Gayla Bentley Fashion
DEAL
EPISODE SUMMARY
🕓 Air Date: October 13, 2009
Asking For:
$250,000 for 20%
Investor:
Barbara Corcoran, Daymond John (50/50)
Deal:
$250,000 for 50%
PRODUCT SUMMARY
Gayla Bentley Fashion Design Group offers high-end, stylish clothing for modern women in sizes 12 to 28, addressing a gap in the market for fashionable attire for larger sizes.
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Background Story
Gayla Bentley Fashion Design Group, headquartered in Houston, Texas, was founded by Gayla Bentley, a seasoned fashion designer and entrepreneur with over three decades of experience in the retail industry. Bentley’s journey into the fashion world began with her own personal struggles as a plus-sized woman seeking stylish and high-quality clothing options. Frustrated by the lack of fashionable choices available in larger sizes, Bentley recognized a significant gap in the market and was determined to fill it. With a background in retail management, including roles at prestigious establishments like Saks Fifth Avenue, Bentley gained invaluable insights into the fashion industry and consumer preferences.
Drawing upon her expertise and passion for fashion, she set out to create a brand that would cater specifically to the needs of modern, curvy women. Inspired by her own experiences and driven by a desire to empower women of all sizes, Bentley embarked on a mission to revolutionize the retail experience for plus-sized individuals. Her vision for Gayla Bentley Fashion Design Group was to provide stylish, luxurious clothing options for women sizes 12 to 28, ensuring that every woman could feel confident and beautiful in her own skin.
Located in Houston, Texas, Gayla Bentley Fashion Design Group embodies Bentley’s commitment to inclusivity, diversity, and empowerment. Through her brand, she seeks to challenge societal norms and redefine beauty standards, offering a range of impeccably crafted garments that celebrate the curves of the modern woman. With a focus on quality, sophistication, and style, Gayla Bentley Fashion Design Group continues to inspire and uplift women of all sizes, proving that fashion knows no bounds.
The Product
Gayla Bentley Fashion Design Group offers a diverse range of high-end clothing tailored specifically for women sizes 12 to 28. The product line includes luxurious coats, dresses, skirts, tops, and more, meticulously designed to flatter the curves of the modern woman.
Each garment in the collection is crafted from premium materials, such as Italian wool, ensuring both style and comfort. The attention to detail and craftsmanship is evident in every piece, with features like tailored fits, elegant silhouettes, and sophisticated designs.
The clothing is versatile and suitable for various occasions, from professional settings to social events. Customers can expect garments that not only fit well but also make them feel confident and empowered.
Gayla Bentley Fashion Design Group offers its products through multiple channels, including online platforms and select retail partners like Neiman Marcus. Prices for their luxury items reflect the quality materials and craftsmanship, with items such as coats retailing for $470.
By providing stylish and upscale clothing options for larger sizes, Gayla Bentley Fashion Design Group aims to redefine the fashion landscape and empower plus-sized women to embrace their style with confidence. Whether for work, special occasions, or everyday wear, Gayla Bentley’s designs offer women of all sizes the opportunity to look and feel their best.
How It Went
The company’s position before Shark Tank
Gayla Bentley Fashion Design Group has established itself as a prominent player in the niche market of high-end clothing for plus-sized women. With a focus on quality, style, and inclusivity, the company has garnered a loyal customer base and secured partnerships with reputable retailers. The company’s primary distribution channels include online platforms and select retail partners like Neiman Marcus. By leveraging these channels, Gayla Bentley Fashion Design Group has been able to reach a wide audience of fashion-conscious consumers seeking stylish and luxurious clothing options in larger sizes.
Gayla Bentley mentions that her sales in the last six years amount to nearly half a million dollars annually. This indicates a steady revenue stream and sustained growth over time. Additionally, Gayla Bentley expresses a need for additional funding to support the expansion of her business, particularly in opening flagship stores. In terms of funding, Gayla Bentley sought a $250,000 investment from the Sharks in exchange for a 20% equity stake in her company.
Gayla Bentley Fashion Design Group’s current structure likely involves a combination of in-house design and production teams, as well as partnerships with manufacturers and suppliers to ensure the quality and availability of their products. The company’s success can be attributed to its founder’s extensive experience in the fashion industry, coupled with a strong vision for addressing the unmet needs of plus-sized women in the market.
The Negotiations:
During the negotiations on Shark Tank, Gayla Bentley sought a $250,000 investment for a 20% equity stake in her company. She emphasized the untapped potential of the plus-size fashion market and her vision to revolutionize the retail experience for larger-sized women. After facing initial skepticism from some Sharks regarding the viability of her business model, Barbara Corcoran offered Gayla $125,000 for a 50% stake, effectively valuing the company at $250,000. Gayla countered by suggesting that Daymond John join the deal, citing his expertise in the fashion industry and existing clientele that aligns with her target market.
Eventually, Daymond agreed to invest the remaining $125,000 in exchange for a 50% equity stake, forming a partnership with Barbara. This revised deal effectively valued Gayla Bentley Fashion Design Group at $250,000, with Barbara and Daymond each owning 50% of the company.Gayla expressed gratitude for the opportunity and excitement about working with her new partners to expand her brand. The negotiations showcased Gayla’s resilience and strategic thinking as she navigated the Sharks’ concerns and ultimately secured a mutually beneficial agreement that would propel her company’s growth.
