Quick Shark Tank Update on JAM the Label
- Founders: Emma Clegg and Molly Rogers, experienced Occupational Therapists with over 18 years of combined experience in the disability sector.
- Shark Tank Appearance: October 30, 2024, on Shark Tank Australia.
- Product Line: Adaptive clothing featuring magnetic buttons and side zippers designed for individuals with disabilities.
- Achievements: Featured in Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar, walked the Australian Fashion Week runway, and collaborated with artists and models from the disability community.
JAM the Label, co-founded by Emma Clegg and Molly Rogers, emerged from a passion for empowering individuals with disabilities.
Working as occupational therapists and disability support workers, Emma and Molly discovered a glaring lack of functional yet stylish clothing options for their clients, Jack and Maddie, who both have cerebral palsy.
Their frustration sparked a bold idea:
“If we can’t adapt the way someone gets dressed, we need to adapt the clothing.”
The brand debuted in 2019. It offered thoughtfully designed adaptive clothing like magnetic-button shirts and side-zip pants.
“We measure success not by how much money we make but how much we help others,” the founders said.
This emphasized their mission to balance affordability and dignity. With increasing recognition and a growing product line, JAM the Label continues to redefine inclusive fashion.
JAM the Label Journey Before Shark Tank
Emma and Molly’s experience in disability care illuminated the gap in adaptive clothing. Their early designs were inspired by real-world challenges.
“We promote self-expression, independence, and dignity by providing stylish, accessible fashion opportunities for all,” they stated. This reflected their focus on universal design principles.
JAM’s milestones included:
- Founding the company in 2019 after working with Jack and Maddie, who inspired the name JAM.
- Showcasing at Australian Fashion Week, with models like Digby and Juttima.
- Gaining features in renowned publications such as Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar.
Emma and Molly’s vision is also rooted in collaboration. “We act with compassion, put the other person first in our thinking, and always go the extra step to make their day brighter,” they shared. This showcases their community-driven approach.
Shark Tank Pitch Recap
On October 30, 2024, JAM the Label entered Shark Tank Australia, seeking $100,000 for a 10% stake to scale their business. Accompanied by models Digby and Juttima, they demonstrated their innovative products. These included a linen shirt with magnetic buttons and pants with side zippers.
The pitch wasn’t just about the products but also the ethos. When the Sharks suggested pricing should be higher, the founders firmly countered:
“I don’t think it’d be fair for someone who, just because they have difficulty with buttons, to then have to pay three times the price. People with disabilities should have the same amount of options and the same ability to go out and buy a shirt, just like I can.”
After rigorous questioning, Maxine Horne offered $100,000 for a 50% stake, emphasizing her belief in the brand’s potential. “I’m going to whip them into shape,” Maxine declared confidently. Emma and Molly accepted the deal. They saw her as the perfect partner to help scale their mission.
JAM the Label Shark Tank Update
The Shark Tank appearance marked a turning point for JAM the Label. “As soon as we received Maxine’s offer, it was like a huge wave of relief washed over us,” the founders shared.
They reflected on the nerve-wracking yet rewarding experience.
Post-show achievements include:
- Significant traffic spikes on their website. This led to increased sales.
- Expanding their product line to include new adaptive fashion items.
- Continued media coverage, further spotlighting their innovative work.
“It felt like another example of adaptive clothing and the disability community being considered on such a large, mainstream platform,” Emma and Molly noted.
They emphasized the broader impact of their Shark Tank journey.
Future Plans
Looking ahead, JAM the Label aims to revolutionize the mainstream fashion industry by normalizing adaptive clothing. “Our vision is to transform the mainstream fashion industry to include people with disabilities,” they shared. This signals their commitment to inclusivity.
Future strategies include:
- Expanding the product range to meet diverse needs.
- Collaborating with global organizations to promote adaptive fashion awareness.
- Advocating for sustainability while scaling operations.
The brand is determined to continue growing without compromising its core values. “Some problems in the world are too big for us to fix on our own, but we always do what we can to be part of the solution,” they emphasized.
Closing Remarks
JAM the Label’s journey is a shining example of how passion and purpose can drive innovation. From their beginnings as occupational therapists to their Shark Tank triumph, Emma and Molly have shown what’s possible when inclusivity meets creativity.
As they continue to scale new heights, JAM’s mission remains clear. “Everyone has a right to feel cool,” and JAM is here to make that a reality.
Stay tuned as JAM the Label takes the fashion world by storm, one adaptive design at a time.
We’re closely following the company to bring you valuable insights. Stay tuned for the latest updates on JAM the Label!
