A couple was able to secure a $250,000 deal on Shark Tank for their Black-owned virtual bridal company.

Charles and Ashley Young, a married couple, are the creators of a virtual bridal business, Bridal Babes, which specializes in designing bridesmaids' dresses that are body-flattering for curvy Black women. After getting a $250,000 deal on Shark Tank, their Maryland-based company has become one of the speediest growing brands in the wedding industry.

In 2015, when the couple was arranging their wedding, it was difficult to find the ideal gowns that would fit their bridesmaids. The bridesmaids wore curve-hugging dresses that became very popular for being non-traditional and how well they fit. These events motivated the couple to start their own line of bridesmaids' gowns.

After working on the brand for around three years, they launched Bridal Babes, which offers glamorous curve-hugging dresses that are inclusive to all sizes and ages. They focus on designs that are unlike standard and enhance the body types of Black women. Furthermore, they are one of the first to incorporate virtual consultation in the industry.

"We would have a client meet with a stylist and that will really help trim down precisely what the bride wants 'cause we have so many different dresses and so many different styles. But you'll really direct them through the process of picking the perfect style for all the bridesmaids of all shapes, shades, and sizes," Charles told AfroTech.

Subsequently, Bridal Babes observed an increase in their virtual consultations after the couple went to Shark Tank, intending to get $250,000 in return for 10% equity. Ultimately, they bagged a deal when their offer was accepted for 20% equity by Emma Grede, CEO and co-founder of Good American.

"She's really hands-on and digs into all the details with us. As far as exposure, of course, you get the huge uptick in sales that everybody talks about, but also we saw an influx of people coming in through that virtual consultation platform so much so that we had to like release new dates," Ashley said.

Going ahead, the funds they received are being used for the expansion of their inventory, including restocks and new designs, to meet the growing customer demand. They currently also have other bridal attires such as robes and rehearsal dresses, and they plan to integrate more features into their platform.

This news first appeared on blackbusiness.com

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