As someone who loves watching Shark Tank, I’m always intrigued by the creativity and determination of the entrepreneurs who step into the tank. One pitch that particularly caught my attention was Byoot Swimwear, a company that aimed to revolutionize women’s swimwear. Their innovative approach and inspiring story are worth exploring in detail, so let’s dive in.
The Birth of Byoot Swimwear
Byoot Swimwear was founded in 2018 by Elyce and Nathan Billany. The idea came about during a vacation in Jamaica, where Elyce, who was pregnant at the time, faced a frustrating problem. Like many women wearing one-piece swimsuits, she struggled to remove her wet swimsuit whenever she needed to use the restroom. This experience sparked the idea for a revolutionary product: swimwear designed with easy-to-remove side buttons.
Elyce and Nathan’s innovation wasn’t just practical; it addressed a problem many women experience but few discuss. The simplicity and functionality of their design were at the heart of their mission to make life easier for women everywhere. After refining their concept, they decided to pitch their idea on Shark Tank in Season 12, Episode 14.
Walking Into the Tank
When Elyce and Nathan appeared on Shark Tank, they sought $50,000 in exchange for 30% equity in Byoot Swimwear. Their pitch was straightforward yet impactful. They presented their innovative swimsuits, complete with side buttons that allowed for quick and hassle-free removal—a feature that set their product apart from traditional one-piece swimsuits.
Their demonstration was a highlight of the episode. They explained how the side buttons work and emphasized the product’s practicality. Despite having only $10,000 in lifetime sales at the time of their pitch, their passion and the uniqueness of their idea captivated the sharks. One memorable moment was when Elyce’s genuine enthusiasm shone through as she shared the origin story of Byoot Swimwear, making it relatable to women everywhere.
The Investment: Kendra Scott Steps In
As the pitch unfolded, guest shark Kendra Scott—known for her expertise in fashion and retail—saw the potential in Byoot Swimwear. While the company’s sales figures were modest, Kendra recognized the value of the problem the product solved and the market it could serve.
Kendra offered a deal that deviated from the founders’ initial ask. She proposed a $50,000 loan with 10% interest in exchange for 5% equity. Elyce and Nathan accepted the offer, securing a strategic partnership with someone who could bring both financial backing and industry expertise to the table.
A Snapshot of Byoot Swimwear
Here’s a quick overview of Byoot Swimwear’s Shark Tank journey and subsequent progress:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Byoot Swimwear |
| Founders | Elyce and Nathan Billany |
| Season & Episode | Season 12, Episode 14 |
| Ask (Investment & Equity) | $50,000 for 30% equity |
| Final Deal | $50,000 loan at 10% interest for 5% equity |
| Shark(s) Involved | Kendra Scott |
| Memorable Episode Moments | Demonstration of side-button feature; Kendra Scott’s unique loan offer |
| Current Net Worth | Approximately $350,000 as of 2023 |
| Current Business Status | Active |
| Revenue Since Shark Tank | Significant increase post-episode; exact figures undisclosed |
| Social Media Presence | Active on Instagram with over 1,000 followers |
| Key Achievements | Expansion into bikinis; introduction of virtual fittings; launch of children’s book “Mama Bean Has a Dream” |
Life After Shark Tank
Following their appearance on Shark Tank, Byoot Swimwear experienced an immediate boost in visibility and sales. The exposure led to increased demand, and for a time, they struggled to keep up with inventory. This is a classic challenge for many small businesses that suddenly find themselves in the spotlight.
The company expanded its product line to include bikinis, catering to a broader range of customers. They also introduced virtual fittings, an innovative feature that allowed customers to find the perfect fit from the comfort of their homes. These efforts demonstrated Elyce and Nathan’s commitment to improving their offerings and enhancing the customer experience.
However, the road wasn’t entirely smooth. A Kickstarter campaign launched to fund further expansion fell short of its $35,000 goal, raising only $1,622. This setback highlighted the challenges of scaling a business, even with initial success.
Where Are They Now?
As of January 2025, Byoot Swimwear remains active, continuing to sell its innovative swimwear through its website. The company’s estimated net worth was approximately $350,000 as of 2023. Their social media presence, while modest, reflects an engaged and supportive customer base.
While inventory levels have fluctuated, Byoot Swimwear’s commitment to solving a real problem keeps them relevant. They’ve also expanded their impact by launching a children’s book titled Mama Bean Has a Dream, further showcasing Elyce’s creativity and passion for entrepreneurship.
Lessons from Byoot Swimwear’s Journey
Byoot Swimwear’s story offers valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs. Here are some key takeaways:
- Solve a Real Problem: Byoot Swimwear’s success stems from addressing a common yet overlooked issue. Identifying a relatable problem and offering a practical solution can set a product apart in a crowded market.
- Be Adaptable: The company’s expansion into bikinis and introduction of virtual fittings demonstrate the importance of evolving to meet customer needs.
- Leverage Strategic Partnerships: Partnering with Kendra Scott gave Byoot Swimwear access to expertise and resources that helped them grow. Building the right partnerships can be a game-changer.
- Prepare for Growth: While exposure from Shark Tank brought increased sales, it also highlighted the need for robust infrastructure to handle demand. Scaling up is a critical challenge for small businesses.
- Embrace Setbacks: The failed Kickstarter campaign didn’t deter Elyce and Nathan from pursuing their vision. Resilience is essential in entrepreneurship.
The Future of Byoot Swimwear
Byoot Swimwear’s journey is still unfolding. With their innovative designs and commitment to making life easier for women, the company has the potential to continue growing. The challenges they’ve faced—from scaling operations to navigating fluctuating demand—are part of the learning curve for any business.
Looking ahead, I’m optimistic about Byoot Swimwear’s future. Their unique product, combined with their adaptability and determination, positions them well to carve out a lasting niche in the swimwear industry.
For anyone inspired by their story, Byoot Swimwear is a testament to the power of identifying a real need, staying true to your vision, and persevering through challenges. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or a fan of Shark Tank, there’s plenty to admire in the Byoot Swimwear journey.