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Ash & Erie: Revolutionizing Fashion for Shorter Men
Ash & Erie, formerly known as Ash & Anvil, is a clothing brand designed specifically for shorter men that appeared on Shark Tank episode 05 of season 09.
Founded by Steven Mazur and Eric Huang, the idea was born out of their struggle to find well-fitting clothes off the rack for men 5’9″ and under.
Ash & Erie is a clothing brand dedicated to providing stylish and well-fitting apparel for men under 5’9″. They offer a wide range of sizes, up to 55, ensuring a perfect fit for shorter men.
Their collection includes jeans, chinos, shirts, and sweaters, all designed from scratch to cater to the specific needs of their target audience.
Ash & Erie emphasizes quality and comfort, making it easier for shorter men to find clothes that actually fit and look great.
With a focus on versatility and modern fashion, Ash & Erie is the go-to brand for shorter men’s clothing.
Despite the plethora of apparel lines catering to large and tall men, the market for shorter men remains significantly underserved.
Recognizing this gap, Steven and Eric decided to take matters into their own hands. They initiated their venture with an IndieGoGo campaign in 2015, successfully raising $26,461—well above their initial target of $10,000.
Initially, Ash & Erie offered only shirts, addressing a common issue for shorter men: finding clothes that aren’t too loose or too long. The high-quality shirts, priced at $79, quickly gained popularity.
Encouraged by this success, the duo expanded their product line to include jeans, which retail for $159 and later added T-shirts, polos, and shorts.
Manufactured in the United States, Ash & Erie’s clothing is crafted from soft, durable materials, ensuring both comfort and longevity.
The brand’s mission is to make shorter men look and feel great in their clothes without the need for costly alterations—a problem often referred to as the “tailor tax.”
Steven and Eric’s journey began while they were working at a digital advertising agency in Detroit, Michigan, as part of the Venture for America fellowship program.
Both had faced the challenge of finding well-fitting clothes their entire lives, which fueled their determination to create a brand that caters specifically to shorter men.
Ash & Erie has resonated with a global audience of shorter men despite the higher price point of their products. The brand’s success is a testament to Steven and Eric’s commitment to providing stylish, well-fitting clothing for a market that has long been overlooked.
Ash and Anvil on Shark Tank: Tailored Success for Shorter Men on Shark Tank
Eric and Steven appeared on Shark Tank seeking an investment of $100,000 in exchange for a 12.5% equity in Ash and Erie.
Eric and Steven kicked off their pitch by discussing the struggles shorter men face when shopping for clothes.
They dramatically ended their presentation by tearing off their shirts to reveal their brand, Ash and Anvil.
To impress the sharks, they handed out perfectly sized samples of Ash and Anvil shirts.
Robert Herjavec asked what they considered “short,” to which they replied, “five feet eight inches or less.”
Daymond John, who stands at 5’8″ himself, humorously measured himself against the entrepreneurs.
Kevin O’Leary wanted to know their sales figures. Eric proudly shared that they had made $130,000 in sales over the past nine months, with each shirt retailing for $79 and costing around $35 to produce.
Steven added that they needed the investment for additional inventory. He emphasized the market potential, noting that about one-third of men in the US are under 5’8″—a target market of over 40 million potential customers.
Robert and Lori Greiner decided to bow out, feeling they weren’t the right fit for the business. Daymond also passed, citing a misalignment with the target market.
The bidding narrowed down to Kevin O’Leary and Mark Cuban. Mark initially offered $150,000 for a 25% stake, but Steven and Eric wanted to hear Kevin’s offer first. Mark refused to wait.
Kevin countered with $100,000 for 15%, which prompted Mark to drop out. Sensing an opportunity, Steven quickly asked if Mark was still interested.
Mark re-entered the negotiation, and they closed the deal at his original offer of $150,000 for 25% equity, leaving Kevin out of the deal.
Final Deal: Mark Cuban agreed to invest $150,000 for 25% equity in Ash and Erie.
Ash & Erie: From Shark Tank Success to a Growing Fashion Brand
Steven and Eric felt a surge of pride as they exited the tank, thrilled to have secured a contract after taking the bold step to accept Kevin’s offer.
Although Mr. Wonderful was disappointed by their decision, he admired the duo’s impressive negotiation skills.
Following their appearance on the series in October 2017, Steven and Eric rebranded their company to Ash & Erie. This move garnered them significant media attention, with features in prominent outlets like CNN, CNBC, Slate, and Bustle.
In November 2017, Ash & Erie participated in the Accelerate Michigan Innovation Competition. They also gained valuable retail experience by setting up a pop-up store in Detroit during the fall of the same year.
By May 2018, Ash & Erie had sold around 11,000 shirts and 1,100 pairs of pants. Their product line has since expanded to include sweaters and chinos.
Mark Cuban, the owner of the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks, played a significant role in bringing 5’3″ retired NBA star Muggsy Bogues on board as an endorser for Ash & Erie.
The company has been proactive in engaging with the community, hosting contests in collaboration with a local Detroit photography studio.
However, they face significant challenges as they strive to carve out a niche in the highly competitive garment industry.
Despite initial plans, the agreement between Mark Cuban and Ash & Erie was never finalized. Instead, Steven and Eric successfully raised funds independently.
The rebranding to Ash & Erie, prompted by trademark concerns from a larger organization, proved to be a strategic move.
By May 2018, just seven months after their debut, they had reached $1 million in sales. A year later, they secured $1.2 million in venture capital funding, and since then, they’ve raised over $5 million.
As of 2024, Ash & Erie generates just over $1 million in annual revenue. Their rebranding from Ash & Anvil to Ash & Erie did not compromise the quality of their products.
The Classic Collection shirts retail for $79 online, while slim-cut jeans with inseams starting at 25 inches are priced at $159.
To stay updated on Ash & Erie’s latest ventures, you can visit their website or follow them on Twitter. Ash & Erie is still in business with an estimated net worth of $1.5 million.
