Tears of joy or regret? How an 8-Hour side hustle landed $250K on Shark Tank

In the world of Shark Tank, emotions run high, and for Ashley Sankar, it was no different.

After years of juggling her day job and side hustle, she faced the Sharks with a tearful pitch that left a lasting impression.

What happened next changed everything—stay tuned for the incredible outcome of her journey.


NineteenTwenty isn't just another clothing line; it's a brand that stands out with its multifunctional garments.

Puffer jackets, windbreakers, and skirts that transform into practical items like tote bags, pillows, and blankets showcase the innovation driving this startup.

It's this unique approach to fashion that caught the attention of the Sharks.

However, the journey through the Tank was no smooth sailing.


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NineteenTwenty, which started selling clothes in December 2022 sells multifunctional clothing items. Image source: Shark Tank.


Mark Cuban, one of the show's seasoned investors, was quick to challenge the couple on their financial acumen.

“The numbers aren't adding up!” he exclaimed, pointing out the critical importance of accounting and cash flow management—a lesson for all entrepreneurs to keep their books in check.


Despite the scrutiny, it was the emotional connection and the couple's compelling backstory that turned the tide.

Ashley and Zach—high school sweethearts who climbed the ranks from retail to corporate roles—shared their scrappy, determined climb to success.

Their story struck a chord with investor Robert Herjavec, who saw a reflection of his own journey in theirs.

Robert's offer of $250,000 for a 25% stake in NineteenTwenty was a pivotal moment.

Ashley's attempt to negotiate down to a 20% stake was met with a firm no, but it was her heartfelt wish for her late mother to see her now that truly broke down the barriers.

Lori Greiner's compassionate response and Robert's emotional recount of his own mother's belief in him underscored the human element that often intertwines with business.

In the end, the couple accepted Robert's offer, a decision that would propel their business to new heights.


The aftermath of their Shark Tank appearance was nothing short of a whirlwind.

According to GCU News, Zach reflected on the surreal experience and the secret they had kept from their customers.

The exposure led to a significant influx of sales and website traffic, with 110% of their customers being brand new—a clear indicator of the “Shark Tank effect.”



Ashley and Zach's story is more than just a feel-good moment on television. It's a reminder that it's never too late to chase a dream, to start a side hustle, or to take a leap of faith in business.

Remember, whether it's tears of joy or the daunting prospect of a new challenge, every step forward is a part of the entrepreneurial dance.

Let's celebrate the courage it takes to step into the Shark Tank of our own lives and come out with a story worth telling.
Key Takeaways

  • Ashley Sankar appeared on Shark Tank and was emotionally overwhelmed when offered $250,000 for her clothing startup NineteenTwenty by investor Robert Herjavec.
  • The offer was made for a 25 percent stake, but a negotiation for a 20 percent stake was not accepted.
  • Investor Mark Cuban critiqued their business finance understanding, highlighting the importance of accounting and cash flow management.
  • NineteenTwenty, which started selling clothes in December 2022 and brought in $269,000 in annual revenue last year, sells multifunctional clothing items.
Have you ever considered starting a side hustle in your golden years? What challenges do you think are unique to entrepreneurs who are also balancing full-time jobs? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
 
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