Sometimes a Shark Tank "no" is just the start of a bigger yes. The Pocket Panty emerged from a relatable problem faced by many women and became a mission-driven business that addresses dignity and hygiene access.
Despite leaving Shark Tank without a deal, founder Ashlee Turner transformed her rejection into a growing social impact venture that offers valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs. The Founding Story and Founder's Background Ashlee L. Turner's entrepreneurial journey began long before The Pocket
Panty was conceived. In 2006 , she opened Sweet Suga r, a candy lounge on the prestigious Melrose Strip in Los Angeles, California . The business thrived, catering to celebrity parties, baby showers, and awards shows, even earning a feature in Los Angeles Magazine .
However, success was short-lived when ongoing building and construction issues forced her to close the doors. After Sweet Sugar's closure, Turner transitioned to a successful career in sales, consistently ranking among the top performers in every position she held.
Despite her professional success, she harbored a persistent sense of unfulfillment and dreamed of returning to entrepreneurship. The inspiration for The Pocket Panty came from Turner's own daily challenges.
She frequently found herself wanting to freshen up after running errands or following a midday workout before heading to happy hour, but didn't want the hassle of going home to change her underwear. Existing options were either uncomfortable or too fancy for everyday use, prompting her to design her own solution…
