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…
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