Dragons' Den contestant Giselle Boxer gets offer from all six Dragons

Giselle Boxer made Dragons' Den history with six investment offers

The first Dragons' Den contestant to receive offers from all six Dragons said the experience had been "a complete whirlwind".

Giselle Boxer, 31 and from Sheffield, began selling needle-free acupuncture kits for ears after being diagnosed with myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME).

She said the technique had helped improve her own health.

Entrepreneur Steven Bartlett invested £50,000 in exchange for a 12.5% stake in her business.

Ms Boxer said the long-running BBC business programme was filmed in June and Mr Bartlett had become a good friend.

"He's super down to earth, he's the nicest guy, he's just so supportive."

Mr Bartlett invested £50,000 for 12.5% of Ms Boxer's business

Ms Boxer, who worked for advertising agency before starting her business, waited eight hours to pitch to the dragons when she arrived at the show's studio in Manchester.

A researcher on the show had contacted her to ask if she would like to take part, she revealed.

"It was a long process, but it was worth it," she said.

Entrepreneur and former footballer Gary Neville was so impressed with her pitch he made her an offer in full before the Dragons had a chance to begin asking questions.

She said the impact on the business since the show aired on Thursday had been "bonkers".

"It's just been a complete whirlwind," she said.

Ear seeds are tiny beads designed to stimulate points of the ear

Ms Boxer was diagnosed with ME, also known as chronic fatigue syndrome, in 2021.

She said it had been "quite a shock" to be told at 26 she would not be able to work again or have children.

Ms Boxer said she sought alternative healing techniques and discovered Chinese medicine, including ear seeds.

The tiny beads are a needle-free form of auriculotherapy, designed to stimulate specific points of the ear to address physical and emotional health concerns.

"It completely transformed my life alongside lots and lots of other things like diet, lifestyle changes, meditation, breathwork and movement," said Ms Boxer.

She has since had a child and claimed she was fully healed within a year.

"It was like a full overhaul of my life," Ms Boxer said.

Her business, Acu Seeds, sells kits for people to use at home and made a £64,000 profit in its first year, she added.

Update 15 February 2024: Acu Seeds are not intended as a cure for any medical condition and advice should always be sought from a qualified healthcare provider about any health concerns.