When it comes to dresses, we are all very choosy about them and look for the perfect fit. Most of the stores would typically cater to the 00-12 sizes but when it comes to 12++ sizes to 28 there are very few options.
Guess 60% of American women need 12+ sizes but find it difficult and they got only limited options while searching for their favorite dresses.
Here comes the passion of Gayla herself a fashion designer who founded Gayla Fashion to address the plus-size needs of designer clothing. Gayla Bentley Fashion has found its presence in Houston, Paris, and New York in the world of fashion.
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Founder Story:
Gayla herself being a fashion designer for over 20 years in this field understand the discrimination against the plus sizes dresses in the fashion industry. Most of the brands would cater to the 00-12 sizes but not beyond which brought the lapses in the need of remaining women. Gayla was keen to create a niche market of designer cloth lining for plus-size women.
Gayla herself being a style guru, fashion personality and visionary came up with her own Gayla Bentley fashion. Her principle was clear it’s not about size but style. Let it be personal, corporate style or lifestyle she has been uplifting everyone whom she has met and enabling them to fulfill their potential.
Did Gayla Bentley Fashion get a deal on Shark Tank?
Bentley pitches in the shark tank for an investment of $250,000, in return for 20% of the stake. She is fluent and has seen the industry well and speaks clearly on the plight of the plus-size woman. Already spent 10 years building the Gayla Bentley Fashion brand now wants to scale up with a brick-and-mortar store in Houston, where she is already established.
Robert comes in stating how come you have been in business for 30 years when you are still 25. She blushes and reacts to quick the sharks with a quick laugh. Kevin curiously enquires if the market has a demand and why they did not carry for larger women. Daymond jumps it to assert to Kevin that the fashion industry has been discriminatory.
Daymond enquires about one of the jackets worn by the team to evaluate the costs versus sales. Bentley proudly states that sales were strong with over $500,000 yearly. Kevin Harrington and Robert are out due to a lack of retail fashion experience. Barbara Corcoran jumps it to tap the market with half the investment and Daymond to join for another half.
John offers a deal if the stake is 50%, and Bentley negotiates to 45% but John is firm. Finally, Bentley accepts the deal at $250,000 for 50% with both Barbara and Daymond John.
What Happened to Gayla Bentley Fashion after Shark Tank?
The main purpose of Bentley’s vision was to bring plus-size designer clothing to the mass market. Even though the deal didn’t go through, as per Gayla on her personal youtube channel, where she clearly mentions after tank, the deal fell apart. Check her comments on that here:
Her website was under construction and her social media was active. In 2016 the website was up and running her clothing line in boutique stores and Neiman Marcus stores across 23 states, Canada, and the UK. The business came into shape but did not give the returns as sharks expected.
Gayla Bentley fashion did make a business of $500,000 in the initial days but could not reach a larger scale due to a change in priorities. Unfortunately, in August 2017, Bentley was stormed with work by Hurricane Harvey. She no longer sells the clothing line despite the website being functional.
Gayla Bentley is currently collaborating with corporations and Fortune 500 companies to educate their staff on personal and professional style, covering everything from business casual to business best.
Additionally, she is in the process of developing a television series and working with Hurricane Harvey victims to style their renovated homes.
What’s the net worth of Gayla Bentley Fashion?
At the time of Shark Tank’s appearance, Gayla Bentley Fashion was valued by Sharks at $500,000.
Investors in the company:
- Daymond John
FUBU founder with multiple entrepreneurial ventures and has almost 61 + shark tank deals. The current net worth of $350 million.
- Barbara Corcoran
Founder of Corcoran group, a real estate firm in New York. One of the original sharks featured in all 12 seasons of the episodes and 60+ shark tank deals, with a current net worth is $100 million.
Gayla Bentley Fashion Product Analysis:
Gayla Bentley Fashion was particularly aimed at women from 12 – 28 sizes who were eager for designer dresses. Being a designer for almost a couple of decades the business had a good start but could not be sustained due to changing priorities.
Is Gayla Bentley Fashion still in business?
Currently out of business. Gayla Bentley is currently collaborating with corporations and Fortune 500 companies to educate their staff on personal and professional style, covering everything from business casual to business best.
Additionally, she is in the process of developing a television series and working with Hurricane Harvey victims to style their renovated homes.
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What is Gayla Bentley Fashion?
Gayla Bentley Fashion addresses the plus-size needs of designer clothing.
Who founded Gayla Bentley Fashion?
Gayla herself being a style guru, fashion personality and visionary came up with her own Gayla Bentley fashion.