCUS

  • Consumer Goods
  • First Aid
  • Retail

INDUSTRY

Corporate social responsibility