Allison Ellsworth, co-founder of Poppi, has become a shining example of how a home remedy can transform into a billion-dollar brand. Her journey began in her kitchen, where she experimented with gut-healthy drink recipes, including apple cider vinegar, which she found difficult to consume due to its taste. This led her to create a delicious and health-boosting beverage. Along with her husband, Stephen Ellsworth, she launched their homemade concoction at farmers' markets, which quickly gained attention from buyers at Whole Foods.
Born on January 5, 1988, in Wichita Falls, Texas, Allison Ellsworth grew up to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of North Texas in 2009. During her college years, she took a year off to travel and worked multiple jobs, developing her resourcefulness. This skillset would later benefit her in building Poppi. In 2014, Allison married Stephen Ellsworth, and they started their entrepreneurial journey. With a background in the oil and gas industry, Allison's transition to a health-conscious entrepreneur is truly inspiring.
In 2018, the Ellsworths took their fledgling startup, then called Mother Beverage, to Shark Tank, pitching to investors while Allison was nine months pregnant. Businessman Rohan Oza offered $400,000 in exchange for a 25% stake, helping the couple rebrand and reposition their product as a soda. They renamed it Poppi and tweaked their product by adding a little sugar and changing from glass bottles to cans. This rebranding marked a significant turning point for the company.
Poppi's national launch occurred on March 3, 2020, during the first week of Covid lockdowns. With traditional marketing plays off the table, Allison focused on a digital-first approach, leveraging TikTok to promote the brand. In 2021, a viral TikTok post about her Shark Tank experience amassed over 1 million views, resulting in $100,000 in Amazon sales overnight. This momentum helped Poppi reach $500 million in sales in 2024, with cans available in 16 flavors and boasting bold, neon branding.
On May 19, 2025, PepsiCo announced its acquisition of Poppi for $1.95 billion, including $300 million in anticipated cash tax benefits. As a result, Allison Ellsworth's estimated personal net worth now ranges between $100 million and $150 million. According to Forbes, the Ellsworths owned approximately 12% of Poppi at the time of the sale, worth around $150 million post-tax. This acquisition marked the largest exit for a female founder in the beverage industry.
Allison Ellsworth's success with Poppi has not been without challenges. The brand faced a class-action lawsuit that tested its gut health claims. Despite this, Ellsworth remains committed to the brand, agreeing to stay on as a creative adviser. Her journey from kitchen experiments to a $100 million fortune serves as a testament to her determination and innovative spirit.
Today, Allison Ellsworth is a renowned entrepreneur, brand adviser, and investor, residing in Austin, Texas, with her husband and their three sons. Her story has inspired many, and her legacy continues to grow as a prominent figure in the business world. As a Shark Tank alumna, she made history by becoming the first former contestant to return as a guest investor.
Key points
- Allison Ellsworth co-founded Poppi in 2015 with her husband Stephen Ellsworth and sold it to PepsiCo for $1.95 billion in May 2025.
- Ellsworth's estimated personal net worth is now in the range of $100–$150 million.
- Poppi reached $500 million in sales in 2024, with cans available in 16 flavors and celebrity fans, including Olivia Munn and Post Malone.
