Tutublue Didn’t Get a Deal on Shark Tank but Built a Brand That’s Still Making Waves

What if getting rejected on national TV was actually the best thing that ever happened to your business? That’s exactly what happened to Sarah Buxton, the founder of Tutublue, a stylish sun-protective swimwear brand.

She appeared on Shark Tank in Season 7 with a deeply personal mission: to protect people from skin damage after her own battle with melanoma. Her product was strong, her pitch was heartfelt, but the Sharks passed.

Most entrepreneurs would fade after a moment like that. But not Sarah. In fact, what followed was something more powerful than a deal: a loyal customer base, steady revenue, and a movement built around sun safety.

So what is Tutublue’s net worth today? And how did it quietly grow into a brand that is still making waves without a single Shark on board?

Let’s dive in.

Tutublue Net Worth: What Is It Worth in 2025?

Even without Shark backing, Tutublue is thriving. As of 2025, the company’s estimated net worth is around $1 million.

That might sound low compared to its reported $11 million in revenue from 2023, but here’s why. Tutublue is still a small business, fully owned and operated by its founder. Most of the income is reinvested into manufacturing, materials, and marketing. It operates lean, with a tight-knit team and no outside investors.

How We Calculated Tutublue’s Net Worth

In the case of a private company like Tutublue, where no public financial records are available, we estimated net worth using the following:

• Annual revenue of $11 million
• Typical profit margins for direct-to-consumer apparel (around 10 to 15 percent)
• Small team size (10 to 25 employees)
• USA-based production and logistics
• No venture capital or Shark investment

Based on these factors, a $1 million net worth is a credible, grounded estimate. It reflects the real value left after covering costs, salaries, materials, and operating expenses, not just raw revenue.

The Shark Tank Pitch That Didn’t Land a Bite

In Season 7, Episode 18, Sarah walked into the Tank asking for $200,000 in exchange for 25 percent equity in her sun-safe fashion brand. At the time, Tutublue had only made $4,000 in sales.

Her product? A full-body beach suit made of UPF 50+ fabric, designed to block 98 percent of harmful UV rays. The suits were lightweight, breathable, and stylish, priced around $220 each and manufactured in California.

Despite the emotional pitch and impressive product, the Sharks passed:

• Mark Cuban said it was too early
• Lori Greiner thought it lacked focus
• Kevin O’Leary questioned the pricing strategy

No deal was made, but the exposure was priceless.

RELATED: HOW SHARKS VALUATE A BUSINESS ON SHARK TANK

From Melanoma to Mission: Why Sarah Buxton Created Tutublue

Before becoming an entrepreneur, Sarah Buxton was a TV actress who loved surfing, hiking, and being in the sun. But her life changed after a melanoma scare.

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A post shared by Tutublue (@tutublueca)

She searched for a swimsuit that would protect her skin without relying on sunscreen, but nothing stylish or full-coverage existed. So, she designed one herself. That idea became Tutublue, a brand built around health, protection, and confidence in the sun.

Her suits are more than swimwear. They are wearable reminders that taking care of your skin does not mean giving up fashion or freedom.

RELATED: WHICH HARK HAS MADE THE MOST MONEY FROM SHARK TANK?

Tutublue’s Quiet Growth After Shark Tank

After Shark Tank aired, Sarah didn’t give up. She:

• Expanded the product line to rashguards, leggings, and kidswear
• Focused on direct-to-consumer sales via her website
• Opened distribution in Las Vegas, Miami Beach, and Santa Monica
• Gained traction on social media, especially TikTok and Instagram
• Shifted toward using recycled and eco-conscious materials

Every sale, post, and happy customer helped build the brand’s identity and its bottom line.

Tutublue vs. the Competition

How does Tutublue compare to other sun-protective swimwear brands? Here’s a breakdown:

Brand	UPF Rating	Price Range	Manufacturing Location
Tutublue	50+	$120–$220	California
Coolibar	50+	$60–$160	International
UV Skinz	50+	$30–$120	Asia

Tutublue stands out with founder authenticity, USA-based production, and style-first design. It’s not the cheapest option, but it delivers on both function and fashion.

What Entrepreneurs Can Learn from Tutublue

Sarah Buxton didn’t walk out of the Tank with a check, but she walked away with something more powerful: control over her business and a purpose that people rally behind.

Here are four lessons Shark Tank fans and entrepreneurs can take away:

• You don’t need a Shark if you have a strong mission and a focused niche
• Founders with real stories build trust with loyal customers
• Sustainable growth matters more than instant scale
• Saying no to outside money can be the right move for creative freedom

Final Thoughts

Tutublue’s net worth is estimated at $1 million, but its true value lies in the lives it touches. From parents protecting their kids to cancer survivors finding safe swimwear again, Tutublue isn’t just a business. It is a mission wrapped in fabric.

Sarah Buxton didn’t get a Shark Tank deal, but she created a company that still makes waves and protects skin every single day.