Have you ever thought of pitching your business idea to Dragons' Den? Or thought that it would be a crazy thing to do? That's what I thought! It seemed to me when I watched the show for the first time that about 90% of the contestants walked away not only empty-handed, but completely humiliated. 

When friends of mine were telling me to pitch my nursing clothing business, Momzelle to the CBC producers, my first reaction was: “No way!” I was not going to have the project of my life be ridiculed in front of more than a million viewers.

After attending an information night, I decided to give it a try just to see how far into the process my idea could get me. I read about what investors are interested in, what makes a good pitch, and made myself as camera-friendly as I could. I brought some props and faced the producers head-on. When they told me they were liking what I was presenting, the anxiety started to set in. The filming was in but two weeks at the CBC studio downtown Toronto! The wheels in my head were turning...

A friend of mine had given birth a few weeks earlier to an amazingly cute baby girl. When she agreed to come on the show with me to demonstrate how the Momzelle nursing tops work, I felt relieved. Not only would I not be alone, but this would be great for demonstration! It is certainly not everyday that we see a woman breastfeeding on TV. Thinking about it as a project larger than myself gave me the confidence I needed to prepare for the show.

I was ready. I had brought a judy wearing a Momzelle nursing top, I was wearing one myself and Erin was wearing her nursing top as well. Before I entered the Den, one of the producers came to me and said “Christine, be strong - the Dragons are really fierce this morning - a few contestants came out crying.” I started to shake. My brother and business partner, Vincent, touched my shoulder and tried to reassure me: “You can do it, Christine. Don't forget, moms love Momzelle - you know it, I know it, you'll be great!” I was hoping with all my might that I had what it took... 

Did I end up getting the deal? You'll have to tune in on CBC Wednesday March 3rd at 8PM to find out!

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Other articles you might enjoy:

This mummy had enough moxie to turn down the Dragon's Den
Fitness and play for mummies and kids
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Christine Poirier is the co-founder and designer of Momzelle nursing clothing, a Toronto-based business that helps moms feel good about breastfeeding in public. She was named «Woman of the Year» in the March 2010 issue of the ELLE Québec.