New York
Founder Stories
By : Syed Owais Date:January 25, 2025
In a cozy garage in 2016, Kenny and Ashley Green began their entrepreneurial journey with a simple but profound idea: to create matching apparel and accessories that encourage families to "get in the picture." This vision birthed KaAn's Designs, a family lifestyle brand that celebrates connection, unity, and memorable moments.
The couple’s passion was fueled by their own experiences as parents. They noticed how often families were too busy to truly cherish the present and wanted to provide a solution that brought them together in a fun, creative way. With designs that catered to adults and children alike, the Greens aimed to make every family moment a photo-worthy occasion.
Fast forward to November 2024, Kenny and Ashley found themselves in one of the most nerve-wracking and exciting moments of their journey—pitching their brand to the Sharks on ABC’s Shark Tank. Seeking $75,000 for 15% equity, the Greens showcased their garage-born business with pride and determination.
Their pitch highlighted some impressive numbers:
The Greens emphasized their potential for growth and the passion that drove them to create a brand that resonated with families across America.
As the Sharks evaluated KaAn's Designs, the responses were mixed. Kevin O'Leary expressed concerns about the scalability of the retail margins, while Lori Greiner admitted she lacked the necessary expertise in the fashion industry to help the Greens thrive. However, the couple’s heartfelt story and dedication resonated deeply with guest Shark Todd Graves, the founder of Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers.
Seeing the potential in KaAn's Designs, Todd Graves made an offer that changed everything. He proposed $75,000 as a loan for 10% equity in the company. Graves emphasized the importance of retaining ownership, a message that resonated with Kenny and Ashley.
To sweeten the deal, Graves brought in Daymond John, a Shark with unparalleled expertise in the fashion and retail industries, to serve as a mentor for the Greens. This mentorship provided the couple with not just financial support but also invaluable guidance on scaling their business and navigating the challenges of the fashion world.
With Todd Graves as an investor and Daymond John as a mentor, KaAn's Designs is now positioned for unprecedented growth. The Greens’ commitment to fostering family connections through their products has struck a chord with customers and investors alike. Their journey from a garage startup to a Shark Tank success story is a testament to their hard work, vision, and unwavering belief in their mission.
As KaAn’s Designs continues to expand, the Greens remain focused on their ultimate goal: helping families across the globe "get in the picture" and cherish life’s beautiful moments together.
Founder & Fractional CBO - Who loves to deliver value over hype. Aiming to build a no-BS community for founders (by founder), investors, venture capitalists, accelerators and journalists.
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