Biography of Ashley Sankaro-founder of NineteenTwenty -Entrepreneur
Birth of NineteenTwenty: A New Fashion Revolution
Ashley Sankar, the co-founder of NineteenTwenty, has
redefined what it means to merge functionality with fashion. Alongside her
husband Zach, Ashley launched NineteenTwenty, a clothing brand that
innovatively blends style with practicality. Their flagship product, the
Convertible Jacket, is more than just a jacket; it transforms into a
windbreaker, puffer, tote bag, pillow, and blanket—perfect for those
unpredictable moments life throws at you.
A Journey from Side Hustle to Startup
What makes Ashley’s story even more inspiring is the fact
that NineteenTwenty started as a side hustle. Ashley, a former U.S. Army
logistics officer, was working 50-hour weeks at Amazon while dedicating her
nights to growing her clothing brand. In December 2022, Ashley and Zach took
their passion project and made it into a startup. Even with limited funding,
they successfully sold out every batch, generating $269,000 in revenue in just
the first year.
The Pitch on Shark Tank
In 2023, Ashley and Zach appeared on Shark Tank, seeking
$250,000 for a 10% stake in their growing company. However, their pitch was not
without its challenges. They faced a few hurdles, including a financial
presentation that didn’t go as smoothly as they hoped and fierce competition in
the fashion industry. The couple’s dedication to the brand was questioned by
investor Kevin O’Leary, who offered the investment on the condition that Ashley
quit her day job. In contrast, Robert Herjavec saw their potential and offered
$250,000 for 25% equity. They ultimately accepted his deal, marking a
significant milestone in their entrepreneurial journey.
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The Sacrifices of Entrepreneurship
Ashley’s path to success highlights an essential truth about
entrepreneurship: it often requires sacrifices. Balancing a full-time job while
running a business is no easy feat, and Ashley made several personal sacrifices
to ensure her business could grow. She chose to reinvest the profits from
NineteenTwenty instead of taking them for herself. This commitment showed that
Ashley was not just focused on short-term gains, but was invested in the
long-term vision of her company.
The Reality of Dual Employment
Ashley’s story also underscores the realities of balancing a
demanding career with a side hustle. While her dual employment made her an
outlier in the world of entrepreneurs, many new founders are working multiple
jobs to make their businesses work. Ashley’s experience challenges the
traditional idea that you need to go full-time into a startup right away. In
fact, many successful entrepreneurs start by working part-time on their
businesses until they can afford to scale full-time.
Maximizing Limited Resources
Despite having a small inventory and limited resources,
Ashley and Zach maximized every opportunity to ensure the success of
NineteenTwenty. They managed to sell out every batch of their products,
focusing on building a strong brand presence. This strategy of reinvesting
their profits allowed them to scale slowly but steadily, proving that small
wins can create a ripple effect in the world of entrepreneurship.
Financial Literacy Matters
One of the lessons from Ashley’s Shark Tank experience is
the importance of financial literacy. The Sankars learned that understanding
cash flow and profit margins is critical when running any business. Ashley’s
financial presentation on the show could have cost them the deal, but it was a
learning opportunity. She took the feedback and improved her approach,
demonstrating the importance of knowing your numbers when pitching to
investors.
Lessons on Part-Time Entrepreneurship
While many entrepreneurs start full-time, Ashley’s journey
proves that you don’t need to quit your day job right away. In fact, being a
part-time entrepreneur can be a smart move, especially in the early stages of
business when you need the stability of a regular income. Ashley’s part-time
approach allowed her to balance both jobs and grow NineteenTwenty without
taking on too much risk.
The Power of Innovation in Fashion
NineteenTwenty has taken the fashion world by storm by
focusing on more than just looks. Their products aim to be functional,
versatile, and stylish. The Convertible Jacket and other innovative apparel
items are designed to meet the needs of on-the-go individuals, offering
convenience in every situation. These products are not just about looking
good—they’re about providing value through thoughtful design and functionality.
Embracing a New Era of Fashion
At NineteenTwenty, the focus is on redefining fashion. By
embracing innovation and practicality, they are setting new standards in the
industry. Their patented jacket design, which transforms into different items
like a tote or pillow, has made them a trendsetter in functional fashion.
They’re not just creating clothes; they’re offering a new way for people to
experience fashion and style.
A Lifestyle Brand That Goes Beyond Apparel
NineteenTwenty is more than just a clothing brand—it’s a
lifestyle brand that reflects a modern, active, and stylish way of living.
Their products are carefully designed to enhance not just your wardrobe but
your entire lifestyle. Whether it’s a jacket that becomes a pillow or a tote
bag that transforms into a puffer, their clothing offers a unique way to
integrate fashion with everyday practicality.
Setting Trends and Looking to the Future
Ashley and Zach Sankar are not just following trends; they
are setting them. NineteenTwenty is pushing the boundaries of what fashion can
do by offering multi-functional, stylish pieces that cater to today’s on-the-go
individual. With an eye for the future, they continue to innovate and offer new
solutions for consumers who want more from their clothing. At NineteenTwenty,
the revolution is just beginning, and their journey is one to watch as they
change the way we think about fashion.
Timeline for story
2022 – NineteenTwenty is launched as a side hustle by Ashley
and Zach.
2022 – NineteenTwenty generates $269,000 in revenue in its
first year.
2023 – Ashley and Zach pitch NineteenTwenty on Shark Tank,
securing $250,000 for 25% equity.
2023 – NineteenTwenty grows rapidly, selling out every batch
with limited resources.
2024 – NineteenTwenty continues to innovate and expand as a
lifestyle brand.
