New York-based beauty start-up company Never Have I Ever received both national attention — and cut a deal — when it made an appearance on Wednesday night’s episode of ABC’s “Shark Tank”.
Susana Chen, cofounder of Never Have I Ever, went on the show to pitch and showcase its art-licensed beauty brand. Alongside cofounder Jess Wu, the Asian-founded brand is looking to redefine the future of the category.
The brand is the first of its kind to utilize an art-licensing model for its beauty accessories, ensuring that creators receive royalties for their work.
With its multiple wear press-on nails, temporary tattoos and tooth gems, Never Have I Ever is embracing wearable art and the “impulse shopping” that’s driven by the new era of social e-commerce and a focus on culture-led beauty identity.
“Never Have I Ever was born from a moment when the world slowed down and reminded us how important connection, creativity and community really are. As a women-founded and women-owned brand, we set out to build something that empowers people to step out of their comfort zones and express themselves boldly,” Chen and Wu told WWD.
The duo shared that their ethos is rooted in self-expression as wearable art, culture-driven discovery and affordable experimentation.
Never Have I Ever
Never Have I Ever reported more than 120,000 units sold in 2025, 2,000 units sold weekly, 4.7 times year-over-year sales, 300 percent year-over-year growth and a foothold in more than 2,000 retail locations nationwide. Nails retail from $18 to $22 per set with 24 pieces.
Past collections include The Met, Miffy and Peanuts and collaborations with artists Lorien Stern, TayBeepBoop and Jade Roland. The brand is stocked at Urban Outfitters, Revolve, Anthropologie, PacSun, Zumiez and Nordstrom alongside cultural institutions such as the Met Museum and MoMA.
“Our accessories are invitations to step out of your comfort zone,” explained Chen. “By partnering with cultural icons like The Met, Miffy and Peanuts, we’re proving that beauty can be both a personal ritual and a pop-culture statement.”
By the end of the segment, Chen walked away securing a deal with Canadian millionaire Kevin O’ Leary for Never Have I Ever with an $150,000 investment for 10 percent of the company and 50 cent/unit loyalty royalty capped at $450,000.
“Our accessories are more than just beauty products, they’re wearable art and invitations to try something new, to be playful, and to be unapologetically yourself. From collaborating with artists to building a community around shared creativity, everything we do is rooted in that spirit of exploration,” concluded Chen and Wu.
