Charisse Pasche of Dapper Boi: 5 Important Business Lessons I Learned While Being On Shark Tank

As a part of our series about the ‘5 Important Business Lessons I Learned While Being On Shark Tank’ I had the pleasure of interviewing Charisse Pasche.

Charisse Pasche is the COO and co-founder of Dapper Boi, a body and gender-inclusive apparel line that champions authenticity and confidence. With a background in sales and marketing, Charisse brings a purpose-driven mindset to the brand, ensuring its operational success and social impact. Co-founded in 2015 by her and her wife Vicky Pasche, Dapper Boi’s innovative approach has attracted attention from major national platforms, including Entrepreneur’s Elevator Pitch, CBS Morning News, ABC’s Shark Tank, and the OUT100 2023 list. Additionally, they were highlighted in the award-winning documentary Show Her The Money. Balancing her role as a mother of twin girls and a dynamic leader, Charisse is dedicated to creating a lasting legacy for her family and the brand.

Thank you so much for doing this with us! Our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit more. Can you tell us a bit of the backstory about how you grew up?

I grew up in a tight-knit Filipino-American family, where resilience and hard work were values instilled in me from an early age. My parents immigrated to the U.S. to provide better opportunities for their children, and they taught me the importance of perseverance and resourcefulness. I’m proud that these qualities have shaped how I approach challenges and opportunities today.

Can you share with us the story of the “aha moment” that gave you the idea to start your company?

The idea for Dapper Boi came from a personal pain point. My wife, Vicky, had always struggled to find clothing that fit her body and reflected her style — clothes that were both gender-inclusive and size-inclusive. The frustration hit a peak one day when she couldn’t find even one button-up shirt that made her feel confident. That was the moment we realized this wasn’t just her problem; it was a problem for so many people. That realization sparked the idea for Dapper Boi — a clothing line where everyone can feel seen and confident in what they wear.

Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began leading your company?

One of the most surreal moments was being included on the OUT100 2023 list. Seeing our company recognized alongside other influential LGBTQ+ leaders was a huge honor. It reminded me of why we started Dapper Boi — to make a meaningful impact and help others feel confident in their own skin.

It has been said that our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?

When we started Dapper Boi, we had absolutely no fashion experience, which made even the simplest tasks feel like mountains to climb. One of our first big challenges was finding a manufacturer. Vicky and I naively thought it would be as simple as doing a Google search and making a few calls. But day after day, we hit brick wall after brick wall. We didn’t speak the industry lingo, and many manufacturers either didn’t understand our vision or didn’t believe it was feasible. When we told them we wanted to create gender, size, and body-inclusive clothing with a jeans size range from 26 to 52, it was met with skepticism — or worse, complete dismissal. Some even hung up on us mid-conversation!

Looking back, it’s funny to think about how unprepared we were, but those early struggles taught us invaluable lessons. We learned the importance of perseverance and being resourceful in the face of rejection. It also taught us to refine how we communicated our vision to make it clear and compelling. Eventually, we found a manufacturer who believed in us and our mission, and that partnership was the key to getting Dapper Boi off the ground. The experience reminded us that believing in your vision, even when others don’t, is critical to making it a reality.

Are you working on any exciting new projects now? How do you think that will help people?

Yes! We’re expanding our product line with more essentials, including outerwear and activewear. These pieces aren’t just about style; they’re about functionality and inclusivity — meeting the needs of our diverse customer base. By continuing to innovate, we hope to empower even more people to feel confident and represented in their clothing.

Ok, thank you for all that. Let’s now move to the main part of our interview. Many of us have no idea about the backend process of how to apply and get accepted to be on Shark Tank. Can you tell us the story of how you applied and got accepted? What “hoops” did you have to go through to get there? How did it feel to be accepted?

Applying to Shark Tank began with a simple online application, but the journey that followed was anything but simple. After submitting our application, we were invited to a series of phone interviews where we had to articulate our business model, vision, and growth strategy in detail. Once we made it past that stage, we created a video submission showcasing our story and why we believed Dapper Boi belonged in the tank. This step was nerve-wracking because we knew how critical it was to make a lasting impression. Finally, we pitched to producers, refining our pitch over and over to ensure it was compelling, concise, and impactful. The entire process challenged us to examine every aspect of our business and be prepared to defend it at every turn.

When we received the call saying we’d been selected, it felt surreal. Shark Tank is such an iconic platform, and we knew how competitive it was to get on the show. That moment was a mix of pride and excitement — it validated the hard work we’d poured into Dapper Boi and gave us an incredible opportunity to share our mission with a national audience. It was also humbling to realize that we’d have the chance to represent not only our business but also the broader message of inclusivity and empowerment that drives everything we do.

I’m sure the actual presentation was pretty nerve-wracking. What did you do to calm and steel yourself to do such a great job on the show?

The presentation was definitely nerve-wracking, but preparation was our greatest tool for success. We rehearsed our pitch endlessly, refining every detail and anticipating the tough questions the Sharks might ask. Practicing in front of friends, family, and mirrors helped us not only memorize our pitch but also perfect our delivery. I also drew on my experience in sales and public speaking, which gave me the confidence to communicate clearly and passionately. Each time we practiced, I focused on our mission and the people who would benefit from our message, which helped calm my nerves.

Right before stepping onto the set, I took a moment to breathe deeply and ground myself. I reminded myself why we were there — to represent the values of inclusivity and confidence that Dapper Boi stands for and to amplify the voices of those who often feel overlooked. This perspective helped shift the focus away from fear and onto the opportunity. Walking into that room, I knew we had prepared as much as possible, and no matter what happened, we were there to share something meaningful. That mindset gave me the strength to push through the nerves and deliver our pitch authentically and passionately.

So what was the outcome of your Shark Tank pitch? Were you pleased with the outcome?

The outcome of our Shark Tank pitch didn’t result in a deal, but it was still a tremendous win for us. The exposure opened doors we could never have imagined and amplified our mission to a national audience. It reinforced our belief in the value of Dapper Boi and left us even more determined to grow and prove ourselves.

What made the experience even more incredible was Daymond John offering to mentor us after the show. He shared his contact information and expressed genuine interest in helping us. That kind of support is rare, and we’re so appreciative of the opportunity to learn from someone with his level of expertise. It was a reminder that sometimes the biggest wins aren’t measured in deals but in the relationships and lessons that come from the journey.

What are your “5 Important Business Lessons I Learned While Being On The Shark Tank”? (Please share a story or example for each.)

1. Know Your Numbers:
One of the first questions the Sharks asked us was about our financials — revenue, margins, and customer acquisition costs. Being able to confidently and accurately provide these details showed them we were serious about our business. While they might not have agreed with all our strategies, knowing our numbers helped us maintain credibility and keep the conversation focused on the value of Dapper Boi.

2. Confidence is Key:
Walking into the tank was intimidating, but we knew we had to own the moment. Confidence in our mission and product carried us through the pitch, even when the questions got tough. The Sharks are looking for leaders who believe in their vision, and we made sure our passion for inclusivity and fashion came across in every word.

3. Authenticity Wins:
We stayed true to who we are throughout the process, sharing our journey as entrepreneurs and the heart behind Dapper Boi. The Sharks and audience connected with our genuine story about filling a gap in the market for inclusive clothing. Authenticity not only resonated with them but also with the viewers who reached out to support us after the show.

4. Adaptability is Essential:
When faced with unexpected questions or skepticism, we had to think on our feet and adjust our responses without losing focus on our core message. For example, when a Shark questioned the scalability of our business model, we pivoted the conversation to highlight our community’s loyalty and the growth we’d achieved through grassroots efforts.

5. Exposure is Valuable:
Even though we didn’t land a deal, the platform itself was transformative. The exposure from Shark Tank brought us new customers, partnerships, and opportunities that we couldn’t have accessed otherwise. One highlight was when Daymond John offered to mentor us after the pitch, showing that even without a deal, meaningful connections can be made.

What advice would you give to other leaders to help their team to thrive and avoid burnout?

With such a small team — just the two of us full-time and two part-time employees — Vicky and I have to be very mindful of burnout, both for ourselves and our team. A few weeks ago, we started early planning for our 2025 personal and professional goals and realized that creating balance was essential. We’ve implemented a system where every Sunday, we write out our big to-do list for the week, prioritize tasks, and ensure that both work and personal life have space. This helps us stay focused and organized without feeling overwhelmed.

One significant change we’ve made is declaring Mondays as meeting-free, work-from-home days. This gives us a calm, productive start to the week and allows us to focus on setting ourselves up for success. As a married couple running a business together, communication is absolutely key. We make a point to check in daily, not just about work tasks but also about family plans, ensuring both aspects of our lives are in sync. This intentionality has been a game-changer in maintaining balance and keeping burnout at bay.

You are a person of great influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. :-)

If I could inspire a movement, it would be one focused on radical inclusivity in all aspects of life. From fashion to workplace culture to education, creating spaces where everyone feels seen, valued, and respected has the power to transform lives. Inclusivity is more than just a buzzword — it’s about breaking down barriers, challenging outdated norms, and ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to show up as their authentic selves. This kind of representation fosters confidence and belonging, which can ripple out to create stronger communities and a more equitable world.

In fashion specifically, we’ve seen firsthand how creating inclusive designs can impact people’s confidence and sense of identity. But the idea of inclusivity shouldn’t stop at clothing. Imagine workplaces where diverse voices are not just heard but celebrated, or schools that embrace and teach students from all walks of life to thrive together. Radical inclusivity has the power to reshape society, and I’d love to be part of a movement that champions this vision and helps make it a reality.

Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?

“Resilience is knowing that you are the only one who has the power and responsibility to pick yourself up.”

This quote has been a guiding principle throughout my entrepreneurial journey. Building a business, especially as a small team and in a niche like inclusive fashion, is full of highs and lows. There have been moments of incredible success that felt like the culmination of our hard work, but there have also been times when challenges seemed insurmountable — supply chain delays, financial struggles, and the pressure of juggling a business with personal life as a parent.

What this quote reminds me is that resilience isn’t about avoiding challenges; it’s about facing them head-on and taking ownership of the way forward. No matter how supportive your community or team is, it’s ultimately up to you to pick yourself up, recalibrate, and keep moving. That mindset has helped me turn setbacks into opportunities for growth and has been a key driver in everything we’ve built at Dapper Boi. Resilience has not only shaped me as a leader but also as a wife, mother, and advocate for change.

We are very blessed that some of the biggest names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this if we tag them :-)

If I could share a meal with anyone, it would be Reese Witherspoon. She’s an incredible example of someone who has successfully bridged creativity and business, building an empire that champions storytelling and empowers women. Her production company, Hello Sunshine, has redefined how women’s stories are told, giving life to narratives that are powerful, authentic, and impactful. This mission resonates deeply with me, as it aligns with what we aim to do at Dapper Boi — creating representation and fostering inclusivity through our work.

What I admire most about Reese is her ability to balance multiple roles as an actress, producer, entrepreneur, and advocate, all while staying genuine and passionate. She has revolutionized what it means to be a modern businesswoman, showing that you can be both visionary and pragmatic. I would love to learn from her journey — how she overcomes challenges, stays focused on her goals, and continually innovates in a way that keeps her mission at the forefront. Reese’s ability to transform passion and purpose into meaningful action is something I aspire to, and I believe a conversation with her would inspire me to take Dapper Boi to new heights.

Thank you so much for sharing theses fantastic insights!