Onewith Swim After Shark Tank Deal Update

Onewith made waves on Shark Tank with a pitch that blended innovation, relatability, and bold confidence. When Connecticut entrepreneur Hayley Segar stepped into the Shark Tank on Season 16, she carried with her an idea born from a personal frustration: finding swimsuits that feel as comfortable as underwear. So, she created her own. Her company, Onewith, not only secured a deal with two prominent investors but also demonstrated key principles that every entrepreneur can learn from.

The Founding Story: From Frustration to Innovation

Hayley Segar's entrepreneurial journey began in April 2019 during a seemingly ordinary moment, packing for a trip to Miami. After trying on dozens of swimsuits that pinched, squeezed, and left her feeling uncomfortable, she experienced a lightbulb moment that would become the foundation of her entire business.

The University of Connecticut graduate, who had worked as a content creator in the bridal fashion industry for over a decade, recognized a universal problem many women face with traditional swimwear. Armed with an English degree from UConn and years of experience creating lifestyle content, Segar had the perfect combination of understanding her target audience and knowing how to reach them.

Her path to entrepreneurship wasn't immediate. UConn’s entrepreneurship programs played a crucial role in her startup journey. In 2020, she was accepted into the Summer Fellowship Program run by the Connecticut Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, which provided $15,000 in non-dilutive startup funding. Business adviser Mary Kay Della Camera from the Connecticut Business Development Center encouraged Segar to pursue her idea, and she competed in the Wolff New Venture Competition, earning recognition as one of UConn's most promising entrepreneurs.

The Product Revolution

Onewith's main innovation is its patent-pending construction that eliminates the pain points of traditional swimwear. The swimsuits feature raw-cut edges and bonded seams, creating garments that are dig-free, elastic-free, and edgeless. Made from 80% nylon and 20% elastane with a two-layer fabric construction and inner grip for security, these swimsuits truly deliver on their promise of fitting like seamless underwear.

Launched in November 2021, Onewith is a WBENC-Certified Women's Business Enterprise that emphasizes inclusivity by offering sizes from XXS to 4XL. The company designs products in North America and manufactures them in China, partnering with a female-founded factory.

The Shark Tank Pitch

When Hayley entered the Shark Tank, she sought $200,000 for 5% equity, valuing her company at $4 million. Her pitch was remarkably well-prepared and confident, earning positive feedback from the Sharks.

The numbers spoke for themselves: Onewith had generated $2.3 million in sales since its launch at the end of 2021, with $1.3 million earned in 2024 alone. The business was profitable, with a landed cost of $12 for a bikini top and bottom set. This strong financial performance, combined with Hayley's clear understanding of her market and product differentiation, impressed the Sharks.

The Deal: A Strategic Partnership

After negotiations, Hayley accepted an offer from Barbara Corcoran and guest Shark Jamie Kern Lima for $200,000 in exchange for 20% equity, with each Shark taking a 10% stake. This deal valued the company at $1 million, significantly lower than Hayley's initial valuation, but it came with invaluable expertise from two successful businesswomen.

Barbara Corcoran, the real estate mogul and Shark Tank veteran, brought decades of business experience and her keen eye for market opportunities. Jamie Kern Lima, the founder of IT Cosmetics, who sold her company to L'Oréal for $1.2 billion, understood the challenges of building a beauty and personal care brand from the ground up.

Current Status: Riding the Wave

Since appearing on Shark Tank, Onewith has experienced significant growth and recognition. The episode's airing led to a massive surge in website traffic, with the site hosting 20,000 visitors simultaneously at one point. This exposure has translated into increased sales and brand recognition.

As of 2025, estimates suggest Onewith's current net worth is approximately $1.33 million, reflecting steady growth following the Shark Tank appearance. The company continues to operate as a direct-to-consumer brand, focusing on online sales while maintaining its commitment to comfortable, inclusive swimwear.

The partnership with Barbara Corcoran and Jamie Kern Lima has provided valuable strategic guidance as the company continues to scale. Recent press coverage shows the company has been featured in major publications, including Forbes, OK! Magazine, and various entrepreneurship-focused media outlets, helping to build brand awareness beyond the initial Shark Tank boost.

Onewith's growth story shows how a simple idea, executed with dedication and strategic thinking, can capture the attention of major investors and build a thriving business. For entrepreneurs watching from the sidelines, Hayley Segar's journey from frustrated swimsuit shopper to successful business owner offers a roadmap for turning personal pain points into profitable solutions.