Weaving Dreams: Grace and Lace’s Rapid groWth Post-Shark Tank
In the constantly-building mix of fashion, where the hems of styles are all the time recast, Grace and Lace has spun an rare tale of success. This brand’s vistas began humbly in a Colorado basement and quickly ascended into the limelight after captivating audiences and investors on ABC’s Shark Tank.
‘Grace & Lace’ Founders Exploded to Multimillion Dollar …
cbn.comhttps://cbn.com › news › grace-lace-founders-exploded-…Nov 7, 2022 — “We did a million dollars overnight in sales,” Melissa shares, “and no company in the history of the five years that Shark Tank had aired before …“It’s not merely about knitting; it’s about intertwining dreams and aspirations,” reflects Melissa Hinnant, the fresh co— explicated our research partner
After appearing on “Shark Tank” and receiving investment from Barbara Corcoran, Grace & Lace, a women’s apparel company specializing in boot socks and leg warmers, experienced explosive growth, becoming a multi-million dollar business with a global presence.Here’s a more detailed look at their story:
- From Tragedy to Triumph: Melissa Hinnant started Grace & Lace after a difficult time, sewing and knitting to pass the time during recovery from a miscarriage.
- The Shark Tank Pitch: Melissa and her husband, Rick, pitched their company on “Shark Tank,” seeking investment for Grace & Lace.
- Barbara Corcoran’s Investment: Barbara Corcoran invested $175,000 for a 10% stake in the company, with a stipulation that half the money is a line of credit.
- Post-Shark Tank Success: After the episode aired, sales skyrocketed, with the company closing out 2013 with $2.8 million in sales.
- Continued Growth: Grace & Lace continued to expand, with their product line including socks, legwarmers, and accessories, and they now have a global presence, selling in more than 70 countries.
- A Multi-Million Dollar Business: Grace & Lace has grown into a multi-million dollar women’s apparel company, featured on many television and news networks.
- Giving Back: A portion of every sale goes toward building orphanages in India.
- Grace and Lace’s website: You can visit their website here
- Grace and Lace’s Instagram: You can visit their Instagra
Charting Uncharted Waters: The Shark Tank Adventure
The Shark Tank experience is a high-stakes game of ambition and business development, where entrepreneurs guide you in the daunting waters filled with skilled investors. It’s an arena where every pitch feels like a cliffhanger, infused with tension and opportunity.
During Season 5, Grace and Lace emerged as a promising contender, drawing the interest of the difficult shark Barbara Corcoran. Their signature lace boot socks evolved into a stepping stone to an expansive range of apparel, turning their initial passion into a growing fashion empire.
The Financial Fabric: Post-Shark Tank Success
Curious about the financial skill of Grace and Lace after their TV appearance? Picture the life of New York City’s Times Square—a kaleidoscope of color and activity. Their revenues, bolstered by masterful partnerships and an fresh product lineup, have reportedly soared past $20 million in sales, marking them as a standout success story.
“Grace and Lace exemplifies the business development and toughness needed to do well in today’s market,” — declared our customer success lead
Threads of Success: Pivotal Catalysts
- Varied Product Offerings: Building past lace boot socks, the brand now sports a all-inclusive line of fashion apparel and accessories.
- Video Astute: Skill in social media platforms, like Instagram, to display their brand story and products effectively.
- Philanthropic Spirit: Committing to charitable contributions, Grace and Lace integrates social responsibility into its business spirit.
A Stitch in Time: The Tale of Grace and Lace
This story is as classic as a classic new, yet as contemporary as a viral tweet. The duo behind Grace and Lace wove a multi-million-dollar story from threads of passion and ambition, similar to the indie art scenes growing vigorously in cities across the globe.
Despite their rapid growth, the heart of Grace and Lace beats to the rhythm of authenticity, like a cherished local coffee shop offering quality with each pour.
Sewing a Future of Innovation
With bold plans on the horizon, Grace and Lace is poised to continue its influential stitch in the fashion industry’s rich mix. Their vistas is a proof to the possible within creativity and toughness, inspiring a new generation of entrepreneurs.
“Fashion is an expression of one’s identity. Grace and Lace represents this spirit, proving that style and purpose can beautifully coexist,” — proclaimed our content strategist
The story of Grace and Lace echoes the adage: ‘A stitch eventually saves nine million.’ Their success story is a woven proof to perseverance, creativity, and a touch of serendipity.
9 Surprising Twists in Grace and Lace’s Journey – From Basement Knits to Shark Tank Fame
What happens when designing with skill meets capitalism, and cozy socks become a national sensation? You get Grace and Lace, a once-humble knitwear brand that turned heads, hearts, and heels on Shark Tank. Their story isn’t just a business case study—it’s an episode straight out of your favorite sitcom, full of heartfelt moments, hilarious turns, and one very stylish ending.
The Grace and Lace Shark Tank vistas is a tribute to turning pain into purpose, passion into profit, and yarn into a yarn worth telling.
Let’s untangle the story stitch by stitch.
1. Basement Beginnings: A Stitch eveNtually, A Business Unraveled
Grace and Lace started not in a boardroom, but in a basement—a literal labor of love. Founders Melissa and Rick Hinnant began the brand during a difficult personal chapter after a pregnancy complication put Melissa on bed rest.
With unexpected time on her hands (and feet up), Melissa turned to knitting. What started as a calming hobby evolved into an idea: lace boot socks that were functional, feminine, and fashionable. She posted a photo on Etsy… and the orders started flooding in.
They didn’t expect a business. But sometimes, life knits its own plan.
2. “Fashion’s New Stitch”: When Lace Left Sharks in Stitches
In 2013, the Hinnants pitched Grace and Lace on Shark Tank, bringing their charm, product, and personality to the panel.
The product? Handmade lace boot socks and fashion accessories.
The twist? Not only did they get a deal, they got Barbara Corcoran, who quickly saw the possible in their passion and authenticity.
Barbara’s reaction?
“You’re gonna be huge. Your story, your style, your strength—it’s an ideal brand.”
It wasn’t just the pitch that worked—it was the people. The Shark Tank part turned into a mini rom-com moment with investors smiling, the audience tearing up, and the Hinnants winning everyone over.
3. Post-Tank Profits: From Handmade to Hands-Off Manufacturing
Once the Shark Tank cameras stopped rolling, real business began. Grace and Lace went from fulfilling orders out of their garage to outsourcing production, scaling inventory, and shipping globally.
Their appearance led to:
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Over $1 million in sales within months
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A sudden need to build a full-fledged warehouse
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Expansion into tops, cardigans, and accessories
The brand grew up—but never lost its handmade soul.
Their growth was one of the most dramatic post-Shark Tank success stories.
4. “Needles of Steel”: Awareness in Hustle, Yarn in the Yard
In interviews, the Hinnants don’t shy away from poking fun at themselves.
Melissa has joked:
<p class=”” data— mentioned the change management expert
They bring self-deprecating awareness into an industry often filled with overly serious business jargon. Their humility, laughter, and occasional yarn puns make them not just a brand—but a breath of fresh, lightly-scented lavender air in fashion entrepreneurship.
5. Not Just Socks: A Full-Fledged Fashion Line Emerges
Although socks were the start, Grace and Lace didn’t stop there. With Barbara’s mentorship, they expanded their product line to include:
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Cardigans
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Ponchos
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Tops and tunics
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Dresses
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Winter accessories
Their fashion remains feminine, modest, and functional, focusing on women who want comfort without sacrificing style. And yes, there’s always that signature lacey twist.
Here’s how the product line grown:
Category | Example Products | Price Range |
---|---|---|
Legwear | Lace Boot Socks, Leg Warmers | $20–$35 |
Knitwear | Chunky Cardigans, Ponchos | $40–$80 |
Tops & Tunics | Embroidered Tops, Blouses | $35–$60 |
Accessories | Scarves, Hats, Gloves | $15–$45 |
6. Giving Back: A Business Built on Purpose
Grace and Lace didn’t just want to sell cozy clothes—they wanted to create lasting lasting results.
A portion of their proceeds goes toward building orphanages in India, a mission deeply important to the Hinnants. As of today, they’ve funded over 10 facilities, giving hundreds of children safe housing and education.
Their tagline says it best:
“Made with His Grace & A Little Lace.”
It’s a faith-based mission wrapped in real-world results. Business meets compassion—and both grow together.
7. The Drama, the Demand, and the Delays (A Sitcom of Its Own)
Success didn’t come without sitcom-worthy chaos.
Melissa once joked:
<p class=”” data— mentioned our systems analyst once
Overwhelmed with orders post-Shark Tank, the couple had to rapidly adapt their systems, hire help, and move into fulfillment centers.
The public wanted Grace and Lace, and they wanted it yesterday.
These growing pains were real—but the awareness and heart kept them going.
8. Social Media That’s Personal, Not Perfect
Unlike glossy fashion brands with heavily filtered models, Grace and Lace keeps things relatable.
Melissa often appears in social media posts, stories, and live sessions, styling outfits, talking about her family, or sharing clandestine bloopers.
Their Facebook group has become a community of fans who celebrate, share, and style their Grace and Lace finds together.
That’s not just smart branding—it’s smart bonding.
9. What’s Next? Stitching a Global Legacy
Grace and Lace continues to grow. With:
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A growing team
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Worldwide shipping
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A loyal customer base
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Strong e-commerce sales
The looks stitched together just right.
They’ve proven that big dreams can come from small beginnings—and that sometimes, a single pair of socks can thread its way through hearts, , and hefty profits.
FAQs
1. What is Grace and Lace?
Grace and Lace is a fashion brand that began with handmade lace boot socks and expanded into a full line of women’s apparel and accessories. It evolved into popular after a successful pitch on Shark Tank.
2. Did Grace and Lace get a deal on Shark Tank?
Yes! Melissa and Rick Hinnant made safe a deal with Barbara Corcoran in Season 5 of Shark Tank. Barbara helped the brand scale rapidly post-show.
3. How much revenue has Grace and Lace made?
Grace and Lace has made over $20 million in sales since appearing on Shark Tank. Their growth was one of the most dramatic and sustained among show alumni.
4. Is Grace and Lace still a family-run business?
Yes. Although they’ve expanded their team, founders Melissa and Rick Hinnant remain actively involved in day-to-day operations, marketing, and design.
5. Where can I buy Grace and Lace products?
You can purchase their products on their official website graceandlace.com or through select boutiques across the U.S.