Tones of Melanin is an apparel brand dedicated to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and is notably the first HBCU brand created by a female HBCU graduate. The brand offers a diverse range of products, including bags, bottoms, outerwear, and skirts, designed for both men and women.
With a focus on the HBCU community, Tones of Melanin aims to provide clothing that allows individuals to feel both comfortable and stylish. The average price of their products ranges from $20 to $100, and customers can purchase items directly from the official website.
Currently, the brand holds licenses for 33 HBCUs and is committed to raising awareness about these institutions through its unique clothing line.
| Company Name | Tones of Melanin | |
| Founder | Ashley Jones | |
| Founded | 2017 | |
| Product | Apparel brand for HBCUs community | |
| Asked For | $300k for 5% equity | |
| Final Deal | $300k for 12% equity | |
| Shark |  Mark Cuban | |
| Episode (Shark Tank USA) | S14 E22 | |
| Air Date | May 19, 2023 | |
| Business Status | In Business | |
| Website | Visit Website | |
| Headquarters | Norfolk, Virginia, United States | |
| Lifetime Worth (Sales) | $3.3M *estimated | |
| Buy and Watch | Buy Now | Amazon Prime |
Another Shark Tank Pitch
Who is The Founder of Tones of Melanin?
Ashley Jones is the founder and CEO of Tones of Melanin, an apparel brand dedicated to the HBCU community. A professional graphic designer, Ashley began her career at the young age of 13, accumulating years of experience in the field.
She established Tones of Melanin with the mission of spreading awareness about HBCUs and providing stylish clothing options for individuals in this community. Her background in graphic design has undoubtedly influenced the brand’s unique and appealing aesthetic.
How Was The Shark Tank Pitch Of ‘Tones of Melanin’?
Ashley Jones entered Shark Tank seeking $300,000 for 5% equity in her apparel brand, Tones of Melanin. During her pitch, she showcased the clothing items, emphasizing their quality materials and design.
The landing cost of a jacket is approximately $28, and it retails for between $56 and $110, depending on the size. To date, Tones of Melanin has achieved impressive sales of $3.3 million, including $1.4 million in the past year and $1.1 million in sales for 2022 alone.
Notably, 75% of their sales come from e-commerce, contributing to a profit of $343,000 this year. After Ashley revealed that they had spent $50,000 on marketing, Mark Cuban offered her $300,000 for 15% equity. In response, Ashley countered with a request for 12% equity.
Finalize: Mark Cuban invests $300k in ‘Tones of Melanin’ for 12% equity.
Tones of Melanin Shark Tank Update
In 2021, Ashley Jones mentioned that Tones of Melanin operated from a 2,400-square-foot warehouse in Virginia Beach, with plans to expand the business shortly after. The brand has received an outpouring of support, as many people congratulated Ashley on the Shark Tank post featured on the brand’s Instagram account.
Tones of Melanin currently holds 40 HBCU licenses and is available at major retailers such as Dick’s Sporting Goods and Belk. During her pitch, Ashley effectively communicated the brand’s vision to the sharks, addressing key topics like revenue and annual sales.
She expressed her intention to expand the company independently, without relying on a third party. We’ll continue to follow Ashley Jones and Tones of Melanin for further updates on their progress.
What is The Net Worth of Tones of Melanin?
The current worth of Tones of Melanin is estimated at $2.5 million. As the first HBCU apparel brand owned by a Black woman, it quickly gained popularity within the Black community shortly after its launch.
Annual Revenue by Years
Note: This report is based on our research and data so far. In this, we are only estimating the annual revenue.
| Years | Annual Revenue |
| 2023 | TBD |
| 2022 | $1.1M *estimated |
| 2021 | $1.4M *estimated |
Funding Reports to Date!
| Years | Funding Amount | Investor |
| May 2023 | $300k | Mark Cuban |
The company’s headquarters is located in Norfolk, Virginia, and according to their LinkedIn profile, it employs between 2 to 10 people.
Yes, Tones of Melanin is still in business as of April 2024.
