Let’s bust a tired Shark Tank myth: getting a deal on TV isn’t everything. What really counts is carving out a business that brings in cash and keeps the hustle alive after the credits roll.
Enter The Ave, from Shark Tank Season 3. Forget glitzy overnight success — The Ave is about grind, custom kicks, and a founder who knew the customer wanted more than just a t-shirt with a logo. Customization is growing fast, but most players just slap graphics on tees. The Ave brought tech to the street, making custom shoes as easy as ordering coffee. That got the Sharks’ attention. That’s why you should care.
2. The Founder: Nick Romero’s Hustle
Founders matter. Most aren’t built for prime time, but Nick Romero? He’s been in the trenches. You don’t pull off half a million in sales with just a lucky idea.
At the time of his Shark Tank appearance, Nick ran The Ave out of a 470-square-foot Venice Beach shop. He wasn’t some Silicon Valley suit — more streetwise than spreadsheet. He knew the sneakerhead community and what sells in LA. And he understood speed: his custom-print machine made sneakers personal — and fast. That’s a winning instinct in retail, and one I respect.
3. The Pitch: What The Ave Brought to Shark Tank
Let’s break down the pitch. Season 3, Nick asked for $125K for 15% equity. Straightforward, but not cheap. That’s an $833K valuation, and I’ve seen less proven founders ask for more. Bold, but grounded.
The product was custom clothing, shoes, hats, tote bags — you name it. What made The Ave different wasn’t just the swag. Nick rolled out a patent-pending plate system that could custom print shoes in minutes — right there, in front of you. He even demoed it on stage for the Sharks, slapping custom art on sneakers in seconds.
Tech and retail rarely mix this well. Most custom shops need you to wait weeks. This was lightning-fast, retail-to-customer, high-margin. Smart.
4. The Numbers: Sales, Profits, and Net Worth
Let’s look at what really matters: numbers. The Ave wasn’t pitching dreams — Nick had traction. The Venice Beach store pulled in $570,000 in sales and $150,000 profit before hitting Shark Tank. Not bad for one location cranking out art for locals and tourists.
Unit economics? A custom sneaker cost $100 for the customer, with $28 in manufacturing. That’s a fat margin. Nick’s ask? $125K for 15%. That’s a pre-money company valuation of $833,000. Not unicorn dreams — but ambitious. Sometimes, founders anchor too high and scare away Sharks. I’ve seen that kill good deals. Nick wasn’t greedy here. He was selling a working engine, not a vision board.
5. The Deal: Why the Sharks Walked
Now for the raw truth: no Shark bit. None. You see it with founders who bring solid products but complicated execution.
The Sharks liked the tech. No one questioned whether people wanted custom Kicks. But Daymond John, queen bee of retail, pressed hard on scale. He wanted the proprietary machine, not just the store. Barbara, Mark, and Robert all circled but worried about rolling out franchise locations and whether the in-store model would fly outside Venice Beach.
I’ve been in rooms where everyone loves the product but freaks out over expansion. Retail, especially with brick-and-mortar, doesn’t scale easy. The Sharks wanted more assurance on national demand, supply chain, franchisor headaches — all stuff that kills margins quick. Nick’s numbers were solid, but the vision for going big felt risky.
But here’s the thing — a no from the Sharks isn’t a death sentence. Sometimes it’s fuel.
6. Post-Show Moves: What The Ave Did Next
Most people think, No deal? Game over. That’s rookie thinking.
Instead, The Ave stayed in business. Nick kept the machines buzzing and shoes flying out the door. The business found a healthy groove as a local and online custom shop. Sales from individual customers and even celebrities kept flowing. That’s the grind post-Shark Tank: don’t hinge your future on TV drama.
They didn’t open ten stores overnight. No major franchise deals hit the press. But The Ave kept its lane — focusing on high-quality, rapid-turnaround customized products, using technology the big chains still don’t have. A quieter win, but a real one.
7. Current Status: Where The Ave Sits Now
So, what’s up with The Ave in 2025? Are they on every corner? Did the tech take over? Here’s the scoop — they’re still standing, still selling. The shop’s open for business, online orders are still coming in, and people — including big names — still want one-of-one custom gear.
There’s no national expansion or mega-franchise story to tell. The business isn’t a household name, but in the niche world of customized fashion, The Ave is still relevant. The innovation (that signature printing plate) gives them an edge, though plenty of startups have tried similar moves.
No Shark on the cap table, but plenty of loyal fans. That’s not failure. In a world where most small shops close up quickly, survival and solid margins count for a lot.
8. Key Lessons for Entrepreneurs
Every founder, side hustler, or dreamer can learn from The Ave’s path. Here’s what Nick Romero’s story shouts loud and clear:
1. Own Your Niche: Forget chasing mass appeal out of the gate. Win a rabid fan base first, then think big.
2. Tech is a Weapon: A real differentiator — like The Ave’s custom-print plate — keeps you ahead of the clones. Protect it.
3. Mind Your Margins: A $100 custom sneaker that costs $28 to make? That breathing room is what lets you survive and invest.
4. Know When to Scale: Growth is sexy, but scaling too soon or too fast can kill a great shop. The Ave’s slow-and-steady move kept them alive after the Shark swirl wore off.
5. Sharks Aren’t Salvation: A yes on TV is NOT a business model. The smart play: use the exposure, but keep your own plan tight.
6. Stay Scrappy: Did Nick get rich overnight? No. Did he keep his doors open, pay staff, and keep the dream alive? Yes. That’s the playbook.
I’ve seen founders focus too hard on outgrowing the small business label, only to crash. The Ave’s story is proof that mastering your sector and community can be more profitable — and more satisfying — than chasing every Shark for their wallet.
9. Conclusion: The Real Score on The Ave
So, did The Ave make all the right moves? There was no splashy Shark deal. No U.S. mall takeover. But here’s what matters: Nick Romero survived the pitch room and stayed in the fight.
In the end, being niche isn’t a weakness if your customer is loyal and your margins are strong. Tech gave The Ave an edge — but Nick’s hustle, focus, and control over his brand is why this business still pops in 2025.
If you’re chasing your own entrepreneurial break, here’s my take: flashy funding won’t save you. Relentless focus, great product, and keeping your promises to your customers will. The Ave proves it’s not always about the quick flip — sometimes, it’s about building something that lasts.
For more stories — including how other founders turned Shark Tank exposure into steady cash — check out SharkWorth. It’s where the real stories live.
FAQs
1. Is The Ave from Shark Tank still in business?
Yes. The Ave is still operational as of 2025, serving both in-store and online customers.
2. Why did the Sharks pass on The Ave’s deal?
The main reason? Concerns about scaling the retail model nationally and the risk of franchise expansion burning through cash and focus. The tech was strong, but they weren’t sold on the business model’s ability to blow up.
3. How much was The Ave worth during the pitch?
At the time of the Shark Tank pitch, Nick Romero was valuing the business at about $833,000.
4. What makes The Ave’s printing technology different?
It’s their patent-pending sneaker plate — a tech that prints custom art onto shoes in minutes, not weeks, right in-store.
5. Where can you buy The Ave’s custom apparel?
Online through their website and at their physical Venice Beach shop. They handle both walk-in customers and online orders.
6. Did The Ave ever expand or franchise after the show?
No major franchising has been reported. The Ave stuck with its original store, focusing on quality and custom tech.
7. Is Nick Romero still running The Ave?
Yes, Nick Romero is still at the helm, overseeing operations and keeping the business focused.
8. Do celebrities actually use The Ave’s products?
Yes — both celebrities and everyday customers have ordered personalized apparel and custom sneakers through The Ave.
For deeper Shark Tank business breakdowns and no-fluff founder stories, bookmark SharkWorth. That’s where the real Shark Tank game is won (or lost).
