"Dream come true" — Shark Tank entrepreneur Sanya Richards-Ross reflects on her experience

Shark Tank (image via ABC)
Shark Tank (Image via ABC)

Shark Tank continues to give entrepreneurs a platform to showcase their products and secure major investments. The show features business owners presenting innovative ideas, hoping to strike a deal with one of the Sharks.

Olympian and entrepreneur Sanya Richards-Ross is among many business owners who would tell you that they have benefited from the exposure on the show. She introduced her Coordinates matching pajama sets in Season 16, and saw immediate success. “The Shark Tank effect is real,” she told Us Weekly on January 1, 2025, adding:

“We sold almost 70 percent of our inventory in 48 hours. It was a dream come true.”

Many other entrepreneurs have shared similar experiences, highlighting how appearing on the show has helped them grow their businesses.


Shark Tank: Experiences shared by different entrepreneurs

1) MOSH protein bars

Patrick Schwarzenegger, co-founder of MOSH, introduced the company’s protein bars on Shark Tank to promote brain health. He told Us Weekly:

“Shark Tank was an incredible opportunity to share MOSH’s mission with millions of people who care about brain health as much as we do.”

The brand has since expanded, offering more products to meet growing demand.


2) Little Saints

Megan Klein’s Little Saints offers zero-sugar non-alcoholic cocktails infused with functional ingredients like lion’s mane mushroom. Despite passing on offers from Rashaun Williams and Kevin O’Leary, Klein has continued to grow her business. She told Us Weekly:

“No one wants to stop drinking while they socialize, so they’re going to be looking to drink things without alcohol or sugar, and with functional ingredients.”

3) Coordinates

Sanya Richards-Ross and her husband Aaron Ross launched Coordinates, a sleepwear and lifestyle brand. After securing a deal with Robert Herjavec, the brand gained momentum, especially during the holiday season. Sharing that they have “exciting new collections coming in 2025,” Richards-Ross told Us Weekly:

“Our inspirational collection, the one that Robert fell in love with on ‘Shark Tank,’ will always be a staple part of our brand.”

4) FOAM Coolers

Chad Lee and David Kittle created FOAM Coolers, a lightweight and durable cooler made from EVA foam. Their appearance on the show helped expand their business, leading to availability in select Target stores. The founders shared on Instagram in November 2024:

“We set out to create a lightweight, floating cooler that’s perfect for your adventures, and because of you, that dream is thriving."

5) Sugardoh

Sugardoh offers an all-natural, compostable at-home sugaring kit for hair removal. While founder Aliyah Marandiz did not receive an offer, the company gained recognition when Ulta Beauty named it one of the Black-owned brands of the year, Us Weekly reports The exposure from the series helped boost its visibility among consumers.


6) HYPD Footwear

Cheng Kue and Marc Herzberger introduced HYPD Footwear, a company specializing in custom and licensed slides. Their slides are interchangeable, allowing customers to switch designs easily. The brand has capitalized on the attention from the reality show, continuing to offer customizable footwear options.


7) Let Them Eat Candles

Loree Sandler and Bob Michelson presented their edible chocolate candles on Shark Tank. These candles, available in dark and milk chocolate flavors, add a sweet twist to birthday celebrations. The unique product gained interest from consumers looking for creative party accessories.


8) BucketGolf

BucketGolf simplifies golf by turning it into a backyard-friendly game. Created by Tyler and Jen Simmons, the product offers an easy-to-set-up experience for all ages. Their pitch on Shark Tank helped introduce the game to a wider audience.


9) NineteenTwenty Clothing

NineteenTwenty Clothing offers outerwear that transforms into bags, blankets, and pillows. The company continues to release new designs, with a drop planned for January, according to Us Weekly. Their pitch on Shark Tank showcased their innovative approach to functional fashion.


10) Genius Litter

Ramon Van Meer introduced Genius Litter, a cat litter with silica crystals that change color when detecting impurities in a cat’s urine. This feature helps pet owners monitor their cat’s health. For every bag sold, the company donates food for 10 shelter cats. The exposure from the show has helped the brand expand its reach among pet owners.


Shark Tank airs every Friday at 8/7c.

Edited by Vinayak Chakravorty
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