Biography of Kaycee Jones and Brianne Zborowski: Founder of Apolla -Entrepreneur
Biography of Kaycee Jones and Brianne Zborowski:
Birth of Apolla Performance Wear
Kaycee Jones and Brianne Zborowski, two passionate dancers,
found themselves struggling with foot pain and fatigue. Their years of dancing
had exposed them to the need for better foot support, and they decided to
create a solution. In 2016, they launched Apolla Performance Wear, a company
focused on designing high-performance compression socks that offer targeted
support, stability, and comfort for dancers and athletes alike.
A Sock Like No Other
Apolla Performance Wear wasn’t just another sock brand.
Their product was carefully engineered with features that set it apart from
ordinary socks. Combining 20-30mmHg targeted compression, padding in key
pressure points, and moisture-wicking properties, Apolla socks helped reduce
foot pain and fatigue while improving performance. This unique combination made
their socks a favorite among dancers, athletes, and everyday users.
Dancers First, But Not Just for Dancers
Initially designed with dancers in mind, Apolla socks
quickly gained popularity beyond the dance community. The socks provided relief
from foot pain and swelling, making them ideal for people who spent long hours
on their feet, such as nurses, teachers, and athletes. Their effectiveness led
to recognition from the American Podiatric Medical Association, further
boosting their credibility in the medical and fitness industries.
Biography of Kaycee Jones and Brianne Zborowski: Founder of Apolla -Entrepreneur#startup#age#net worth#investor#shark tank#Apolla story# socks
Shark Tank Journey: The Big Pitch
In 2022, Kaycee and Brianne took their company to Shark Tank
USA during Season 13, seeking $300,000 in exchange for 15% equity. They
passionately explained how their socks had revolutionized foot support and
showcased their impressive sales numbers, hoping to secure a deal to scale
their business.
Mixed Reactions from the Sharks
The sharks had mixed opinions about Apolla socks. While they
were impressed with the product’s quality and effectiveness, some were
skeptical about its high retail price, which ranged from $32 to $40 per pair.
Kevin O’Leary and Mark Cuban were the first to drop out, citing concerns over
pricing and scalability.
Robert Herjavec and Emma Grede Walk Away
Robert Herjavec loved the feel of the socks but couldn’t
understand why they weren’t going viral outside the dance community. Emma
Grede, known for her keen business acumen, wanted to see rapid growth. When she
realized Apolla’s sales growth wasn’t as fast as she preferred, she too decided
not to invest.
Lori Greiner Sees the Potential
Lori Greiner, the last remaining shark, saw potential in
Apolla and made an offer of $300,000 for 25% equity. Kaycee and Brianne
countered with 20%, but Lori stood firm on her initial offer. Recognizing her
expertise and the opportunity she brought, they accepted the deal.
Post-Shark Tank Success
Following their appearance on Shark Tank, Apolla Performance
Wear saw a significant increase in sales. Customers were eager to try their
high-performance socks, and the exposure helped the brand reach a broader
audience. Their annual revenue surged, and they gained even more credibility in
the sports and wellness industry.
Impressive Sales Growth
Since its launch, Apolla Socks has sold over 120,000 pairs,
generating an estimated $4.1 million in lifetime sales. In 2021 alone, they
achieved $800,000 in revenue. Their return rate remained impressively low at
under 2%, indicating high customer satisfaction.
Wholesale and Direct Sales Model
Apolla’s sales strategy was a mix of direct-to-consumer and
wholesale distribution. About 85% of their revenue came from individual
customers, while the remaining 25% came from wholesale partnerships. This
balanced approach allowed them to scale steadily while maintaining direct
relationships with their loyal customers.
Collaboration with Boston Ballet
Expanding their reach within the dance community, Apolla
partnered with the prestigious Boston Ballet to create a special line of socks
designed for ballet dancers. This collaboration further cemented their
reputation as a leading brand in the performance wear industry.
Beyond Dance: A Favorite Among Athletes
Apolla socks weren’t just for dancers anymore. They became
popular among runners, weightlifters, and CrossFit athletes due to their
ability to enhance performance and reduce muscle fatigue. The socks’
compression technology provided stability to the feet, ankles, and calves,
making them a must-have for high-intensity training.
A Brand with a Mission
Beyond selling socks, Apolla Performance Wear was driven by
a mission to help people reach their goals without being held back by foot
pain. Their products empowered dancers, athletes, and everyday individuals to
move comfortably and perform at their best.
A Promising Future
With a growing customer base, strong sales, and recognition
from both the medical and fitness communities, Apolla Performance Wear
continues to thrive. The company’s focus on quality, innovation, and customer
satisfaction ensures that its socks remain a game-changer in the world of
compression wear.
Timeline for story
2016 – Apolla Performance Wear founded by Kaycee Jones and
Brianne Zborowski.
2021 – Achieved $800,000 in revenue with a low return rate
under 2%.
2022 – Featured on Shark Tank Season 13, securing a deal
with Lori Greiner.
2022 – Sales surged post-Shark Tank with increased brand
recognition.
2023 – Partnered with Boston Ballet for a specialized sock
line.
2023 – Expanded customer base beyond dancers to athletes and
professionals.
2024 – Continued growth with strong sales and industry
recognition.
