Biography of Ashley Carson: Founder & CEO of Splash Place Swim Goggles -Entrepreneur
Journey of Splash Place Swim Goggles: From Frustration to Shark Tank Success
A Mother's Frustration Sparks Innovation
Ashley Carson, a busy mom from Goodyear, Arizona, found
herself constantly dealing with broken swim goggles. Her son’s goggles snapped
just before a family vacation in 2017, and she was tired of the usual
struggles—straps breaking, pulling hair, and constant readjustments. Determined
to find a better solution, Ashley decided to create her own goggles that were
both comfortable and durable.
A Simple Idea That Changed Everything
Instead of the traditional rubber straps, Ashley
experimented with a stretchy fabric band that would make the goggles easier to
wear. When she showed her idea to her mother, Karen Walker, Karen immediately
saw its potential. She encouraged Ashley to develop it further, believing that
other parents and kids would love the hassle-free design.
From a Small Start to a Thriving Business
Ashley and Karen officially launched Splash Place Swim
Goggles in 2017 with an initial order of 500 pairs. They began spreading the
word through social media, and to their surprise, the response was
overwhelming. Parents, swim instructors, and even kids loved how easy the
goggles were to wear. Sales grew rapidly, and soon, the duo was managing a
thriving business.
Handcrafted with Love in the USA
One of the things that makes Splash Place Swim Goggles
special is their commitment to quality and community. The goggles are assembled
in the United States, and the company works with local women in Arizona to put
them together. This not only ensures top-notch quality but also supports
families within their community.
Biography of Ashley Carson: Founder & CEO of Splash Place Swim Goggles- Entrepreneur#age#net worth#investor#startup#shark tank#Ashley Carson story
The Unique Features of the Goggles
Unlike traditional goggles, Splash Place Swim Goggles come
with shatter-resistant, anti-fog lenses and hypoallergenic materials. Their
soft, adjustable fabric strap makes them comfortable for all ages, including
children with autism or sensory sensitivities. Parents appreciated how easy
they were to use, and kids loved that they no longer had to deal with painful,
hair-pulling straps.
Growing Through Word of Mouth
Despite their growing success, Ashley and Karen relied
mostly on organic marketing. Most of their sales came from word of mouth, as
parents and swimmers recommended them to friends. Whether at pools, beaches, or
swim lessons, people kept noticing the unique design and asking where they
could get a pair. This natural growth helped them reach over $6.1 million in
lifetime sales.
A Big Opportunity on Shark Tank
In 2023, after being scouted by Shark Tank recruiters,
Ashley and Karen got the chance to pitch their business on the popular TV show.
Though they were nervous about being on camera, they knew this was an
opportunity they couldn’t miss. Their goal was to secure an investment that
would help them expand into larger retail markets.
Facing the Sharks with Confidence
The mother-daughter duo stepped onto the Shark Tank stage,
accompanied by Ashley’s children, who demonstrated how easy the goggles were to
use. They asked for $200,000 in exchange for 5% equity, and the sharks were
impressed with their strong sales and the unique product design.
Lori Greiner Sees the Potential
During negotiations, Lori Greiner, known as the “Queen of
QVC,” saw the potential in Splash Place Swim Goggles. She offered them $200,000
for a 10% stake in the company. Ashley and Karen accepted the deal, knowing
Lori’s expertise in retail and marketing would help them take their brand to
the next level.
A Life-Changing Experience
Despite their initial fears about being on Shark Tank,
Ashley and Karen found the experience to be incredibly rewarding. The sharks
were not only kind and supportive but also provided valuable insights. More
importantly, their appearance on the show gave them national exposure, leading
to a surge in demand for their goggles.
Expanding into Bigger Retail Markets
With Lori Greiner’s support, Splash Place Swim Goggles is
now working to expand its presence in major retail stores. The goal is to make
their innovative goggles easily accessible to more families across the country.
The company continues to grow, fueled by its mission to provide hassle-free,
comfortable swim goggles for everyone.
A Story of Passion, Family, and Success
Ashley Carson and Karen Walker’s journey is an inspiring
example of how a simple idea, born out of frustration, can turn into a thriving
business. With hard work, determination, and the right opportunity, they
transformed their invention into a must-have product for swimmers. Their story
proves that sometimes, the best solutions come from real-life problems—and a
little creativity can go a long way.
Timeline for story
2017 – Ashley Carson invents fabric-strap swim goggles after
her son’s broke.
2017 – Launches Splash Place Swim Goggles with Karen Walker
and 500 initial pairs.
2018 – Sales grow rapidly through word of mouth and social
media.
2019 – Expands production, assembling goggles with local
women in Arizona.
2020 – Surpasses $1 million in lifetime sales with strong
customer demand.
2021 – Enhances product design with shatter-resistant,
anti-fog lenses.
2022 – Reaches over $6.1 million in total sales, gaining
national recognition.
2023 – Scouted for Shark Tank and pitches for $200,000 at 5%
equity.
2023 – Accepts Lori Greiner’s offer of $200,000 for 10%
equity.
2024 – Expands into major retail markets with Lori’s
support.
