At the Ron Brown Scholar Program, we take immense pride in witnessing our scholars break barriers, redefine industries, and inspire the next generation of leaders. Brittany Coleman, RBS Class of 2009, has done just that with her company, ToughCutie, which recently made a splash on ABC’s Shark Tank—securing a deal with real estate mogul and business powerhouse Barbara Corcoran.
ToughCutie is not just another outdoor apparel brand—it’s a movement. Brittany founded the company with a clear vision: to design high-quality women’s outdoor and lifestyle products that go beyond the outdated industry norm of simply “shrinking and pinking” gear made for men.
Instead, ToughCutie creates performance-driven products tailored for women adventurers, embodying strength, resilience, and authenticity.
With a brand manifesto that champions inclusivity, craftsmanship, and sustainability, ToughCutie is a company that stands for more than just great socks—it represents a shift in how women’s gear is designed and marketed. As Brittany puts it, “We are female, and we are the future, in case you haven’t heard.” This bold ethos was front and center when she stepped onto the Shark Tank stage.
Pitching ToughCutie to the Sharks was pivotal in Brittany’s entrepreneurial journey. Facing the high-pressure environment of the Tank, she showcased her brand’s value, mission, and market potential with confidence and passion. Her hard work and dedication paid off when Barbara Corcoran saw the vision and extended a deal, offering financial investment, invaluable mentorship, and strategic guidance to scale ToughCutie to new heights.
For Brittany, this moment was more than just securing funding—it was the culmination of years of persistence, community support, and a steadfast belief in her mission. Reflecting on the experience, she shared, “The thought of millions of people learning about ToughCutie on national television is WILD! Knowing that this brand I dreamt up in my head will be seen and recognized by millions of people feels like a moment to celebrate—not just for our socks, but for everyone that has ever offered a kind word, purchased a pair, or given us a leg up.”
Brittany’s success on Shark Tank is a testament to the power of vision, grit, and community. We at the Ron Brown Scholar Program celebrate her incredible achievement and can’t wait to see what’s next for ToughCutie.
Stay tuned and follow Brittany’s journey as she continues to disrupt the outdoor industry and empower women adventurers everywhere. Congratulations, Brittany!
