Hip Chixs Jeans: What Happened To The Brand After Shark Tank?

When Megan Jackson Stoffer (previously Carreker) and Aimee Urista (formerly Miller) first stepped onto the scene of the "Shark Tank" set, they were looking to break into one of the biggest markets in the business. With their company Hip Chixs Jeans, the two founders were looking to upgrade people's premium high-quality jeans with a comfortable alternative that boasted a stretchy waistband. Another perk was the lightweight denim material made to withstand the Texas heat. By getting rid of some of the common issues with stiff denim jeans, the entrepreneurs wanted to revolutionize the jean market.

Founding their brand back in 2011, Jackson Stoffer and Urista worked to create denim jeans that would give you "the best butt money can buy." Designed in Texas and made in Los Angeles, they hoped the Sharks would favor their American-made premium denim with an investment in their company that would help expand their styles and marketing. However, like many who take the chance on "Shark Tank," it was not a perfect fit.

Although denim jeans are a staple in most people's wardrobes, Hip Chixs Jeans didn't convince the Sharks during their episode in Season 4. Originally, Megan Jackson Stoffer and Aimee Urista went to the Sharks for a $150,000 investment for 35% equity in their company. The two Baylor graduates met as sorority sisters and developed a plan for premium denim jeans that could solve some of the common problems with denim. Jackson Stoffer and Urista's goal was to create jeans that could withstand hot weather conditions while creating a form-fitting silhouette that removes "muffin tops" and waists that reveal underwear when bending over.

As promising as the jeans sounded, the Sharks were less than impressed with the company's sales and future. After further pressing by businessman Kevin O'Leary, the pair revealed they had only $12,000 in sales revenue. With a retail price of $187, the Sharks were concerned with the low-profit margin of the company in such a competitive market. Since the Sharks felt like the pair would need even more than the original $150,000 and had no path forward, Jackson Stoffer and Urista and left "Shark Tank" with none of their planned investment.

Even though the owners couldn't secure their funding with the Sharks, they still looked to gain capital through other methods. Megan Jackson Stoffer and Aimee Urista instead focused their fundraising via Kickstarter, hoping to secure a $50,000 investment by April 2015. They explained these efforts on the fundraising website: "We're a denim company created by eclectic, unconventional women for eclectic, unconventional women ... So, we need some cash to get off the ground. We believe in our product, and we believe our product can revolutionize the way women feel about themselves." However, this fundraising effort fell short of the goal, and the owners could only raise around $19,000 by May 2015.

Despite the setback, Jackson Stoffer and Urista continued advertising their company and hoped to increase their brand awareness via social media. Since their appearance on "Shark Tank," the pair took to their local news stations and press to expand their reach in the Dallas area. In an interview with WFAA, the team revealed their appearance led to a sell-out of their statement product. Regardless of the promising push, Hip Chixs Jeans officially ended in 2019.

The owners behind Hip Chixs Jeans knew that their journey toward investment would be difficult but hoped they would prosper with the publicity the show would give. However, in 2019, Hip Chixs Jeans officially ended their uphill battle to break into the denim jean industry. As the Sharks reiterated to Megan Jackson Stoffer and Aimee Urista, the product must satisfy the customer and come at the right price. With their jeans retailing for around $187, it's easy to see why many customers passed on the product. According to Statista, the average price for women's jeans was around $165 in 2018, making Hip Chixs on the higher end of premium jeans.

Although expensive jeans of higher quality can be great investments, it's not always accessible to everyone. With fast fashion options becoming more sturdy, it's harder to justify a higher price tag. Even though there was no official statement as to why they shut down their business, the highly competitive market was believed to be too much of a hill to climb. Since the closing, both owners have dedicated themselves to different companies, leaving behind their premium jeans journey.

Even though a few Hip Chixs Jeans designs are available on Amazon, the business is no longer running, and the owners have gone in different directions. According to her LinkedIn, co-founder Megan Jackson Stoffer went on to work as a freelance food stylist and photographer for The Fossil Group. As of 2023, she has become a health and wellness coach and an Art Director for the Dallas-based jewelry company The True Gem.

On the other hand, Aimee Urista's journey since Hip Chixs has taken her through the fitness route. After the closing of the company, the co-founder's LinkedIn details that she went on to work for SculptHouse in Dallas, Texas, as a fitness trainer. As of January 2023, she works as a freelance fitness trainer. Although their company may not have prospered as envisioned, both owners have found their path forward differently. Even though they are no longer in business, there's no doubt they have implemented many of their lessons into their present careers.