When I started my company, my wife and I were in our 20s. Ten years later, we've made over $250 million in sales.

Tate Stock started his company with his now-wife, Hannah.

Courtesy of Tate Stock

• Tate Stock, with his wife Hannah, founded Chirp, a wellness company.
• He started the business with $450, consisting of PVC pipe and yoga mats.
• He's turned down multiple investors, including one from "Shark Tank."

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Tate Stock, founder of Chirp. It has been edited for length and clarity.

Back in 2015, I was doing laundry...