What started as a tribute to service turned into a fashion breakthrough. The entrepreneurial world rarely sees such a compelling combination of military precision, innovative design, and emotional authenticity as was displayed when Ashley and Zach Sankar pitched their company, 1920 (NineteenTwenty) , in Season 16 of Shark Tank .
Their journey from a side hustle to securing a quarter-million-dollar investment shows the power of solving real-world problems through creative fashion solutions. The Founding Story
Ashley Sankar’s path to fashion entrepreneurship began far from runways. After serving as a U.S. Army Logistics Officer and building a career in supply chain management, Ashley faced the constant challenge of juggling travel and daily responsibilities.
Inspired by her experiences, she envisioned clothing that could adapt to a busy, on-the-go lifestyle. Drawing on her background and expertise, she founded 1920 , bringing her vision to life. Her husband Zach , her high school sweetheart, joined as Chief Operating Officer , making it a true family venture.
Together, their combined backgrounds in logistics, retail, and business management gave them a unique perspective and the practical skills needed to build an innovative brand. The Viral Breakthrough Although founded in 2018 , it wasn’t until a TikTok video in late 2022 that NineteenTwenty found its audience.
The video, showing the convertible jacket transforming into a tote bag , went viral and generated $78,000 in sales in a single month , proving the product’s appeal. The viral success also brought a surge of new followers and media attention, helping the brand build a loyal customer base quickly. The Shark Tank Pitch On Shark…
