In 2016, Ashley Sankar filed a patent that would be the foundation for NineteenTwenty, a clothing brand that combines functionality and sustainability.
By the time the patent came through, Ashley decided to move forward and build a company around it. She had been in business for less than a year when she applied for the 2023 Pitch Competition. Even though she had never competed in a pitch competition before, she took a chance and applied.
The former United States Army Logistics Officer did not win but she walked away with $1,000, an investor (and a Rolodex of potential ones), new customers, and an ecosystem of other women entrepreneurs.
We caught up with Ashley after the 2023 Pitch Competition to learn more about NineteenTwenty and her experience at the event.
Enthuse Foundation: First, thank you for your service. How did a United States Army Logistics Officer become an innovative fashion entrepreneur?
AS: As I was approaching my 10th anniversary in the Army, I had to decide whether I wanted to make another commitment for 10 years or try something else? After serving my time, I decided to see what other impact I could have on the world. I had the idea for NineteenTwenty since 2016 and began the patent process. However, I never expected to run a company. But that's what happened when we officially launched in Nov. 2022. Building a business has been one of the hardest things I've ever done.
EF: Do you think the military trained you to be an entrepreneur?
AS: Absolutely. The military taught me a lot of discipline and gave me a lot of grit. When you start your own business, you must prepare for many "nos" until you hopefully get a yes. The military prepares you for that.
Enthuse Foundation (EF): Describe your experience competing in the 2023 Enthuse Foundation Pitch Competition.
Ashley Sankar (AS): Participating in the 2024 Pitch Competition was truly beneficial as it allowed me to make new connections, including someone who so graciously loaned us money to purchase inventory for our 2024 NYC pop-up. It also gave me the confidence to pitch my business to other supporters, potential investors, and consumers!
EF: Wow, that's incredible! Tell us more about the pop-up shop.
AS: We held the pop-up store President's Weekend in New York City. President's Weekend is a time when many people are off work and seeking fun events, making it an ideal opportunity for our pop-up. It was very successful; we made over $27,000 during that event.
EF: I'm so happy that worked out for the team. Besides the pop-up event, what else has been going on with NineteenTwenty?
AS: A few weeks after the Enthuse Foundation Pitch Competition, we won the Most Innovative Award at Grand Central University's (GCU) Canyon Ventures Founders Forum Cohort 001 Demo Day. Additionally, we were featured on More than a Title's podcast in April.
EF: Glad to hear. How would you describe your experience with the Enthuse Foundation?
The Enthuse Foundation is amazing in that it gives women founders an opportunity, confidence, and support to truly showcase our talent and our businesses. What is most amazing is that even after the competition was over, the Enthuse Foundation hasn't forgotten about me but has continuously checked in with me and helped to promote my story and my business.
Enthuse Foundation Pitch Competition finalists have an opportunity to showcase their brand to more than the judges of the event. Last year, more than 300 people attended the competition, both in person and virtually. As Ashley knows firsthand, you never know if your next customer, investor, or business partner will be in the room. Here's your chance to apply to the 6th Annual Enthuse Foundation Pitch Competition.
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