If you’re someone who struggles to find clothing that fits your style and body shape, you’re not alone. That’s exactly what inspired Vicky and Charisse Pasche to create Dapper Boi – a gender-neutral clothing line aimed at making everyone feel comfortable and confident in their clothes. Their story is one of passion, persistence, and a whole lot of heart.
The Origins of Dapper Boi: A Personal Struggle Turned Solution
Dapper Boi wasn’t born out of a boardroom but from a personal experience. Vicky Pasche, who co-founded the brand with her wife Charisse, often found herself drawn to clothes from the men’s section. However, finding clothes that matched her body shape was a challenge. Rather than settling for ill-fitting options, the couple decided to take matters into their own hands.
In 2015, after researching gender-neutral clothing options with little success, Dapper Boi was launched. The brand started small, fueled by a Kickstarter campaign that raised $26,364 from 223 backers. This initial boost signaled that there was a significant demand for inclusive clothing options.
Crowdfunding and Growth: A Community-Driven Approach
Following their initial success, Dapper Boi turned to equity crowdfunding to scale their business further. On April 30, 2020, they raised an impressive $282,414 through the StartEngine platform, achieving a $6 million valuation. A total of 564 investors believed in their vision enough to back the brand.
The company has been steadily growing ever since. In 2019, Dapper Boi crossed $1 million in sales, showcasing not only the demand for gender-neutral fashion but also the power of direct-to-consumer marketing. With a retail profit margin of 75%-85%, the brand has been able to reinvest profits into expanding their offerings and reaching new customers.
Entering the Tank: The Shark Tank Experience
Fast forward to Season 14, Episode 20 of Shark Tank, where Vicky and Charisse pitched their brand to the Sharks. They asked for $250,000 in exchange for 5% equity, valuing their company at $5 million.
Their pitch was heartfelt and compelling. The couple shared their journey, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity in the fashion industry. Dapper Boi’s product lineup includes jeans, joggers, T-shirts, and jackets, all designed to fit various body types. Their jeans, priced at $119, and jackets at $95, are available in a wide range of sizes, from 26 to 52 for jeans and up to 4XL for jackets.
Despite their compelling presentation, the Sharks ultimately decided not to invest. Lori Greiner expressed uncertainty about how she could add value to the business, while others cited different reasons for passing.
What Happened After Shark Tank?
Although they didn’t secure a deal, appearing on Shark Tank gave Dapper Boi priceless exposure. The national television spotlight brought new attention to their brand, resulting in a surge of interest and customers.
A few days before their episode aired, Dapper Boi launched their shopping app, expanding their reach further. Additionally, the founders have been actively engaging in podcasts, interviews, and media appearances to keep the momentum going.
In an exciting turn of events, Vicky and Charisse announced on Instagram in April 2023 that Kelly Ann Winget had become an investor in Dapper Boi. This investment helped inject new capital into the business, allowing them to continue their growth trajectory.
Financials and Future Prospects
Dapper Boi has generated $3.5 million in lifetime sales over the past seven years. In 2022 alone, the company earned $1.2 million in revenue. Despite their success, running the business hasn’t always been smooth sailing. At one point, the company had just $100 in the bank, and Vicky revealed that they even sold their house to keep the business afloat. The couple reported a loss of $150,000 that year, underscoring the challenges of entrepreneurship.
Still, the brand’s return customer rate of 51% is a strong indicator of customer satisfaction and loyalty. With the gender-neutral clothing market projected to reach $3.2 billion by 2028, Dapper Boi is well-positioned to capitalize on this growing trend.
As of now, Dapper Boi’s estimated net worth is around $5 million. Vicky Pasche, who also runs Pasche Management, a marketing company, serves as the CEO, while Charisse Pasche, a former adjunct instructor at Ashford University, holds the role of COO. Vicky is 39 years old, while Charisse is 37, making them a dynamic and driven duo in the entrepreneurial space.
What Makes Dapper Boi Stand Out?
Dapper Boi’s mission goes beyond fashion. The brand is about fostering inclusivity and creating a space where everyone feels seen and represented. By offering stylish, affordable, and size-inclusive clothing, Dapper Boi challenges traditional fashion norms and makes gender-neutral fashion accessible to all.
Their direct-to-consumer model relies heavily on social media and influencer marketing, which has been instrumental in building a loyal community. The brand’s ability to engage authentically with its audience has been a key driver of its growth.
Expansion and New Opportunities
Dapper Boi isn’t slowing down. The company continues to expand its product offerings and plans to increase its presence across the U.S. They’re also exploring new partnerships and collaborations to broaden their reach.
Their journey has been featured in prominent publications like Forbes, Nymag, and Entrepreneur, adding credibility and visibility to their brand. The San Diego-based company currently employs between 5 to 10 people, a small but dedicated team driving big change in the fashion industry.
