Let’s kill the myth up front: most Shark Tank deals never close, and tons of founders get their fifteen minutes of fame, then flame out. But every now and thWooblesen, a team comes in and flips the script. Enter The Woobles—a crochet kit company that made amigurumi not just cool but actually addictive. They didn’t just get a deal; they rewrote how you play the old hobby, new hustle game.
Who Are The Woobles, and Why Should You Care?
Forget potholders and grandma vibes. The Woobles, founded by Justine Tiu and Adrian Zhang, is about making learning crochet so fun people can’t put it down. They built a business on the simple but powerful premise that confidence comes from learning—especially when you start with something cute, not boring.
You might think crochet kits are a dusty niche. The Woobles proves it’s a massive white space. They took a craft that felt intimidating and old-fashioned, turned it into a movement, and got millions hooked—literally and figuratively.
Meet the Grinders Behind the Kits
Justine Tiu and Adrian Zhang took what most people would call cute and made it bankable. Here’s what you need to know about them:
- Both left stable, respectable careers to chase this oddly specific vision.
- They started with a $200 side hustle—think: ramen budgets, long nights, all-in risk.
- Their motivation wasn’t to let’s sell yarn. It was let’s help people learn, feel good, and finish things they’re proud of.
- By the time they hit Shark Tank, they’d built a business that most crafters dream about but never pull off.
This isn’t a founder story about inheriting grandma’s shop. This is classic sweat equity, no shortcuts.
Inside the Shark Tank Pitch: What Really Happened
Here’s where things get real. Justine and Adrian strode onto Shark Tank’s Season 14, Episode 2, with guts and numbers: $250,000 for a 5% stake. That’s a whopping $5 million valuation right out of the gate.
Most founders flinch, get tongue-tied, or crumble when grilled. These two didn’t. The sharks came at them hard:
- How do you fight Amazon copycats?
- What’s stopping someone from just ripping off your YouTube tutorials?
- Why are people buying these—not just once, but again and again?
Every answer was tight. They didn’t oversell, didn’t hand out smoke. They brought receipts: $5.3 million in revenue before ever meeting a Shark. That made even the cynical ones sit up.
Here’s the thing—too many founders walk in with an idea. These two walked in with a machine. That’s what gets respect in the tank.
The Woobles Net Worth and Revenue—No Spin, Just Numbers
If you’re reading SharkWorth or tracking real Shark Tank stats, you want the actual money story. Here’s what counts:
- Pre-Tank Revenue: $5.3 million. Not projected, not over four years—we’re talking recent, real, banked.
- Original Valuation: $5 million. They played it just right—brave, but not insane.
- Final Deal: Lori Greiner and Mark Cuban coughed up $450,000 for 6%. That’s a higher stake, but also bigger backing and more cash.
Did they lose some equity? Sure. But you know what I’ve seen? Founders who protect every percent rarely get game-changing partners. These two played to win.
Breaking Down The Woobles Product: Why This Works
Let’s cut through the corporate claims. Why do people love The Woobles and not some random hobby kit off Etsy?
- Each kit has everything: yarn, stuffing, a crochet hook, plus can’t-fail video tutorials.
- Step-by-step guides assume you know nothing. As in, never even held a crochet hook level.
- Left-handed? Not a problem. Unique tutorials just for you.
- Adorable, collectible styles—Pierre the Penguin, Felix the Fox, Fred the Dino. Each has a fanbase.
But here’s what’s genius: these kits aren’t just products. They’re entry points. People post their finished Woobles, brag, compete, share. The Woobles made finishing easy and addictive—so one kit becomes five, then ten.
It’s Scrub Daddy, but for crafters: simple upgrade, smart branding, endless repeat buys.
Pushing for the Deal: How They Got the Sharks to Bite
Here’s the blow-by-blow. The sharks liked the product, but they loved the data. Lori Greiner and Mark Cuban teamed up—a rare sight, but when it happens, you know something big’s brewing.
Negotiation was a masterclass. The Woobles got double their ask: $450K for 6%. Why? Because Lori saw the retail explosion potential, while Cuban clocked the online subscription and community angle.
You could see they weren’t just buying a crochet kit. They were betting on a brand—and a movement.
I’ve seen plenty of founders freeze when the sharks push for more equity. Justine and Adrian stood their ground, budged a little, and walked away with two of the best partners in the Tank. No rookie mistakes.
What Happened After Shark Tank? Real Growth, Not Just TV Fame
Here’s what most Shark Tank fans miss: the real work starts when the cameras stop. I’ve seen winners tank sales and losers build empires off the publicity alone.
The Woobles? They took the prime-time hit and turned it into six-figure days. Their website exploded—new customers, bigger buzz, and a TON of follow-up orders.
They scaled up fast. The extra funding didn’t just pad bank accounts—it fueled new kit launches, website upgrades, more staff, inventory bulking.
And they didn’t go wide and thin. Instead, they deepened that beginner focus: more accessible tutorials, new character designs, and support for total newbies.
Here’s the money detail: They didn’t lose their edge. Quality stayed high, branding stayed tight, and the doable, lovable, finish it and brag message never wavered.
Where The Woobles Stand Now
Are Justine and Adrian still at the wheel? Absolutely. They lead a bigger, sharper team, still obsessed with the original mission—giving new crocheters fast wins and real confidence.
What’s different? More kits, a broader product line, and smarter use of that Shark Tank network. Think partnerships, events, and possible retail inroads.
The business keeps its heart, even as it grows. You still buy directly from The Woobles’ site, but now you’ll spot them across more online platforms and, rumor has it, they’re testing retail placement. Smart scaling—no brand dilution.
On SharkWorth’s latest check, The Woobles’ net worth is on a steady climb, pulled up by a loyal following and repeat buyers. This isn’t just a one-and-done TV spike. It’s sustainable, compounding growth—not as rare as you think, but way harder to pull off.
Lessons from The Woobles Playbook: What to Steal (and Watch Out For)
So why did The Woobles win when so many cute ideas flop? Simple.
- They solved a real pain (beginner’s fear, fear of quitting).
- They focused fanatically on user success, not just sales.
- They built a community—people want to show off what they’ve made.
- They kept the business defensible: killer branding, pro-level tutorials, and unique character designs that are hard to knock off.
Here’s the flip side: this kind of product can be copied fast if you get lazy. You must stay ahead—better content, new styles, constant fan engagement.
If you’re running your own startup, you should steal the Woobles’ focus on new user wins and share-able results. But don’t get cocky. The market loves you—until it doesn’t.
My take? The Woobles story is half classic startup grind, half lesson in making uncool cool again. It’s proof that you can turn any craft, any niche, into a seven-figure juggernaut if you know how to hustle and stay real.
FAQs
1. Are The Woobles still in business after Shark Tank?
Yes, The Woobles is still thriving post-Shark Tank, scaling up with more kits and a stronger brand than ever.
2. Did Lori Greiner and Mark Cuban actually close on their deal with The Woobles?
Reports say both sharks followed through. If there’s ever a change, we’ll hear about it—SharkWorth keeps tabs on these!
3. What is The Woobles’ net worth today?
After Shark Tank, expert estimates put it well above the $5 million mark, thanks to booming sales and wider appeal.
4. Where can I buy The Woobles crochet kits?
Directly through their official website for the best selection, or on Amazon for extra convenience.
5. Do The Woobles make all their sales online, or are they available in stores?
Most sales are online, but they’re exploring select store partnerships and pop-ups. Watch this space.
6. Are their kits beginner-friendly even for people who have never touched a crochet hook?
Absolutely. The entire premise is zero-experience required. Even the most un-crafty folks can finish these.
7. How did the Shark Tank appearance impact their sales?
Sales surged immediately post-episode and have continued strong. The Shark Tank bump was real and lasting for these two.
8. What have the founders done differently since landing the deal?
They’ve launched new kits, built out their team, invested in better tutorials, and scaled smarter—not just bigger.
In the end, The Woobles is still a case study in running a lean, fun, sticky business with real staying power. That’s a Shark Tank win worth watching—for entrepreneurs, crafters, and anyone who loves seeing big dreams get real traction.
