From Side Hustle to Main Attraction: The Unconventional Rise of NineteenTwenty
Ashley Sankar’s daily routine is a testament to her unwavering dedication. By day, she works 10-12 hours as a senior program manager, and by night, she pours her heart and soul into building her side business, NineteenTwenty. This Phoenix-based clothing startup has been making waves with its innovative designs, which transform into functional items like tote bags, pillows, and blankets.
A Humble Beginning
Ashley, an ex-U.S. Army logistics officer, started NineteenTwenty alongside her husband and part-time COO, Zach Sankar. The couple’s initial goal was to supplement their income while Zach pursued his dream of becoming a pilot. However, as the business grew exponentially, they decided to reinvest the profits back into the company instead of keeping the extra cash for themselves.
A Pitch to Remember
On a recent episode of ABC’s “Shark Tank,” Ashley and Zach presented their unique clothing line to the show’s investor judges. Despite facing stiff competition in the apparel industry, they asked for $250,000 in exchange for a 10% equity stake in NineteenTwenty.
Overcoming Hurdles
The Sankars’ financial presentation hit a snag when Mark Cuban questioned their profit calculations. Ashley disputed Cuban’s assessment, citing the company’s collaboration with financial consultants. Although the issue was resolved, it was enough to deter Cuban from making an investment offer.
A Tough Negotiation
Daniel Lubetzky declined to make an offer, citing the competitive environment of the clothing industry. Kevin O’Leary, on the other hand, offered the Sankars $250,000 for 30% of their company, but only if Ashley quit her day job and worked on the business full-time. Robert Herjavec bristled at the suggestion, citing his own experiences of working a full-time job while starting his first business.
A Deal Worth Making
Herjavec eventually offered the Sankars $250,000 for 25% of NineteenTwenty, which Ashley countered with 20%. After some deliberation, the Sankars agreed to Herjavec’s terms, recognizing the value of having a partner on board.
Lessons Learned
Ashley’s story serves as a reminder that success often requires sacrifice and perseverance. By working tirelessly on her side hustle, she has turned NineteenTwenty into a thriving business. As she aptly put it, “I’d rather have 70, 72% of something than have 100% of nothing.”
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