Allison Ellsworth didn’t just start a soda company—she sparked a wellness revolution, redefined an entire industry, and proved that purpose-driven entrepreneurship can change the world. Her journey from a Texas kitchen to a $1.95 billion acquisition by PepsiCo is a modern-day fairytale rooted in grit, love, and an unshakable vision.
And this is exactly why the world should know Allison Ellsworth—and why we at Women’s Entrepreneurship Day Organization (WEDO) are proud to honor her story.
From Texas Roots to National Impact
Born in Colorado and raised in Texas, Allison was influenced early on by her entrepreneurial family and the fierce independence of the Lone Star State. Her upbringing instilled in her a strong work ethic, a desire to solve problems, and a passion for doing things differently.
After earning a degree in sociology from the University of North Texas, Allison started a career in the oil and gas industry—an environment far removed from her future as a wellness pioneer. But long work trips and a poor diet took a toll on her health. Searching for a natural remedy, she turned to apple cider vinegar (ACV)—a centuries-old tonic known for its gut health benefits.
The taste? Nearly unbearable. But Allison wasn’t about to give up.
A Kitchen, A Mason Jar, and a Mission
In 2015, Allison began experimenting in her Dallas kitchen—blending ACV with sparkling water and fruit juice to create something both healthy and delicious. Her husband, Stephen Ellsworth, an entrepreneur himself, immediately believed in her vision. He supported her every step of the way, becoming her co-founder and partner not only in business but in life. Together, they launched Mother Beverage at local farmers markets.
Their homemade health tonic quickly gained attention, including from a buyer at Whole Foods.
Shark Tank, a Baby, and a Bold Leap
In 2018, Allison and Stephen appeared on Shark Tank. She was nine months pregnant, delivering both a pitch and a baby within days of each other. Their bold idea, supported by their undeniable passion, landed them a $400,000 investment from branding mogul Rohan Oza—an expert behind Vitaminwater and Bai.
With that momentum, the Ellsworths rebranded their company as Poppi—complete with vibrant packaging and a mission to make gut health mainstream.
The Rise of Poppi: Built on Family, Heart, and Strategy
Poppi became more than a beverage. It became a cultural force. With Stephen behind the scenes and Allison at the helm, they embraced social media, particularly TikTok, to educate, entertain, and inspire. Poppi exploded into the spotlight, especially among Gen Z and health-conscious millennials.
To support this rapid growth, Allison made a bold move: she hired beverage industry veteran Jeff Rubenstein as Poppi’s CEO. With experience from Vita Coco and WTRMLN WTR, Jeff brought operational rigor and scale-up expertise. Under his leadership, Poppi expanded to over 20,000 retail locations and became one of the fastest-growing functional sodas in America.
Allison’s ability to balance vision with strategy, family with leadership, and authenticity with scale made Poppi unstoppable.
A $1.95 Billion Milestone—and a Global Message
In March 2025, PepsiCo acquired Poppi for $1.95 billion, recognizing its innovation, brand power, and health-forward mission. It was a historic exit—but for Allison, it was never just about the money. It was about showing what’s possible when women lead with vision, values, and bold determination.
Why Allison’s Story Matters to Women Everywhere
Allison’s story is a blueprint for impact:
- She took a deeply personal problem and created a global solution
- She built her company with her husband by her side, showing the power of partnership
- She led with authenticity, wellness, and innovation
- She brought in the right people at the right time—and never lost sight of her mission
Poppi isn’t just a drink—it’s a story of transformation.
Meet Allison. Empower Women. Join Us.
If you’re inspired by Allison Ellsworth’s journey and want to make a difference for disadvantaged women entrepreneurs around the world, join us on November 14 at the United Nations for the Women’s Entrepreneurship Day Summit #WEDO2025.
Together, we celebrate women like Allison—and ignite pathways for millions more to follow in her footsteps.
👉 Be part of the global movement.
Visit www.joinwedo.org to get involved.
