The phenomenon of unworn clothing cluttering closets is a widespread issue, with the average woman’s wardrobe containing around 75% of items worn only once before being forgotten.
This leads to an astonishing accumulation of over $900 billion worth of unwanted clothing in American closets alone. Addressing this problem, Janet Wu and Erin Wold founded SilkRoll in 2016 in San Francisco, California.
SilkRoll is a pioneering online platform designed to revolutionize the way women engage with their closets. It operates on a point-based fashion trade exchange system, enabling users to trade their underutilized clothing items for new ones. This innovative approach not only encourages sustainability by promoting second-hand fashion but also offers women a practical solution to refresh their wardrobes without the guilt or clutter.
Here’s how SilkRoll works: Users begin by ordering a SilkRoll kit, which facilitates the process of categorizing and sending in their gently used clothing items. Upon receiving the items, SilkRoll assigns the user a specific number of points based on the quality and desirability of the items. Users can then browse the platform’s curated collection of pre-loved clothing, selecting new pieces to acquire using their accumulated points.
SilkRoll’s mission goes beyond mere commerce; it aims to popularize second-hand fashion by offering an appealing and user-friendly platform for women to exchange clothing. By doing so, SilkRoll contributes to reducing fashion waste and promoting a more sustainable and conscious approach to fashion consumption.
With SilkRoll, Janet Wu and Erin Wold have tapped into a significant market opportunity, providing a solution that resonates with environmentally conscious consumers while offering a practical and enjoyable shopping experience. Through their innovative platform, they are helping to redefine the fashion industry’s approach to sustainability and consumerism, one wardrobe refresh at a time.
Silkroll at a Glance:-
| Idea | Fashion and Clothing |
| Founders | Janet Wu |
| Asked For | $250,000 for 3% equity |
| Accepted Deal | No Deal |
| Sharks | No Shark |
| Business status | In Business |
| Episode No. | Season 10 |
| Buy on Amazon | Buy Now! |
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Founder Story:
Janet Wu’s diverse background, from her time as an investment banker in global financial hubs like London, Singapore, and Hong Kong to her role as a startup CFO and now a mother in San Francisco, shaped the foundation of SilkRoll. Her multifaceted journey served as a blueprint for creating a platform that addresses the challenges women face in managing their wardrobes sustainably.
Joining forces with Erin, who brought her operational expertise from four years in a rapidly growing logistics firm, Janet found a kindred spirit who recognized the potential of their shared vision. Erin’s experience in scaling operations proved invaluable in laying the groundwork for SilkRoll’s growth.
Agi Letkiewicz, one of SilkRoll’s initial clients, was another key addition to the team. Introduced through a mutual friend, Agi’s background as a sustainable fashion entrepreneur and her insights into procurement and merchandising from global retail giants enriched the team’s expertise. With six years in the sustainable fashion industry, Agi was passionate about advancing SilkRoll’s product line and bringing it to new heights.
Together, Janet, Erin, and Agi formed a dynamic trio committed to building SilkRoll into a thriving platform. Their combined skills and shared vision propelled SilkRoll’s evolution, transforming it into the innovative and impactful platform it is today.
Their collective journey underscores the power of collaboration, vision, and passion in driving change. SilkRoll stands as a testament to what can be achieved when like-minded individuals come together to tackle a pressing issue with creativity and determination.
Did SilkRoll get a deal on Shark Tank?
Appearing on “Shark Tank” is a high-stakes endeavour, and Janet Wu and Erin Wold’s pitch for SilkRoll was met with scepticism from the get-go. Seeking a $250,000 investment in exchange for a 3% stake, they were essentially valuing their company at $8.3 million—a valuation that the sharks found difficult to swallow.
SilkRoll’s business model centred around a point system that allowed users to trade and swap clothing items, offering a more equitable alternative to traditional consignment stores. In addition to this, SilkRoll generated revenue through membership fees paid by users of their service.
However, the sharks found SilkRoll’s Qs point system overly complex and questioned its revenue-generating potential. The 5% transaction charge imposed on customers seemed insufficient to the sharks, especially given their high valuation of the business. Robert Herjavec, in particular, found the business model confusing and struggled to see its viability.
Adding to the sharks’ concerns was the revelation that Wu and Wold’s combined income in the first year amounted to just $35,000, casting further doubt on the business’s financial health and growth prospects.
While some sharks were more blunt in their criticisms than others, the consensus was clear: the valuation Wu and Wold placed on SilkRoll did not align with its revenue and business model in the eyes of the investors. Despite the entrepreneurs’ passion and belief in their unique business, they were unable to convince the sharks of its potential value at that stage.
Appearing on “Shark Tank” is not just about securing investment; it’s also an opportunity to gain valuable feedback and insights from experienced investors. For Wu and Wold, the experience served as a reality check, highlighting areas where they needed to refine their business model and messaging to better align with investor expectations.
What happened to SilkRoll after Shark Tank?
Despite not securing a deal on “Shark Tank,” SilkRoll has demonstrated impressive resilience and growth since its appearance on the show. With revenues soaring to $20 million, the company has expanded its reach and continues to thrive in the digital marketplace.
Maintaining an active presence on social media, SilkRoll engages with a dedicated community of over 7,000 Facebook fans and 5,000 Instagram followers. Their online presence extends beyond their website, with Pinterest serving as a significant source of interest and engagement, attracting an average of 160,000 monthly views.
While SilkRoll takes pride in its “Shark Tank” experience, showcasing memorable moments from their appearance on the show, the company has evolved its business model to better meet customer needs and market demands.
Previously operating solely on a point-based system, SilkRoll now offers customers the option to purchase apparel directly with cash. Members can take advantage of discounted prices, while non-members can also make purchases, broadening the company’s customer base and revenue streams.
SilkRoll’s ability to adapt and innovate in response to feedback and market trends underscores its entrepreneurial spirit and determination. While a deal with the sharks would have undoubtedly provided valuable resources and connections, SilkRoll has proven that it can succeed and grow independently.
The company’s journey serves as a testament to the resilience of its founders, Janet Wu and Erin Wold, and their commitment to redefining the fashion industry’s approach to sustainability and consumerism. Despite the challenges and setbacks, SilkRoll’s continued success highlights the power of perseverance, adaptability, and a strong vision.
What’s the net worth of SilkRoll?
When SilkRoll made its Shark Tank debut, the company was valued at $8.33 million approximately. The evaluation is predicated on the potential and market demand for the brand.
Similarly, SilkRoll’s yearly income has been rising gradually. Shark Tank has presented obstacles, but the business has proven it can expand and turn a healthy profit.
By allowing users to recycle unwanted clothing in exchange for points that can be used to buy new things, SilkRoll has further demonstrated its commitment to make fashion more environmentally friendly.
Is SilkRoll still in business?
Yes SilkRoll is still in business, and its brand is now well-known throughout the fashion resale industry.
The websites of the brands claim that NBC News, Nylon, and HuffPost have all written about SilkRoll.
The founder of the company, Janet Wu, has also drawn a lot of attention to the brand. Because of Wu’s continuous and creative work for her brand, the production team Bone + Gold reached out to interview her.
The business is doing remarkably well. On its website, it states that they saved 19,711 pounds of textile waste from being thrown away between January 2023 and January 2024. By reselling stuff instead of buying new clothes, they also saved 7,490,068 gallons of water.
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What is Silkroll?
SilkRoll is a pioneering online platform designed to revolutionize the way women engage with their closets. It operates on a point-based fashion trade exchange system, enabling users to trade their underutilized clothing items for new ones. This innovative approach not only encourages sustainability by promoting second-hand fashion but also offers women a practical solution to refresh their wardrobes without the guilt or clutter.
What's the net worth of Silkroll?
When SilkRoll made its Shark Tank debut, the company was valued at $8.33 million approximately. The evaluation is predicated on the potential and market demand for the brand.