Traditional printing techniques aren’t for everyone, especially for people who prefer do-it-yourself (DIY) projects. It might be difficult to come up with original and creative ways to customize clothing and other accessories. They often require pricey equipment and specialized knowledge. A lot of artists want an easy way to transform their ideas into clothes that don’t require a lot of pricey equipment or a high learning experience.
Jesse Genet, the founder of Lumi, had the idea to find a solution to this issue. She created a sun-powered printing kit that lets users use just sunshine to permanently print designs on clothes and accessories. This solution helps a large number of DIY enthusiasts who enjoy doing crafts at home and printing on clothes.
Jesse made an appearance on Shark Tank to raise money for the expansion of Lumi. She was expecting that the sharks would recognize the potential in her sun printing kits. She was seeking $250,000 in exchange for 5% stock. Let’s find out what happened next.
Lumi Sun Printing Net Worth Shark Tank Update 2025
Jesse Genet went on Shark Tank asking for $250,000 for 5% of her company. This meant she thought her business was worth $5,000,000. She did not make a deal with any Shark. The episode was aired on February 13, 2015. The photo printing and packaging brand later pivoted before shutting down in 2024. The current net worth of Lumi is $0 in 2025.
Jesse Genet continued to achieve her business goals after her appearance on Shark Tank. Even though she could not close a deal with the sharks. Lumi unexpectedly moved away from its initial product offering. The company changed its focus from making sun printing kits entirely to offering other brands’ supply chain management software and packaging.
Lumi is still operating in 2024, earning almost $9 million a year. The company’s transformation shows its adaptability and ability to meet the changing demands of customers. Even though Lumi no longer focuses on its initial solar-powered printing kits. The business has developed further and is now successful in an entirely unrelated market.
No, Lumi did not get a deal on Shark Tank. Jesse Genet had to deal with difficult discussions throughout her pitch. Kevin O’Leary, Robert, and Lori offered her the deals, but she rejected all of them.
| Shark(s) name | Offer & Demand | Counteroffer | Accepted? |
| Robert Herjavec | $250,000 for 15% equity | $250,000 for 5% equity + $100,000 loan for 2% equity | No |
| Lori Greiner | 1# Joins Kevin’s offer 2# $250,000as a loan for 8.5% interest + 7% equity | N/A | No |
| Kevin O’Leary and Lori Greiner | 1# $250,000 loan at 8.5% interest + 12.5% equity 2# $250,000 loan with 50% equity. 3# $250,000 as a loan + 8.5% interest + 5% equity | $250,000 for 5% equity + $100,000 loan for 2% equity | No |
| Daymond John | Out | N/A | N/A |
| Mark Cuban | Out | N/A | N/A |
Lumi Sun Printing Shark Tank Pitch
Jesse Genet is, and has always been, a creative businesswoman. She started selling t-shirts at 16 to start her career. Her passion for crafts and coming up with original patterns inspired her to look into innovative techniques for printing designs on fabric. She met Stephan Ango, her business partner, at the Art Centre College of Design in Pasadena.
In the laundry area of their apartment building, they did experiments with sun-activated dyes that were introduced as the basis for Lumi. Their aim was to reduce the need for expensive printing supplies by developing an easy-to-use method to enable anyone to use natural sunlight to create professional-looking prints at home.
During the Shark Tank pitch, Jesse showcased the ease of use and effectiveness of the Lumi solar printing kit. She described how the unique dye creates permanent prints on different fabrics with sunlight. Her presentation. Jesse explained the process starts with taking a photo, which you then upload to the Lumi app for free, which turns it into a “negative” image.
This negative is available at home. People can order a negative image from Lumi and ship it to you for printing. The next step is to select the object that you want to print on, like an old t-shirt. You use the unique sunlight-activated ink or dye from Lumi.
Then, open the packet and put the negative picture on top of the ink-covered cloth. Put the cloth in sunlight for 10 minutes, and you will get the permanent design on the fabric. Along with his amazing sales figures, she earned $1 million in revenue that year. Jesse also disclosed that she reinvested most of his profits in the company.
Kevin O’Leary inquired about Lumi’s difference from other printing services available. Jesse highlighted the do-it-yourself component as his main differentiation, which attracts crafty and artistic people.
Mark Cuban questioned if a specialized product like Lumi’s sun printing kits could find a market if it expands. In response, Jesse discussed the market’s potential for growth in the do-it-yourself sector and the rising demand for personalized goods.
Robert Herjavec complained about the high valuation Jesse was requesting and enquired about Lumi’s financials and profit margins.
Lori Greiner asked if anyone else did this and did she had the patent. She replied she had a patent and nobody had this product in the market.
Kevin O’Leary was fascinated by the product, but he believed the company required a larger amount of funding and a change in leadership. His deals included giving a loan with equity or accepting an important equity position, but Jesse turned them down since she valued the independence of her business.
Lori Greiner was concerned because of the product’s small market and valuation, but she appreciated the product’s creativity. She thought about collaborating with Kevin on a loan arrangement, but she canceled the idea when Jesse refused the conditions.
Robert Herjavec was captivated by the idea but was unconvinced by the high valuation. He offered $250,000 for 15% equity, but Jesse countered with $250,000 for 5% equity + $100,000 loan for 2% equity. Robert rejected her offer.
Mark Cuban immediately withdrew from DIY because he thought that this business was not for him.
Barbara Corcoran clearly decided not to invest as she can not see the potential in the product
What Went Wrong With Lumi Sun Printing On Shark Tank?
Disagreements about the product’s narrow market and value were the main reasons Lumi could not close a transaction on Shark Tank. Given that Jesse’s company was still in its early stages and had a niche product, the high valuation she put on it did not convince the sharks.
The sharks also raised concerns about the sun printing kits’ greater appeal and scalability as well. Even while the DIY market was expanding, some sharks felt it was too limited. Jesse’s options for landing a contract were further constrained by her refusal to accept a loan with connected equity or give up a sizable equity position.
Product Availability
The brand Lumi is still going strong in 2024. Lumi’s sun printing kits are still selling on Amazon, but the brand has discontinued this line of products. Customers could create original designs on fabric with Lumi’s first sun printing kits with the use of a sun-activated dye. On the company’s website, its complete focus is on supply chain management software and packaging on its website. Lumi Sun Printing
Conclusion
Lumi’s experience on Shark Tank serves as evidence of how uncertain business can be. Jesse Genet continued in her efforts despite not being able to make a deal in a shark tank. In the Shark Tank, the entrepreneur presented Lumi and got offers from some sharks, but she rejected all of them. The offers were not according to her requirements.
However, the company showed resilience and creativity by adjusting and taking advantage of new opportunities in a changing market. The DIY element of Lumi’s initial product is still accessible to those who cherish it. We can expect new exciting products from Lumi as Lumi is developing and growing fast.

Hey, I’m Amna Habib an undergraduate student of Bachelors in Business Administration. Shark Tank is one of my favorite TV shows of all time. The show provides a fascinating insight into the world of entrepreneurship by presenting creative solutions to common problems, which strongly connects to my academic interests. I’m interested in learning more about the strategic thinking and creativity that lead these companies as each pitch provides insightful information. I’ve found that watching Shark Tank has inspired my enthusiasm for business and entrepreneurship and has been a very enlightening and motivating experience. Apart from business and writing, I love food, shopping, and hanging out with friends and family. Read more About me.








