Kate Stice Stewart ’04 and Bauble Stockings Secure Shark Tank Deal

A beloved alumni-owned business made a national splash this week when Bauble Stockings, founded and owned by Kate Stice Stewart '04, appeared on ABC's hit TV show Shark Tank on Wednesday, Dec. 10. Ms. Stewart shared about her mission-driven company that produces miniature needlepoint stockings and, after fielding questions about sales, margins and future plans, received and accepted an offer from investor Barbara Corcoran, securing a partnership that marks a major milestone for the growing company.

"I am still floating...Barbara has always believed in women-owned businesses. Standing there in front of her, hearing her believe in me and in Bauble Stockings, was one of the most surreal moments of my life. I've applied for 7 years!" Ms. Stewart shared, reflecting on the experience. "She believes this tradition can grow. She believes Bauble Stockings is going to be something big. I cannot wait for this adventure."

Bauble Stockings grew out of Ms. Stewart’s own family tradition of placing the most special, final gift of Christmas Eve inside a small needlepoint stocking. Since launching the business in 2018, she has built a collection of heirloom-quality designs that help families create meaningful holiday moments year after year.

A commitment to ethical production remains at the heart of the company. Bauble Stockings has donated nearly $150k to nonprofits since its founding, and each stocking is hand-stitched by artisans in Haiti, offering fair-wage jobs and dependable opportunities for women and their families. That team has grown from just 82 stitchers to more than 1,000.

"So many jobs are needed in Haiti and there is so much we can do in the community," Ms. Stewart said. "We want to help people keep their kids in school. Things are tough in Haiti right now, and the way out of poverty is education."

Since graduating from HIES in 2004, Ms. Stewart has remained an active member of the alumni community, serving two terms on the Alumni Advisory Board and returning to campus often to share her entrepreneurial experience with students through the PEAK Leadership Institute. She was honored with the Distinguished Alumni Award in 2022, and credits her time as a Golden Bear for helping spark her curiosity and confidence. Many of her fellow Golden Bears were in attendance at Ms. Stewart's watch party when the episode aired. 

"HIES appreciated me for my talents while encouraging me to do anything I wanted to try...I’m proud to carry the lessons I learned at HIES with me, and I hope my journey reminds students that big things can grow from small beginnings when you listen to your gut, ignore the people who 'don’t get it', always follow up and remember: no doesn’t always mean no – it just means not right now."

Please join us in congratulating Ms. Stewart and Bauble Stockings on this exciting new chapter!