A Family's Journey from Garage to Shark Tank: The Rise of Kaans Designs
In 2014, during Ashley's maternity leave, they started Kaans Designs, a clothing company that specializes in matching apparel for families. The motivation behind their brand comes from Ashley's own experience of losing her mother at a young age and wanting to encourage families to capture and document their memories through photographs.
Starting in their garage in Fort Wayne, Indiana, the Greens initially operated Kaans Designs as a side business while working other jobs. With a small investment from Ashley's father, they began creating matching sets of shirts and apparel for family photo opportunities. Over time, the company grew, and Ashley eventually transitioned to working on the brand full-time.
Today, Kaans Designs employs part-time and seasonal workers and offers a range of products at different price points. The Greens' journey took a significant turn when they appeared on the television show "Shark Tank." They sought an investment in exchange for equity in their profitable business, which had been featured on Oprah Winfrey's "favorite things" list.
While some of the investor judges opted out, the Greens ultimately accepted an offer from guest Shark Todd Graves, which included a loan and mentorship. This marked a pivotal moment in their business trajectory.
The Greens' story is not just about financial success but also resilience and innovation. They are committed to expanding their product offerings and inspiring others to pursue their dreams. With their appearance on "Shark Tank" and the investment they received, Kaans Designs is poised for significant growth, showcasing the potential for small businesses to thrive.