Boating is enjoyable, however it may possibly depart you moist and chilly. Pretty Rugged’s waterproof, windproof, and trendy blankets are made to defend you from harsh climate circumstances wherever your ship takes you. Pretty Rugged was based by Tracy Slocum who appeared on season 14 of Shark Tank. As of 2024, Pretty Rugged is value an estimated $5 million.
About the Founder
Tracy Slocum hails from Latham, New York and comes from a household of sailors. Her great-great-grandfather is Captain Joshua Slocum, he was the primary particular person to single-handedly sail all over the world!
Because of the household’s genes, she all the time cherished boating as a passion. Despite her love of the ocean, she studied psychology at Le Moyne College. After graduating in 1996, she needed to begin her personal enterprise.
Tract is a serial entrepreneur and already has two profitable companies. Her first startup, J. Slocum, produces clothes strains and he or she additionally owns an award-winning specialty meals retailer in Albany.
Founding the Company
Despite having a busy life-style, Tracy all the time made time to go to Lake George and drive boats. However, she didn’t like that she all the time went dwelling moist and chilly. To deal with this drawback, she tried making a blanket that was each sensible and trendy.
She seen that her great-great-grandfather used a fur blanket to wrap himself up throughout his lengthy travels. Tracy consulted with vogue specialists and got here up with luxe fake fur blankets that had been resistant to water and wind. And in contrast to many fur apparels, they’re washable.
Pretty Rugged formally launched in 2017. Not lengthy after that, the corporate obtained recognition from NY NOW and well-known tv host Oprah Winfrey. After 5 years in enterprise, she has offered over 30,000 models.
Getting on Shark Tank
Tracy has been a long-time fan of Shark Tank. Initially, she utilized to seem on season 13 of the present however didn’t get a callback. Still, this didn’t discourage her from making an attempt once more sooner or later.
With the brand new season nearing, a Shark Tank producer satisfied her to apply once more and this time round she obtained accepted! The savvy entrepreneur pitched her enterprise on episode 5 of season 14 with Emma Grede because the visitor Shark changing Barbara.
After Shark Tank
The 48-year-old expressed that pitching her enterprise to the Sharks was probably the most difficult moments of her life. Nevertheless, showing on nationwide tv in entrance of 4 million reside viewers will drive numerous consideration to her model.
You can solely buy her product on two platforms: Amazon and their web site, PrettyRuggedStore.com. But after Shark Tank, these distribution channels might develop. Her merchandise are costly, so she might battle to persuade Shark Tank followers to open their wallets. Some of the fake fur blankets alone retail for $290!
Many of their blankets have 5-star evaluations on their web site. Apart from blankets, additionally they promote luxurious coats, vests, and luggage. Their product line is predicted to develop together with the corporate’s worth within the coming years. Currently, Pretty Rugged is valued at an estimated $5 million.
