When I first heard about Dapper Boi, I was immediately captivated by its mission: a gender-neutral clothing brand designed to fit all body types. Founded by Charisse and Vicky Pasche in 2015, this San Diego-based company wasn’t just about fashion—it was about breaking barriers in an industry that often adheres to rigid norms. Their journey, which culminated in an appearance on Shark Tank in April 2023 (Season 14, Episode 20), is a testament to resilience, innovation, and the power of community.
The Problem Dapper Boi Solves
If you’ve ever struggled to find clothing that fits your body type or aligns with your identity, you’ll understand why Dapper Boi exists. Vicky Pasche, one of the co-founders, often felt alienated by traditional clothing options. Shopping in the men’s section offered styles she liked but didn’t fit her shape, while the women’s section lacked the aesthetic she sought. Recognizing a gap in the market for inclusive, gender-neutral clothing that accommodates diverse body types, Charisse and Vicky launched Dapper Boi with a Kickstarter campaign that raised $26,364.
Their first product—Androgynous Jeans—was a hit among their target audience. Over time, they expanded their line to include T-shirts, jackets, joggers, and more, all while maintaining their commitment to inclusivity.
The Shark Tank Experience
Fast forward to April 2023: Charisse and Vicky entered the Shark Tank seeking $250,000 for 5% equity in their company. The pitch was heartfelt and compelling. They shared their personal struggles and emphasized their mission of inclusivity. Their presentation included a showcase of their products—jeans priced at $99 (costing $15 to make) and jackets at $95—available in sizes ranging from 26 to 52 for jeans and up to 4XL for tops.
Their numbers were impressive:
- Lifetime sales: $3.5 million
- Revenue in 2022: $1.2 million
- Repeat customer rate: 71%
Despite these achievements, the Sharks were hesitant. Financial struggles loomed large over the business: $450,000 in debt, high shipping costs due to their direct-to-consumer model, and just $100 left in their bank account at the time of filming. Mark Cuban questioned how they could lose money with such high margins. Lori Greiner admitted she didn’t know enough about clothing to invest. Daymond John saw potential but felt they were trying to be “everything to everybody,” diluting their focus.
Ultimately, no deal was made. However, Daymond offered mentorship and gave them his number—a small but meaningful gesture.
The Turning Point
What many didn’t know at the time was that Dapper Boi had already secured a $250,000 investment from Kelly Ann Winget of Alternative Wealth Partners on the morning of their Shark Tank taping. This funding proved to be a lifeline for the struggling brand. Combined with the exposure from Shark Tank, it set the stage for a remarkable turnaround.
Post-Shark Tank Success
Leaving Shark Tank without a deal could have been a devastating blow, but Charisse and Vicky used it as fuel for growth. Here’s what happened next:
- Increased Visibility: The national exposure brought a surge of interest in Dapper Boi’s products. Website traffic spiked, and sales followed suit.
- New Product Launches: They expanded their line to include accessories like hats and socks while introducing augmented reality shopping experiences.
- Community Engagement: Leveraging their loyal customer base (dubbed the “DB Fam”), they launched campaigns that resonated deeply with their audience.
- Operational Improvements: They transitioned away from a pre-order model to streamline production and reduce delays.
- Revenue Growth: By late 2024, annual sales had exceeded $4 million.
A Data-Rich Snapshot
Here’s a detailed look at Dapper Boi’s journey:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Dapper Boi |
| Founders | Charisse Pasche and Vicky Pasche |
| Season & Episode | Season 14, Episode 20 |
| Ask (Investment & Equity) | $250,000 for 5% equity |
| Final Deal | No deal |
| Shark(s) Involved | None |
| Memorable Episode Moments | Emotional pitch emphasizing inclusivity; Daymond John offered mentorship |
| Current Net Worth | Estimated at $8.05 million as of late 2024 |
| Current Business Status | Active |
| Revenue Since Shark Tank | Over $4 million |
| Social Media Presence | Instagram: ~42k followers; TikTok: ~52k followers |
| Key Achievements | Launched shopping app; expanded product line; top 0.5% Shopify store ranking |
Challenges Along the Way
It wasn’t all smooth sailing post-Shark Tank. The pandemic had already disrupted their supply chain, increasing production times from weeks to months. Financial missteps—like overspending on marketing—left them scrambling to recover.
But Charisse and Vicky’s determination never wavered. They leaned on their community for support and applied lessons learned from Shark Tank. For example:
- They reduced marketing spend while focusing on organic growth through social media.
- They partnered with influencers who aligned with their brand values.
- They sought out new manufacturing partners to improve efficiency.
Current Status (January 2025)
Today, Dapper Boi is thriving:
- Annual Revenue: Over $4 million
- Net Worth: Estimated at $8.05 million
- Market Reach: Primarily direct-to-consumer via their website and app
- Social Media Presence: Active on Instagram (~42k followers) and TikTok (~52k followers)
- Business Status: Growing steadily with plans for further expansion
The founders are currently fundraising through a SAFE note with a goal of raising $2 million. If successful, they project annual sales of over $30 million within five years.
Lessons for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Dapper Boi’s story offers several takeaways:
- Stay True to Your Mission: Their commitment to inclusivity resonated deeply with customers.
- Adaptability is Key: Transitioning away from pre-orders was crucial for scaling operations.
- Leverage Community Support: Engaging directly with customers helped them weather tough times.
- Learn from Feedback: The Sharks’ critiques highlighted areas for improvement that ultimately strengthened the business.
Conclusion
Dapper Boi isn’t just a clothing brand—it’s a movement toward inclusivity in fashion. Charisse and Vicky have proven that rejection isn’t the end; it’s an opportunity to pivot and grow stronger.
As I reflect on their journey, I’m inspired by their resilience and vision. They’ve not only built a successful business but also created a platform that empowers people to express themselves authentically.
The future looks bright for Dapper Boi—and I can’t wait to see what they do next!