For many women, the simple act of using the restroom while wearing a wet one-piece swimsuit can be a frustrating ordeal. Unlike men, who can easily manage with swim trunks, women often have to wrestle with tight, damp fabric, making the process cumbersome and uncomfortable. This common issue sparked inspiration in Elyce Billany during a vacation in Jamaica.
After repeatedly struggling with her swimsuit, she envisioned a design that would allow for easier bathroom access without compromising style. This idea led to the creation of Byoot Swimwear, a line of women’s swimsuits featuring side buttons for convenience.
Elyce, along with her husband Nathan, brought their innovative concept to Season 12, Episode 14 of Shark Tank, seeking $50,000 in exchange for 30% equity in their company. Their goal was to find a partner who could assist with marketing and sizing strategies to expand their business.
Despite initial skepticism from some Sharks due to low sales figures, guest Shark Kendra Scott saw potential in their product and offered a $50,000 loan at 10% interest, along with 5% equity. The couple accepted her offer, marking a significant milestone for Byoot Swimwear.
Byoot Swimmer Net Worth Shark Tank Update 2025
Elyce was looking for an investment of $50k in exchange for 30% equity in the company. At the time of the episode, she valued her company at around $166k. Elyce successfully secured a deal with Kendra for a $50k loan at 10% interest, along with 5% equity in the company. The investment adjusted the company’s net worth to around $1 million. After the show was aired, Byoot Swimwear saw a big increase in website traffic, sales, and social media exposure. As per my rough estimate, the current net worth of Byoot Swimwear is around $50k.
Elyce’s inspiration for the Byoot Suit came during a vacation in Jamaica, where she experienced firsthand the inconvenience of removing a wet swimsuit to use the restroom. Determined to find a solution, she began sketching designs for a swimsuit that combined style with practicality. Upon returning home, she collaborated with a manufacturer in New York to bring her vision to life.
The result was a one-piece swimsuit with strategically placed side buttons, allowing for easy removal without compromising on aesthetics.
In the early stages, the couple faced challenges, including limited sales and the need to educate consumers about their innovative design. They also had to navigate the complexities of manufacturing and marketing a new product. Despite these hurdles, their appearance on “Shark Tank” provided a platform to showcase their product to a wider audience.
Queries + Shark’s Responses, and Final Deal
During their pitch, the Sharks raised several questions:
Kevin O’Leary Expressed concerns about the business’s scalability and profitability, ultimately deciding not to invest.
Barbara Corcoran: Felt that the swimwear industry wasn’t the right fit for her investment portfolio and opted out.
Lori Greiner: While acknowledging the product’s uniqueness, she didn’t see it aligning with her investment strategy and declined to invest.
Mark Cuban: Suggested focusing on the virtual fitting aspect of the business, but chose not to invest.
Kendra Scott: Recognized the potential in the product and offered a $50,000 loan with 10% interest and 5% equity, which the couple accepted.
Product Availability
As of today, Byoot Swimwear’s products are available in limited quantities on their website, with some sizes and styles sold out. The swimsuits, made of 86% nylon and 14% spandex, are designed for comfort and quick drying. Prices range from $59 to $120, depending on the design. The company does not appear to have a significant retail presence outside of its online store.
What Happened To The Byoot Swimmer After Shark Tank?
Post-Shark Tank, Byoot Swimwear experienced a surge in interest, leading to increased website traffic and sales. However, they faced challenges in scaling production to meet demand. A subsequent Kickstarter campaign aimed at expanding their product line fell short, raising only $1,622 of the $35,000 goal. This shortfall suggested potential difficulties in sustaining growth and may have impacted the finalization of the deal with Kendra Scott.
Despite these setbacks, the company introduced new products, including a line of bikinis and face masks. They also offered virtual fittings to enhance the customer experience. However, today, the company’s focus appears to have shifted. The website rebranded to “Byoot Company,” emphasizing pitch coaching and motivational speaking, with Elyce and Nathan offering guidance on business presentations.
Elyce also took on a role as Director of Marketing at a bank, where she launched initiatives like “Bank Tank,” helping aspiring entrepreneurs pitch their ideas.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Byoot Swimwear’s journey from a simple idea to a featured product on “Shark Tank” highlights the challenges and opportunities of entrepreneurship. While the company faced obstacles in scaling and sustaining growth, the founders’ adaptability led them to explore new avenues, including business coaching and motivational speaking. Their experience underscores the importance of resilience and flexibility in the entrepreneurial landscape.
Hey, I’m Amna Habib, an undergraduate student pursuing a Bachelor’s in Business Administration. Shark Tank has always been one of my favorite TV shows because it offers a unique glimpse into the world of entrepreneurship. The way entrepreneurs present innovative solutions to everyday problems aligns with my academic interests and fuels my curiosity about business strategies. Each pitch showcases creativity and strategic decision-making, which I find both insightful and inspiring. Watching the show has deepened my passion for business and motivated me to explore the world of entrepreneurship even further. Beyond business and writing, I love food, shopping, and spending time with my friends and family.
