Estimated read time: 3-4 minutes
LEHI — "Who got a better deal on 'Shark Tank' — us or the sharks? That's a really good question," said Enso Rings co-founder Aaron Dalley, reflecting on his company's appearance with childhood best friend and co-founder Brighton Jones on the hit ABC show.
The answer isn't as simple as it might seem. To understand it, you first have to know the story behind Enso Rings.
From idea to innovation
Dalley and Jones came up with the idea for Enso Rings after both ran into problems wearing traditional metal rings. Jones nearly lost a finger while rock climbing, and Dalley kept misplacing his expensive wedding bands.
Their solution? A ring made from silicone, which is safer, more comfortable and far less expensive than metal.
The two bought some equipment on eBay and, as Dalley puts it, went "mad scientist" in their workshop. The result was a stylish, durable and affordable silicone ring. Enso Rings was born, and what started as a fun side hustle quickly became something much bigger.
Building a 'force for good'
Sales took off, and the friends soon found themselves dedicating more and more time to the business. From the beginning, they wanted Enso to be more than just a company. They wanted it to be a workplace they'd love as employees and a force for good in the community.
The company name, Enso, comes from a Zen Buddhism symbol representing enlightenment, interconnectedness and strength, drawn with a single brushstroke that forms a circle.
The 'Shark Tank' moment
To help spread the word, Jones pursued an appearance on "Shark Tank," knowing what national exposure could do for the brand. His persistence paid off when Enso was invited to pitch its product to some of America's most famous investors.
But the night before filming didn't go smoothly. "Our props broke … we forgot our lines," Dalley said with a laugh. "But the next morning, we went on the show and it went great."
Their pitch resonated with both the sharks and viewers at home.
"If I could go back and change anything about our experience on 'Shark Tank,' honestly, I wouldn't," Dalley said. "It's part of our story. It set us on the path we're on today."
8 years later: Still growing, still giving
Nearly a decade later, Enso Rings has grown into a thriving Utah-based company generating millions in annual revenue. Its success helped popularize premium silicone rings, bringing them into the mainstream and establishing Enso as a leader in nonmetallic jewelry.
Perhaps even more meaningful is Enso's impact on its community. True to its founding mission, the Lehi-based company regularly engages in service projects, from cleanups to charity drives, and donates a portion of profits to causes that strengthen local communities.
What's next?
The company continues to expand its product line, exploring new forms of comfortable silicone jewelry such as bracelets, necklaces and Apple Watch bands. Enso has also partnered with major brands including Disney, "The Lord of the Rings" and Marvel, creating themed collections that connect customers to the things they love.
Shoppers can visit Enso's retail space attached to its manufacturing facility at 247 S. Millpond Drive, Suite 100, in Lehi to see the products up close.
Who really won on 'Shark Tank'?
So, who got the better deal — Enso or the sharks? The truth is, everyone did.
Enso gained massive national exposure that propelled the brand into a new phase of growth. The sharks got a compelling story and a great product on national television. And perhaps the biggest winners of all are the members of Enso's community, who now benefit from a homegrown company dedicated to being a lasting force for good.
