Allison Ellsworth is an American entrepreneur, inventor, and wellness advocate best known as the co-founder of Poppi, the fast-growing prebiotic soda brand that’s changing how people think about soft drinks. Her journey from an ordinary idea in her Texas kitchen to a multimillion-dollar business is an inspiring story of innovation, perseverance, and purpose.
Early Life and Background
Allison Ellsworth was raised in Texas, where she developed a passion for health and natural living at a young age. She studied environmental science in college, which gave her an understanding of how nutrition and sustainability can impact everyday life.
Before starting her company, she worked in the oil and gas industry — a high-pressure corporate environment that pushed her to seek a healthier, more balanced lifestyle. However, it wasn’t until she faced her own health struggles that her career took a completely new direction.
The Beginning of a Health Revolution
Like many entrepreneurs, Allison Ellsworth’s business idea was born from personal experience. She began suffering from gut health issues, skin problems, and chronic fatigue. Traditional treatments weren’t helping, so she started researching natural remedies.
Her research led her to apple cider vinegar (ACV) — a centuries-old ingredient known for its digestive and detoxifying properties. But the problem was simple: drinking plain ACV tasted awful. Instead of giving up, Ellsworth started experimenting in her kitchen to make it more enjoyable.
By combining apple cider vinegar with fruit juices and sparkling water, she created a refreshing drink that not only tasted great but also supported gut health. What started as a homemade wellness drink would later become a nationwide phenomenon.
From “Mother Beverage” to Poppi
In 2016, Allison and her husband Stephen Ellsworth launched their brand under the name Mother Beverage, inspired by the “mother” enzyme found in raw apple cider vinegar. They sold the drinks at local farmers’ markets in Dallas, Texas, and quickly gained a loyal following.
Their big break came when they appeared on Shark Tank in 2018. The Ellsworths presented their product to the panel of investors, and tech entrepreneur Rohan Oza (known for working with Vitaminwater and Smartwater) saw its potential immediately. He invested $400,000 for a 25% stake in the company — a life-changing moment that helped the business expand nationally.
After the investment, the brand was reimagined and rebranded as Poppi — a shorter, catchier name that reflected the product’s fun, fizzy personality.
(Source: Wikipedia – Poppi (beverage))
What Makes Poppi Different
Poppi is not your typical soda. Each can contains sparkling water, fruit juice, and a small amount of apple cider vinegar — offering a balance between taste and wellness. Unlike most soft drinks loaded with sugar, Poppi has:
- Only 5 grams of sugar or less per can
- Prebiotics that support gut health
- Natural ingredients and clean flavor profiles
Poppi’s slogan, “Be Gut Happy, Be Gut Healthy,” sums up its mission: to make people feel good inside and out.
Under Allison Ellsworth’s leadership, the company positioned itself at the intersection of health, fashion, and lifestyle. Poppi isn’t just a drink; it’s part of a broader wellness culture embraced by young consumers who want better choices without sacrificing fun or flavor.
Poppi’s Explosive Growth
After Shark Tank, Poppi experienced rapid growth. The brand’s sales skyrocketed as it entered national retailers like Target, Whole Foods, Walmart, and Amazon.
A huge part of Poppi’s success has been Allison’s marketing genius. She leveraged social media, especially TikTok, to reach millions of new customers. Poppi became one of the first beverage brands to go viral purely through organic social media buzz, thanks to creative videos and influencer partnerships.
Within a few years, Poppi went from local farmers’ markets to being valued at over $200 million. It’s now one of the fastest-growing functional beverage companies in the United States.
Allison Ellsworth’s Leadership Style
Allison Ellsworth stands out not just as a business founder but as a leader who combines empathy with bold decision-making. She often speaks about the importance of intuition in entrepreneurship — trusting your gut, both literally and figuratively.
Her management style is inclusive, positive, and forward-thinking. She encourages creativity within her team and focuses on building a brand that resonates emotionally with consumers.
Ellsworth’s personal touch is evident in every aspect of Poppi, from product design to brand messaging. The bright, playful cans and vibrant colors reflect her optimistic outlook on health and life.
Challenges Along the Way
Like any startup journey, Poppi’s path to success was not without obstacles. In the early days, the Ellsworths faced financial pressure, production challenges, and skepticism from investors who doubted that a healthy soda could compete in a market dominated by giants like Coca-Cola and Pepsi.
But Allison’s determination never wavered. She often recalls the many nights spent hand-bottling drinks and delivering them herself to stores and markets. Her resilience turned those early struggles into valuable lessons about perseverance and self-belief.
Beyond Business: Advocacy and Inspiration
Allison Ellsworth is not just a CEO — she’s a role model for women entrepreneurs. She frequently speaks about the importance of women leading in business and the need for authenticity in branding.
She’s also an advocate for wellness education and gut health awareness, encouraging people to pay attention to what they consume. Her message is clear: taking small steps toward better health can lead to big changes.
Her story has been featured in major media outlets like Forbes, Bloomberg, and The New York Times, inspiring countless aspiring founders.
Personal Life
Allison runs Poppi alongside her husband, Stephen Ellsworth. Together, they’ve built not only a thriving business but also a partnership based on shared values and a commitment to health. They continue to live in Texas and often share glimpses of their entrepreneurial life on social media.
Outside of work, Allison enjoys fitness, travel, and spending time with her family. Her balanced lifestyle mirrors the very mission of Poppi — to blend joy, health, and purpose.
The Legacy of Allison Ellsworth
Allison Ellsworth’s journey from a kitchen experiment to a beverage empire proves that innovation often starts with personal need and a willingness to take risks. Her success with Poppi shows that consumers are ready for healthier, smarter choices — and that authenticity can drive a brand to the top.
She transformed a centuries-old home remedy into a pop-culture icon. In doing so, she’s become one of the most influential voices in modern wellness and entrepreneurship.
Allison Ellsworth isn’t just a founder — she’s a trailblazer inspiring people everywhere to trust their instincts, follow their passion, and build something that matters.
