Here's a fun Shark Tank arc: Allison Ellsworth first appeared on the show as an entrepreneur pitching her prebiotic soda brand, and now she's sitting on the other side of the table as a guest shark. Not a lot of people can say that.
She co-founded Poppi after experimenting with apple cider vinegar drinks in her kitchen. The whole thing started because she was dealing with gut health issues and wanted something that actually tasted good. What began as a farmers market product eventually turned into one of the fastest growing beverage brands in the country. You've probably seen the colorful cans in just about every grocery store at this point.
Before Poppi, Ellsworth went to the University of North Texas and worked corporate jobs. The pivot to building a consumer brand from scratch was a huge leap, but the timing was perfect. The better-for-you soda category basically exploded, and Poppi was right there at the front of it.
On Shark Tank, Allison brings a perspective that most of the other sharks don't have. She's been on that stage pitching her own company, she knows what it feels like, and she built a CPG brand from literally nothing to nationwide retail distribution. When someone walks in with a food or beverage product, she understands the challenges in a way that only someone who's lived through it can.
Key things to know:
- Co-founded Poppi, one of the fastest growing prebiotic soda brands
- Went from pitching on Shark Tank to investing on Shark Tank
- Grew the brand from farmers market sales to nationwide retail
- Leads brand and creative strategy for Poppi as Chief Brand Officer