Winners to Be Celebrated During Event in Rome on 13 October

August 14, 2023 – FunkkOFF! Inc. was named the winner of a Silver Stevie® Award in the Start-up of the Year category in The 20th Annual International Business Awards® today.

The International Business Awards are the world’s premier business awards program. All individuals and organizations worldwide – public and private, for-profit and non-profit, large and small - are eligible to submit nominations. The 2023 IBAs received entries from organizations in 61 nations and territories.

Winners will be celebrated during a gala banquet at the Cavalieri Waldorf Astoria Hotel, in Rome, Italy on Friday, October 13, 2023.

More than 3,700 nominations from organizations of all sizes and in virtually every industry were submitted this year for consideration in a wide range of categories, including Company of the Year, Marketing Campaign of the Year, Best New Product or Service of the Year, Startup of the Year, Corporate Social Responsibility Program of the Year, and Executive of the Year, among others. This year’s competition also featured a number of new categories to recognize organizations’ and individuals’ achievements in sustainability initiatives.

FunkkOFF!® Inc. won the Silver Award in the Consumer category as Start-up of the Year. FunkkOFF!® Inc. was chosen by the judges in recognition of the company’s rapid growth and success since launching in July 2021. Their product, FunkkOFF! TeethRefreshers® gained popularity through direct-to-consumer sales, achieving sell-outs within months. They expanded into the retail market, securing distribution in numerous stores and receiving interest from reputable retailers like QVC. The company's appearance on Shark Tank and securing a deal with Robert Herjavec further boosted their recognition and sales. Press coverage from notable publications and winning the 2022 International Grand Prix Du Design award validate their unique product and achievements.

One judge noted, “Their ability to address a consumer need that larger oral care companies had not fulfilled sets them apart in the industry. The team's passion, values, and commitment to supporting young women entrepreneurs add depth to their story and contributes to their significance.”

“We are thrilled and honored to receive the Stevie Award for Start-up of the Year in the Consumer category. To be chosen among the impressive and extensive list of international nominees is truly humbling.” Sonia Hounsell, Co-Founder & Co-CEO.

Stevie Award winners were determined by the average scores of more than 230 executives worldwide who participated in the judging process in June and July.

“Nominations to the IBAs get better every year, and this year’s class of Stevie winners is the most impressive yet,” said Stevie Awards president Maggie Miller. “The winners have demonstrated that their organizations have set and achieved lofty goals. We congratulate them on their recognized achievements, and look forward to celebrating them on stage in Rome on 13 October.”

Details about The International Business Awards and the lists of Stevie Award winners are available at www.StevieAwards.com/IBA.

ABC’s Shark Tank Season 14 Episode 14 will air on Friday, February 17 at 8pm ET

The women entrepreneurs behind FunkkOFF!® are thrilled to announce they will be pitching their FunkkOFF! TeethRefreshers® to the Sharks Feb. 17 on ABC’s Shark Tank. A pocket-sized, dental beauty accessory, FunkkOFF! ® was created to make you live boldly and laugh loudly with gorgeous white teeth and refreshed breath any time, all the time.“

We are thrilled to present our discreet, simple solution to fresh teeth on Shark Tank. As longtime women in business with families and vibrant social lives, we know firsthand how useful FunkkOFF! TeethRefreshers® is. It’s a must-have for any situation, from dining out and date night to enjoying drinks or making a big work presentation. It’s hard not to need the product once you’ve tried it. Plus, sharks have a lot of teeth!” said Certified Women-Owned FunkkOFF!® Inc. Founder, Joelle Flynn.“

So many people are whitening their teeth and improving their smiles with treatments like clear aligners. Until now there hasn’t been a product that you can use easily during the day when you’re eating and drinking to keep your teeth white and fresh. Now there is and it’s so easy and fun to use, especially the mirror on the bottom so you can check your teeth!” said FunkkOFF! ® Inc. Co-Founder & Co-CEO, Sonia Hounsell.

The women behind FunkkOFF! TeethRefreshers® are no minnows. Flynn, a serial entrepreneur and the youngest stockbroker hired at Bank of America, created the first prototype upon returning home from a wine tasting in Napa, California. After carrying around a full tube of toothpaste and toothbrush to use after each vineyard, Flynn had a revelation when pulling out her lipstick tube: She needed a teeth refresher the same compact size, so she began inventing one! Joelle reached a point where she needed an experienced partner to launch and knew who to call, her dear friend from 7th grade, Sonia Hounsell who had vast experience launching new consumer products and brands. Sonia and Joelle formed FunkkOFF!® Inc. and charged forward on the venture of creating a seamless solution to getting the “Funkk” “OFF!”.

FunkkOFF! TeethRefreshers® is an award-winning, multi-patented, self-care invention you won’t believe you ever lived without. The tube looks like lipstick, but on the inside, it contains 100% Natural and Vegan tooth gel and is reusable about 30 times. Twist the bottom like you would lip balm and the gel pushes up through soft bristles on the brush head. Then, just brush, rinse and SMILE.  The cap is even aerated to keep the bristles from getting bacteria or “Funkky™” as the brand likes to say. Plus, there is a mirror on the bottom of FunkkOFF! TeethRefreshers® so you can check your smile! This is ideal for quick, on-the-go use – clean, refreshed teeth and an irresistible smile.

FunkkOFF! ® will air on ABC’s Shark Tank Friday, February 17 at 8 PM ET after NYNOW

While browsing this year’s top retail brands at New York City’s annual trade show, NY NOW at Javits Center, make sure to stop by the FunkkOFF!® booth for an ultimate refresher (for your smile!). Meet the women innovators who created the only pocket-sized solution to keep teeth clean and white all day – anytime, anywhere.

FunkkOFF!® will be set up at Booth 1824, ready to share the dental wellness accessory you won’t believe you ever lived without. FunkkOFF!® is scheduled to air on ABC’s Shark Tank after NYNOW, Friday, February 17 at 8 PM ET.

The reusable FunkkOFF! TeethRefreshers® looks like a lipstick on the outside. On the inside, it contains 100% Natural & Vegan tooth gel. Twist the bottom like you would a lip balm, the tooth gel pushes up through the soft bristles on the brush head. Then, just brush, rinse and SMILE. The cap is even aerated to keep the bristles from getting bacteria or “Funkky™” as the brand likes to say. Plus, there is a mirror on the bottom of FunkkOFF! TeethRefreshers® so you can check your smile! Ideal for quick, on-the-go use – clean, refreshed teeth and a gorgeous smile.

When you use FunkkOFF! TeethRefreshers®, it will help:
- Prolong teeth whitening in between your daily brushing and whitening techniques.
- Prevent funk and plaque from forming.
- Keep your smile looking sparkly and clean.
- Replenish that fresh feeling, even after heavy meals, wine tasting or being out on the town.
- Supplement your evening and morning brush routine wherever you are, at any time.

FunkkOFF! TeethRefreshers® is the ultimate gift and affordable self-care purchase. Bringing a bold Cabernet as a hostess gift to a party? Don’t forget to throw in a FunkkOFF! TeethRefreshers® to remedy wine-stained teeth! Have Invisalign or braces and need to brush after eating when you’re not home? FunkkOFF! TeethRefreshers® is the perfect solution! Going out on the town for dinner and dancing? Indulge in that garlicky pasta, then use – you guessed it – FunkkOFF! TeethRefreshers® for fresh breath all night long.

July 17, 2021 - Need a smile refresher on-the-go? FunkkOFF! TeethRefreshers® is theonly pocket-sized and reusable(30x) solution to ensure youhave a clean and white smile wherever you are

Sometimes, you just want a quick brush of your teeth when you’re out so your smile is fresh and white but don’t have an easy solution. After enjoying a latte at the café or grabbing a glass of red wine after work, you want to refresh your smile. But, no one wants to be THAT person who carries around a toothbrush and toothpaste tube to work, lunch or dinner. Nor does anyone want to be the one who ends up with purple wine stains or salad in their teeth! (Hey, we’ve all been there!)

There’s a simpler solution: FunkkOFF! TeethRefreshers®

This sleek, discrete, multi-patented accessory can be slipped into anyone’s pocket or purse to accompany those pearly whites anywhere you are! The first, EVER 2-in-1 toothbrush + toothpaste that’s reusable (30x) and quickly cleans your smile and removes stains, food and all that “Funkk”. Now you can have a fresh and white smile anytime and on-the-go!

What’s inside and how it works: (It’s as easy as “Funkk” !!)

● FunkkOFF! TeethRefreshers® includes proprietary formulated peppermint tooth gel that is: 100%Natural, Fluoride-Free, SLS-Free, Vegan and Cruelty-Free that does not foam into a messy situation which is best for on-the-go use and quick in-public refreshes!
● To use, simply twist the bottom to get tooth gel onto the bristles, brush, rinse and SMILE! It’s as easy as that!
● Our multi-patented design makes sure that your “Funkk” is rinsed off of the bristles and does not go back inside of your FunkkOFF! TeethRefreshers®
● There’s also a clever mirror on the bottom to check that you got your “Funkk” “OFF”!

What it does and its benefits:

● FunkkOFF! TeethRefreshers® simply refreshes your smile when you’re out.
● Prolongs whitening in between your daily brushing and whitening techniques.
● Prevents Funkk and stains from remaining on your teeth after eating or drinking.
● Keeps your smile clean, fresh and sparkly white wherever you are.
● FunkkOFF! TeethRefreshers® is the easiest way to supplement your evening and morning brush routine anywhere, anytime!

Why FunkkOFF®?Joelle Flynn, a serial entrepreneur and former stockbroker, invented this innovative solution after returning home from many wine tastings in Napa. She was tired of carrying around a full tube of toothpaste and a toothbrush in her purse to remove the red wine “Funkk“ “OFF” of her white teeth in between wine tasting. Joelle’s “lightbulb moment” happened when she reached into her purse in the bathroom, grabbed her lipstick and thought, “I need something compact, discreet and reusable like my lipstick - but for my teeth!”. AHA! FunkkOFF! TeethRefreshers® was born!

After many years of prototyping, 8 issued U.S. patents for her designs and several trademarks for names and logo, Joelle knew she needed a branding and marketing industry expert to help her take her invention to market. Joelle reached out to her lifelong friend from 7th grade(!), entrepreneur and also award-winning brand marketing leader, Sonia Hounsell, to help her bring FunkkOFF! TeethRefreshers® to market. Sonia has successfully brought over 30 products to market during her outstanding 25+ year brand marketing career. Together, magic happened! (And, a little wine drinking along the way too!)

In 2019, Joelle & Sonia joined forces to pave a new lane in beauty and personal care markets with FunkkOFF!® Inc. Since then, they have secured an International patent, formulated their own all natural tooth gel, refined designs and packaging and crafted a successful launch of FunkkOFF!TeethRefreshers® online this past July. Their flagship product, FunkkOFF! TeethRefreshers®, is just the first of many in their FunkkOFF!® Lifestyle Branded portfolio of revolutionary personal and beauty care products that fits today’s ever changing and social world.

To learn more about FunkkOFF!® Inc., visit them online, on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter.

July 7, 2021 - Flagship Product for the Lifestyle Brand FunkkOFF! ® Inc., Trailblazing On-The-Go Beauty, Personal & Oral Care Products for Women & Men

FunkkOFF!® Inc. today announced the launch of their flagship, multi-patented invention, FunkkOFF! TeethRefreshers®, the FIRST EVER and ONLY all-in-one portable, reusable (30x) toothbrush + toothpaste product to refresh your teeth on-the-go. TeethRefreshers® is the first Beauty Essential for your teeth, paving a brand new category in both personal & oral care industries. This breakthrough product is considered a must have "Secret Weapon'' in your purse or pocket that gives you a confident, fresh & white smile anywhere you go and is the first of many to be rolled out. FunkkOFF! TeethRefreshers® contain ALL NATURAL, proprietary tooth gel, which is SLS-Free, Fluoride-Free, BPA-Free, Gluten-Free, Vegan and is environmentally friendly and is available for purchase at www.funkkoff.com.

FunkkOFF!® Inc., formed in 2019 by Founder & CEO, Joelle S. Flynn, and Co-Founder, COO & CMO, Sonia Hounsell, is a dynamic women-owned lifestyle brand company that specializes in innovative, on-the-go beauty, personal & oral care products for women & men.

"Living near the wineries in Napa & Sonoma, I was on one of my many weekend trips when I realized my white teeth were turning a "Funkky'' shade of purple from the red wine. I whiten my teeth and like a fresh and white smile when I'm out, especially taking pictures," said Founder & CEO, Joelle S. Flynn. "To solve this issue, I would carry around a bulky toothpaste tube and full-size toothbrush in my purse. I was constantly brushing my teeth in between selfies and wine tastings to keep my white teeth fresh and white. One of these times, I reached into my purse and pulled out my lipstick, looked at it in the palm of my hand, and thought, 'Why isn't there a product as compact and reusable as my lipstick - but for my teeth?' and that is how FunkkOFF! TeethRefreshers® was born."

"FunkkOFF! TeethRefreshers® is a brilliant, multi-patented invention that provides an elegant and practical solution to an everyday problem we all have. We wrapped this up in a clever and fun brand that we plan to extend to other game-changing products in the oral care, personal care and beauty categories." says Co-Founder, COO & CMO, Sonia Hounsell. "FunkkOFF! TeethRefreshers® is one of those products that you try once and realize you cannot live without it."

FunkkOFF! TeethRefreshers® utilizes an easy-twist mechanism and aerated cap to make brushing convenient and hygienic. Twist the bottom, brush and with a quick rinse of the bristles, they are as easy to use as chapstick - but for your teeth. With over 80% of Americans using some form of teeth whitening product in their oral routine, TeethRefreshers® is the only all-in-one discreet and reusable toothbrush + toothpaste on the market that gives you the power to be confident anytime, anywhere all day or night.

FunkkOFF! TeethRefreshers® uniquely features:
- All-In One Toothbrush + Tooth Gel
- Portable
- Reusable 30x
- 100% All-Natural, Proprietary - Peppermint Tooth Gel
- Fluoride-Free
- SLS-Free
- Cruelty-Free
- BPA-Free
- Gluten-Free
- Vegan

ABOUT FunkkOFF!® Inc.
FunkkOFF!® Inc. is a Women-Owned company and Lifestyle Brand that develops products to help everyone look and feel "Red Carpet Ready". Their flagship creation, FunkkOFF! TeethRefreshers®, will be the first of many new products, "Secret Weapons" that get the "Funkk®" "OFF '' quickly, discreetly and on-the-go. For more information on FunkkOFF!® Inc. please visit www.funkkoff.com.

November 27, 2019 - FunkkOFF! ® Inc. proudly introduces multi-patented TeethRefrehers® on Kickstarter as part of a crowdfunding effort to generate investment to bring this fun, lifestyle brand to the world. FunkkOFF!® Inc., formed earlier this year by Founder & CEO, Joelle S. Flynn, and Co-Founder, Sonia Hounsell, is a lifestyle brand company that specializes in innovative, on-the-go beauty, personal & oral care products for women & men. FunkkOFF!®’s flagship invention is TeethRefreshers®, the 1st and only all-in-one reusable toothbrush & toothpaste product to refresh your teeth on-the-go. (Do we mention all-natural and other aspects of the gel here?) TeethRefreshers® will be available for pre-order on Kickstarter beginning today through January 10th, 2020. After Kickstarter wraps up, pre-orders will then be available on-going on Indiegogo.

FunkkOFF!® Inc. holds 8 U.S. Patents and 4 U.S. Trademarks. This puts these Women Founders, Flynn and Hounsell, among the very small minority of women who own U.S. Patents - only 4% of U.S. Patents are held by women in fact!

FunkkOFF! TeethRefreshers® patented design utilizes an easy-twist mechanism and aerated cap to make brushing quick, convenient and hygienic. With a quick rinse of the bristles and a twist at the bottom, users can quickly refresh their teeth whenever, wherever they are. Plus FunkkOFF! TeethRefreshers® are reusable up to 30x.

FunkkOFF! TeethRefreshers® uniquely features:

- All Natural Peppermint Tooth Gel - Fluoride-Free - SLS-Free - Cruelty-Free - BPA-Free - Gluten-Free egan - No Artificial Flavors - No Artificial Colors - No Peroxide - No Parabens - No Triclosan - No Microbeads - Recyclable Plastic Container - Reusable about 30x

Over 80% of Americans use some form of teeth whitening products to keep their teeth white. But, there’s no better way to maintain pearly whites other than brushing. Unless someone is carrying around a toothbrush and toothpaste, they end up with stains on their teeth from coffee, tea, wine and all sorts of beverages or food in teeth after meals. Before FunkkOFF! TeethRefreshers® were invented, there was no way to conveniently & quickly freshen up a smile throughout the day.

About FunkkOFF!® Inc.

FunkkOFF!® Inc. is a Women-Owned company and Lifestyle Brand that develops products to help everyone look and feel “Red Carpet Ready”. Their flagship creation, FunkkOFF! TeethRefreshers®, will be the first of many new products, a.k.a. “Secret Weapons” that get the “Funkk®” “OFF '' quickly, discreetly and on-the-go. For more information on FunkkOFF!® Inc. please visit www.funkkoff.com

January 8, 2019 - FunkkOFF! ® Inc. announces formation of the lifestyle brand company that specializes in innovative, on-the-go personal care, oral care and beauty products for women & men. FunkkOFF!®’s flagship invention is their TeethRefreshers®, the 1st and only all-in-one, reusable toothbrush & toothpaste innovative product to refresh your teeth on-the-go. FunkkOFF! ® Inc. calls this product a must have, “Secret Weapon” in your purse and is the first of many to be rolled out.

Joelle S. Flynn, Founder & CEO, came up with the idea for FunkkOFF! TeethRefreshers® while living in Northern California. “Living near the wineries, I was on one of my many weekend trips to Napa & Sonoma when I realized my white teeth were turning a ‘Funkky’ shade of purple from the red wine I was drinking. It was so embarrassing… I worked hard to keep my teeth sparkling white! To solve this, I would carry around a bulky toothpaste tube and full-size toothbrush in my purse when I was out. I was constantly brushing my teeth in between selfies & wine tastings to get the ‘Funkk’ ‘OFF’ of my teeth. One of these times, I reached into my purse and pulled out my lipstick and looked at it and thought, ‘Why isn’t there a product as compact and reusable as my lipstick - but for my teeth?’” says Founder and CEO, Flynn, on the motivation behind her company. “AHA! My lightbulb moment! I went home, put pen to paper and started drawing and designing what would become FunkkOFF! TeethRefreshers®.”

This month, Joelle formally partnered with long-time friend (they go all the way back to 7th grade!) and brand marketing gurr, Sonia Hounsell, to help launch the FunkkOFF! ® brand and start the commercialization of TeethRefreshers®.

Sonia Hounsell has worked in traditional consumer packaged goods companies (CPG) for over 25 years bringing 30+ products to retail shelves.

Hounsell comments, “Over the last few years, I became increasingly frustrated with the lack of focus on innovation in traditional CPG. R&D is a much lower priority in big companies and, as a result, true innovation rarely occurs. I was seeing a contraction in the traditional CPG environment and all the growth in consumer products was coming from direct-to-consumer start-ups. In fact, 90% of all CPG E-commerce growth is attributed to start-ups. So when my long-time entrepreneurial friend, Joelle, called me with her idea and asked me to help her bring FunkkOFF!® to market, I was ready to leave the slow growth of CPG and help create a start-up with a breakthrough product that would be a disruptor and a game-changer in the oral care industry. FunkkOFF!® goes well beyond oral care to give consumers the very first Beauty Essential product for their teeth. We see it thriving on-line as well as in stores like Sephora & Ulta. I also knew from decades of friendship with Joelle - whether on the lacrosse field or in calculus class - she and I would make a powerful and unstoppable team!”

FunkkOFF! ® Inc. holds 8 U.S. Patents and 4 U.S. Trademarks.. FunkkOFF! TeethRefreshers® patented design utilizes an easy-twist mechanism and aerated cap to make brushing quick, convenient and hygienic. With a quick rinse of the bristles and a twist at the bottom, users can quickly refresh their teeth whenever, wherever they are. Plus FunkkOFF! TeethRefreshers® are reusable up to 30x.

Launch plans include a crowdfunding effort slated for later this year.

About FunkkOFF!® Inc.

FunkkOFF!® Inc. is a Women-Owned company and Lifestyle Brand that develops products to help everyone look and feel “Red Carpet Ready”. Their flagship creation, FunkkOFF! TeethRefreshers®, will be the first of many new products, a.k.a. “Secret Weapons” that get the “Funkk®” “OFF '' quickly, discreetly and on-the-go. For more information on FunkkOFF!® Inc. please visit www.funkkoff.com About FunkkOFF!® Inc.

FunkkOFF!® Inc. is a Women-Owned company and Lifestyle Brand that develops products to help everyone look and feel “Red Carpet Ready”. Their flagship creation, FunkkOFF! TeethRefreshers®, will be the first of many new products, a.k.a. “Secret Weapons” that get the “Funkk®” “OFF '' quickly, discreetly and on-the-go. For more information on FunkkOFF!® Inc. please visit www.funkkoff.com