Instead of popping an energy drink, soda, or coffee in your mouth, turn to something more “booming.”

Growing up in a household with two parents who were alternative medicine doctors, John Pinto learned the importance of wellness from an early age. After meeting his wife, Chelsea, a dentist who shared his passion for health, the two in addition to co-founder, Sean Kelly, went on to start Boom Boom Nasal Inhalers.

The couple recently “nose-dived” into ABC’s Shark Tank, and pitched their passion to the sharks, including special guest shark, Charles Barkley.

What Is “Boom Boom?”

 When I asked Pinto where the inspiration behind Boom Boom came from, he told me out of Southeast Asia.

John Pinto: The idea originated out of Thailand, where nasal inhalers are sold in almost every corner store. We knew the inhalers being sold in Southeast Asia would not be as appealing to people here in the States. They tended to smell more “earthy” and medicinal. We thought if we could take the same base ingredients and add unique flavors to them, people would be more receptive.

Andrew Rossow: What about your experience there influenced you to get started?

JP: While I was traveling there, I had never seen anything like it. I couldn’t believe how many people wouldn’t leave their homes without an inhaler in their pocket. After almost two years of trial and error, a new, healthier, more effective product emerged.

Our products have already been popular at music festivals since they offer a refreshing and cooling sensation, as well as with people with sinus issues who love them for the essential oils and active ingredients that help to clear blocked passageways.

Exploring the Product

AR: What can you tell us about the product itself?

JP: BoomBoom is a one-of-a-kind aromatherapy nasal inhaler that helps you stay focused and feel refreshed. We like to say, “It’s like gum for your nose!”

With each inhale, you stimulate millions of scent receptors inside your nose that are connected to the brain – the vapors help you instantly snap back into focus when it matters most.

AR: How does the technology work?

JP: After we returned from Asia, we started working with some of the top chemists and medical professionals in the U.S. The beautiful thing about this is its simplicity. With clean, plant-based ingredients, we’re using the power of aromatherapy to enhance psychological and physical well-being.

We wanted something fun and flavorful. After almost two years of trial and error, a healthier, more effective product emerged. The technical side of the product comes to play in the development of our proprietary formulas and scaling the manufacturing process.

A product that has the power to change the way people think about refreshment and rejuvenation!

Getting ‘Nosy’ With Health

 AR: Specifically, what am I as a user looking for when using this product?

JP: BoomBoom has been shown to:

1. Increases focus – With each inhale, you stimulate millions of scent receptors inside your nose to instantly snap yourself back into focus when it matters most.
2. Provides intense refreshment – Menthol and peppermint create a cooling sensation by “waking up” the body’s cold receptors, making you feel super fresh.
3. Serves as a mood booster – fun fact… scent is tied to memory. Use BoomBoom as an “anchoring tool” and tie each scent to something positive/happy in your life. Then, when your day seems be taking a turn for the worse, bust out your BoomBoom and WHAMMY! – you’re back to feeling those good vibes!
4. Enhances breathing – inhaling the soothing vapors will open up your airways so you can breathe better.

Swimming With the Sharks

Shark Tank S10E04, John and Chelsea Pinto pitch Boom Boom (ABC/Eric McCandless)
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The entrepreneurs walked in asking for $300,000 in exchange for 10% of the company. But, if there’s one thing they didn’t expect to do, it was walking away from the Sharks, upon receiving offers.

“My wife, Chelsea, was brave enough to stand by my side and come with me into the tank,” Pinto told me.

AR: What can you tell us about your preparation?

JP: We had practiced our pitch countless times, and we have seen every episode of the show. But, nothing can actually prepare you for when those doors open and you walk down that hallway to face the Sharks.

It was intense, but alot of fun. You can’t help but have a good time talking about BoomBoom and getting people to try it for the first time. We have so much respect for all the Sharks, but we had our sights on Lori with her experience moving products into retail quickly.

It was definitely a surreal experience with Charles Barkley. Being from the metropolitan Phoenix area and growing up playing basketball, Barkley was definitely an inspiration and crowd favorite. I had watched him play live many times, but I never thought I’d be standing in front of him pitching BoomBoom!

To purchase Boom Boom Nasal Inhaler, you can visit the Shark Tank store here.