If you ride a motorcycle and actually care about fashion, you probably get the usual safety warnings. For years, riders pretty much had to pick between looking stylish and being safe, especially women. That’s what Arlene Battishill and Desiree Estrada noticed before they started GoGo Gear, a company mixing style with serious safety equipment for motorcycle and scooter riders.
GoGo Gear isn’t your typical “biker jacket” brand. These clothes look like something you could wear straight to a coffee shop or work meeting, but they have things like Kevlar lining and reflectors built in. At a glance, it’s boutique streetwear, but underneath, it’s protective riding gear. It started out aimed mostly at women, but pretty soon, they had men’s lines, too.
Their Time on Shark Tank
Back in 2012, GoGo Gear made its pitch on Season 3, Episode 6 of *Shark Tank*. The two founders asked for $300,000 in exchange for 15% of the company. That’s a $2 million valuation, which is a pretty aggressive number for a specialty apparel business at the time.
The pitch itself was straightforward. The sharks liked the look — definitely trendier than the usual armored jackets or vests. But immediately, they questioned how big the market was and how GoGo Gear planned to stand out in a pretty tough industry. Manufacturing, marketing, and scaling up all came under scrutiny.
Negotiations were tense. Eventually, Daymond John — who has a background in fashion and retail — offered them the $300,000 they wanted, but for 65% of the company. That changed their valuation from $2 million to around $461,000. Battishill and Estrada accepted the deal on air, figuring Daymond’s experience could open up important channels and that just getting the investment might help them break through.
Deal Fallout: Why the Money Didn’t Actually Arrive
Here’s where it gets interesting. After the show aired, the actual financial deal with Daymond John didn’t go through. No money actually changed hands. As plenty of fans have learned, not all Shark Tank deals close once cameras stop rolling.
The real reason? Both sides agreed that it just wasn’t the right time to ramp up production and pile on investment. The economy was shaky back then and retail, in particular, was a tough place to be. So, the big cash infusion never came, and Daymond John stepped back from an ownership role. Instead, he offered advice as an informal mentor when the founders needed it.
Rather than folding, Arlene and Desiree kept things lean. They slowed down their manufacturing rather than risk growing too quickly into a market that was tightening up. Their strategy: keep going and keep learning, but don’t overextend. Some people might have seen this as a missed opportunity, but given the wider economic climate at the time, it was a practical call.
Growth After Shark Tank Exposure
Even without Daymond’s check, the exposure from Shark Tank gave GoGo Gear a real boost. TV coverage like that doesn’t come around for niche startups very often, and it drove a spike in customer interest and orders.
GoGo Gear focused on what set it apart: its clothing looked like stylish, everyday apparel but met real motorcycle safety standards, thanks to things like Kevlar backing, CE armor pockets, and reflective trim. Motorcyclists — especially women — started raving about having gear they could wear both on and off their bikes.
The loyal customer base kept growing, partly by word of mouth and partly by good reviews in rider forums and trade shows. Instead of flooding big-box retailers, GoGo Gear stayed close to its customers and focused on direct sales and select partners.
By October 2023, GoGo Gear reported around $3 million in annual revenues. Over its time in business, some estimates say they’ve topped $7 million in total sales. That’s not in the Nike stratosphere, but for an independent brand in a super-specialized market, it’s a solid success.
What Kept the Business Going?
Any business in niche fashion is going to hit rough patches, and GoGo Gear was no exception. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in early 2020, apparel companies everywhere took a hit, especially in California, where the shutdowns were long and strict.
The founders made a tough call: they publicly stated they would stop drawing salaries for a while. This allowed them to keep all their resources focused on keeping production and sales humming, even when outside orders slowed or retail partners had to shut their doors.
One thing that really helped them stay afloat during the pandemic was their strong online presence. They already had experience selling direct, so they didn’t have to overhaul their business model as much as many other brands. They also kept up regular social media communication, letting their customers know what was happening behind the scenes. That honesty made a difference.
Their approach to resilience wasn’t fancy — it was practical. Keep overhead as low as possible, make the absolute most of every sale, go all-in on their own website, and wait out the worst of the storm.
GoGo Gear Today: Status Update for 2024
What’s GoGo Gear up to now? The company is still making stylish, protective motorcycle clothes for men and women. Its gear is sold directly to consumers via its website and appears in a few select motorcycle shops. GoGo Gear also regularly posts on Instagram and Facebook, showing off both new collections and real customers wearing their jackets, pants, and hoodies.
By late 2023, the reports pegged GoGo Gear’s annual sales around $3 million, with lifelong sales climbing past $7 million overall. Forecasts for 2025 put the company’s net worth somewhere in the $1.2 million to $7 million range. It’s grown roughly 10% a year, which is pretty solid for a small consumer brand in a relatively limited market. The founders are still involved in the day-to-day and have said they plan to keep expanding into new styles and markets where they see fit.
Some recent moves: they’ve added gear for men, updated fabrics, and tried limited edition runs based on rider feedback. Nothing overly flashy, but steady and consistent. The company has also continued to partner with select motorcycle safety initiatives and women’s riding clubs, staying true to its roots.
If you want to dig into more small business stories, check out Read My Business for more updates like this.
Key Facts: GoGo Gear’s Shark Tank Episode and Progress
Here’s a cheat sheet if you’re following along — simple table, quick facts:
| Item | Details |
|————————|——————————————————-|
| Episode | Season 3, Episode 6 |
| Ask | $300,000 for 15% equity |
| Accepted Offer | $300,000 for 65% equity (on air) |
| Daymond John’s Role | Adviser only, no financial investment post-show |
| Current Status | Still in business, expanding, strong direct sales |
| Recent Annual Revenue | Estimated $3M (2023); lifetime revenue $7M+ |
| Estimated Net Worth | $1.19M–$7M (2025 estimates) |
Remember, the big TV deal never actually closed, but GoGo Gear still found a way to grow after Shark Tank. The show’s visibility can be as valuable as an investment for some companies, especially when the story and product are solid.
In Perspective: GoGo Gear’s Business Journey
So, on paper, GoGo Gear’s Shark Tank story might not sound headline-worthy. They agreed to give up control for Daymond’s money, but that deal fizzled out. Still, the business didn’t collapse. It just got scrappier.
Arlene Battishill and Desiree Estrada listened, adjusted, and didn’t let a missed investment spell the end. Instead of chasing every retail deal, they focused on building a dedicated audience and making sure their products genuinely fit rider needs.
Their fans trust them to get the details right, and they haven’t lost sight of who they serve. The company’s journey, bumps and all, shows that there are lots of ways for smart, determined founders to keep moving forward — even if Plan A doesn’t pan out. No drama, no overnight success — just steady work and a commitment to real-world riders. For motorcycle enthusiasts and small brand founders, it’s a pretty good example to have.
