Bronx native, Philomina Kane, is looking to revolutionize the hair care industry by thinking outside the box with Kin Apparel.
Key Takeaways: Kin Apparel Shark Tank Update
- Product: Satin-lined hoodies designed to protect hair.
- Investment Ask: $200,000 for 10% equity.
- Shark Response: Lori Greiner and Emma Grede partnered for $200,000 at 30% equity.
- Post-Show Success: Kin Apparel is scaling rapidly, taking advantage of the Shark support to meet high demand and expand its product line.
What’s the Story of Kin Apparel?
Inspired by her time at Princeton, Philomina created an apparel solution to help combat dry, frizzy hair.
Kin Apparel features signature hoodie designs that feature a large hood to accommodate all hair types and are lined with satin to lock in moisture and reduce frizz for all hairtypes. Traditional cotton blend hoodies typically cause excess friction and tend to dry out hair.
Philomina is passionate about making haircare inclusive to all hair types through her mission with Kin Apparel.
Are the Sharks slipping into a smooth deal with this satin-lined clothing? #SharkTank
— Shark Tank (@ABCSharkTank) October 9, 2021
Because she has her own YouTube channel and a significant social media following, Philomina has essentially reduced her customer acquisition costs to zero because her products are going viral with her fan base.
Unfortunately, she is having trouble supplying enough inventory to fulfill demand and her products are on a four to six week lead time. To help remedy their inventory problem, Kin Apparel has come to the Shark Tank seeking $200,000 in exchange for 10% equity in the business.
Who doesn’t luv a great hoodie?! What do you guys think of this one? #SharkTank @ABCSharkTank
— Lori Greiner (@LoriGreiner) October 9, 2021
What Did the Sharks Think of Kin Apparel’s Pitch?
Year-to-date Kin Apparel has sold $355,000 in satin-lined hoodies.
While their sales and margins are very impressive to the Sharks, they are concerned about being able to balance out Philomina’s “ready, fire, aim” approach to business. Knowing that she will need someone with a personality type that is opposite hers to compliment her business style, Lori Greiner and Emma Grede are interesting in partnering with Kin Apparel to be Philomina’s counter-balance.
Emma, founder and CEO of apparel brand Good American, shares that all retailers are looking to partner with black female entrepreneurs right now. She feels that she is able to help from a retail and sales perspective while Lori could focus on the manufacturing and inventory side of the business.
Together, Lori and Emma offer Kin Apparel $200,000 in exchange for 30% equity in the company.
Philomina tearfully and excitedly accepts their offer.
This is the power of social media! She has over $350,000 in sales and $0 in customer acquisition costs. This is living proof: blast your business on Instagram and TikTok. It's free advertising! #SharkTank @ABCSharkTank #KinApparel
— Barbara Corcoran (@BarbaraCorcoran) October 9, 2021
Loving this “Kinfolk” team up! #SharkTank @LoriGreiner pic.twitter.com/FxWq6OmXWH
— Shark Tank (@ABCSharkTank) October 9, 2021
Happy to partner w/ Emma on her 1st deal in the tank! Get your @kinapparel here!! https://t.co/VKRBZZjHOQ #SharkTank @ABCSharkTank pic.twitter.com/9y0Vs954qp
— Lori Greiner (@LoriGreiner) October 9, 2021
What a splash in the Tank! @EmmaGrede, you're a natural! #SharkTank @ABCSharkTank #KinApparel
— Barbara Corcoran (@BarbaraCorcoran) October 9, 2021
Female entrepreneurs unite!! I have no doubt that @EmmaGrede and @LoriGreiner will help Philomena take her business to the next level.. Congrats on making the first deal of the season! #SharkTank
— Daymond John (@TheSharkDaymond) October 9, 2021
Closing Thoughts
What do you think of the deal Kin Apparel made in the Shark Tank? If you were a Shark would you have invested in Philomina’s hair care business? Start the conversation in the comments below!
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