1920’s Convertible Jacket Shark Tank Update

What started as a tribute to service turned into a fashion breakthrough. The entrepreneurial world rarely sees such a compelling combination of military precision, innovative design, and emotional authenticity as was displayed when Ashley and Zach Sankar pitched their company, 1920 (NineteenTwenty), in Season 16 of Shark Tank. Their journey from a side hustle to securing a quarter-million-dollar investment shows the power of solving real-world problems through creative fashion solutions.

The Founding Story

Ashley Sankar’s path to fashion entrepreneurship began far from runways. After serving as a U.S. Army Logistics Officer and building a career in supply chain management, Ashley faced the constant challenge of juggling travel and daily responsibilities. Inspired by her experiences, she envisioned clothing that could adapt to a busy, on-the-go lifestyle. Drawing on her background and expertise, she founded 1920, bringing her vision to life. Her husband Zach, her high school sweetheart, joined as Chief Operating Officer, making it a true family venture. Together, their combined backgrounds in logistics, retail, and business management gave them a unique perspective and the practical skills needed to build an innovative brand.

The Viral Breakthrough

Although founded in 2018, it wasn’t until a TikTok video in late 2022 that NineteenTwenty found its audience. The video, showing the convertible jacket transforming into a tote bag, went viral and generated $78,000 in sales in a single month, proving the product’s appeal. The viral success also brought a surge of new followers and media attention, helping the brand build a loyal customer base quickly.

The Shark Tank Pitch

On Shark Tank, Ashley and Zach asked for $250,000 for 10% equity, which implies a $2.5 million valuation. Their pitch highlighted the five-in-one jacket’s ability to convert into a tote, blanket, or pillow. Since launching sales in December 2022, they have generated $269,000 in annual revenue for 2023 and $505,000 in lifetime sales, with every product drop selling out, entirely through organic social media marketing.

Mark Cuban quickly pointed out inconsistencies in their financial reporting, questioning their claimed $97,000 profit after factoring in shipping costs. This revealed the challenge of maintaining precise financial records amid rapid growth.

The Deal: Robert Herjavec’s Confidence

Kevin O’Leary offered $250,000 for 30% but required Ashley to quit her Amazon job. Robert Herjavec, however, empathized with the realities of entrepreneurship and offered $250,000 for 25% equity. He expressed confidence in Ashley and Zach’s ability to succeed, citing their passion and determination. The emotional moment when Ashley broke down in tears, wishing her late mother could see her achievement, ultimately helped seal the deal.

Lessons for Entrepreneurs

The 1920 story shows the importance of solving real problems, leveraging organic marketing, and protecting innovation with patents. It also demonstrates the need for accurate financials and authentic partnerships, as Ashley and Zach’s collaboration resonated with investors. Their journey highlights that resilience, adaptability, and openness to feedback are crucial for navigating the unpredictable world of startups. This case is a strong reminder that combining practical solutions with authentic storytelling and a willingness to learn can set a brand apart and attract both customers and investors.

Current Status

After their Shark Tank appearance, NineteenTwenty saw doubled website traffic and a surge in sales, with most customers new to the brand. The company expects to reach $750,000 in revenue by the end of 2024. Ashley still balances her Amazon role by running the business and working long hours to keep up with growth.

Looking Forward

The 1920 Convertible Jackets Shark Tank deal shows how innovation, persistence, and authentic storytelling can transform a simple idea into a thriving business. With strong patent protection, proven demand, and experienced backing, NineteenTwenty is well-positioned for continued growth and is inspiring other entrepreneurs to pursue their own unique solutions.