February 15th 2024.
Haley McClain Hill, a graduate of Penn State and former lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force, recently made a big splash on the popular show Shark Tank. Her appearance resulted in a $150,000 investment that will help propel her brand forward.
During her pitch on the show, Haley introduced her innovative line of body suits made from breathable fabric. These unique suits have been approved by the Pentagon and come in a variety of colors to represent each military branch. Haley's brand, TORCH Warriorwear, is a true labor of love. She was inspired to create a line of undergarments that not only met the high standards of the U.S. military, but also provided a comfortable and functional fit for women's bodies.
"This is my chance to give women in the military the opportunity to wear undergarments that are not only comfortable, but also stylish. They shouldn't have to sacrifice fashion for functionality," Haley explained passionately.
With her business plan in hand, Haley aims to expand her company beyond just the military market. She plans to market her undergarments to police officers, firefighters, EMTs, and healthcare workers as well.
During her presentation, some of the panelists on Shark Tank expressed concern about competition from larger brands and the ability of a small business to meet high customer demands. But one shark, veteran entrepreneur Lori Greiner, saw great potential in Haley's company. She offered $150,000 in exchange for a 25% stake in the business. After some negotiation, they settled on a deal where Lori holds a 22.5% stake in the company.
Haley's pitch was not just about her business, but also about her personal story and inspiration. The 28-year-old entrepreneur shared that her grandmother, Sheila Kehoe, was a 20-year Air Force veteran and her main motivation for joining the military. In fact, the episode ended with Haley calling her grandmother to share the exciting news of the investment.
"It was an incredible experience to represent the women in the military and honor their service," Haley shared in an interview with the Olean Times Herald.
Haley's journey to entrepreneurship started while she was a student at Penn State, where she joined the Reserve Officers Training Corps. During her time in the military, she also pursued her passion for dance and cheerleading. She was a cheerleader for both the Atlanta Falcons and the San Francisco 49ers while stationed at different bases.
After a nine-year career in the military, Haley decided to pursue her dream of becoming an entrepreneur. She founded TORCH Warriorwear, a brand that not only represents her military background, but also her determination to empower others through her products.
Haley's story is a true testament to the resilience and determination of our veterans. She is a shining example of how someone can successfully transition from the battlefield to the boardroom and make a positive impact in the world.
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