How Tanya Wood Built Sunburst Outdoor Living into a $2.6M Brand and What It’s Worth Today

When Tanya Wood stepped onto the Shark Tank Australia stage, she didn’t just bring outdoor cushions. She brought confidence, boldness, and a belief in her brand. With bright, stylish designs made for the harsh Australian sun, her company Sunburst Outdoor Living aimed to shake up a dull patio industry. What followed was a mix of controversy, admiration, and one unforgettable exchange with investor Steve Baxter that turned her pitch into one of the most talked-about moments of the season.

But behind the pitch was a deeper story: a single mother working from her garage, fighting to scale a business in a competitive market. Her journey would see highs of multimillion-dollar revenue and lows of operational shutdown.

Let’s uncover how Tanya built the brand, what really happened after Shark Tank, and the current Sunburst Outdoor Living net worth in 2025.

Sunburst Outdoor Living Net Worth in 2025

At its peak, Sunburst Outdoor Living reported over $2.6 million in revenue across its first four years a major achievement for a brand that started as a solo garage operation. The company stood out by offering over 100 bold, UV-resistant cushion designs that appealed to homeowners, boutique retailers, and even the hospitality industry.

But by 2025, signs of a business wind-down became clear. The official website was taken offline, and the company’s social media pages once active with product updates and customer posts had remained silent since 2020. There were no public records of recent trade activity, and its Australian Business Number (ABN) was officially canceled in February 2025.

While the brand no longer appears to be operating, its earlier financial performance still positions it as a standout among Shark Tank Australia ventures.This sharp rise and eventual decline illustrate the unpredictable nature of running a fast-scaling business, especially when led by a solo founder navigating operations, marketing, and manufacturing alone.

From Local Market Stall to National Spotlight

Tanya Wood’s entrepreneurial journey started humbly. As a mother juggling family responsibilities, she crafted vibrant outdoor cushions that could withstand harsh sunlight and rain something most store-bought options lacked. Working from her garage in Adelaide, she built a grassroots following through local markets and word of mouth.

The breakthrough came in Season 4 of Shark Tank Australia, when Tanya confidently pitched Sunburst Outdoor Living to the Sharks. Her ask was $40,000 for 20% equity. While the Sharks were intrigued by her margins and energy, tension rose when Steve Baxter challenged her tone. It led to one of the show’s most controversial moments.

The Shark Tank Deal and the Drama

Despite the heated exchange with Baxter (who told her to “suck it up like women do”), investor Naomi Simson offered Tanya the full amount: $40,000 for 30% equity. The deal symbolized more than funding. It was a nod to Tanya’s resilience and product vision.

However, it is still unclear if the deal officially closed after the show. Public records and Naomi’s blog do not confirm finalization, and Tanya never made follow-up media rounds promoting the partnership.

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Scaling to $2.6M in Revenue

After Shark Tank aired, Sunburst Outdoor Living experienced a surge. Tanya expanded her distribution through e-commerce, boutique stores, and hotel supply chains. Her cushions, known for bold prints, UV-resistant fabric, and durable design, stood out in an industry filled with bland offerings.

Customers praised the brand’s Australian-made quality and often paid a premium for unique designs not available at big-box retailers. For about four years, Sunburst grew steadily and reportedly hit $2.6 million in revenue according to media features and industry interviews.

Challenges and the Business Wind-Down

But growth came with challenges. Increased competition, manufacturing pressures, and possibly cash flow limitations began to mount. By early 2025, Sunburst Outdoor Living likely shut down. This is indicated by an inactive website and lack of recent social media activity.

What Shark Tank Fans Can Learn

Sunburst Outdoor Living is a perfect case study of what Shark Tank fans love most: grit, drama, success, and real-world consequences. Tanya Wood didn’t just build a product. She built a lifestyle brand with purpose. Even though it ultimately closed, her journey still inspires:

• Practical Lesson: A strong brand and early success don’t guarantee long-term survival. Cash flow and scale matter.
• Emotional Hook: Tanya’s story resonates with solo founders, especially women, who battle stereotypes while chasing dreams.
• Social Currency: The infamous Shark Tank moment still gets shared online. Tanya’s pitch is often discussed in forums for its raw honesty and confrontation.

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Final Thoughts: A Legacy Beyond the Net Worth

Sunburst Outdoor Living may not exist today, but its legacy lives on as one of Shark Tank Australia’s most unforgettable pitches. Tanya Wood proved that with passion, resilience, and a strong product, even a small idea can turn into a multimillion-dollar brand. It may not have lasted forever, but it made a lasting impression.

For Shark Tank fans, her story is a reminder that the biggest wins don’t always come from the final deal. Sometimes they come from the courage to pitch in the first place.