

#94 Broke to Billionaire: How to Turn a Sidehustle Into Your Salary | Allison Ellsworth
109 snips Sep 24, 2025
Allison Ellsworth, co-founder of Poppi, transformed her soda brand into a $1.95B success story before its acquisition by Pepsi. She shares her unique transition from oil and gas to beverages sparked by health issues. Discover how TikTok and celebrity partnerships fueled her growth. Allison also discusses mastering investor pitches, navigating challenges as a female CEO, and the pivotal moments leading to her Shark Tank deal. Her journey encapsulates the essence of entrepreneurship, emphasizing the balance of culture, community, and creativity.
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Shark Tank Was A Life Changer
- Allison describes going on Shark Tank nine months pregnant and making a deal that transformed Poppi.
- She credits investor Rohan Oza for seeing her vision and helping scale the brand.
Launching During COVID Forced A Digital Pivot
- Poppi launched in March 2020 during COVID and was forced to go digital-first on Amazon.
- Allison pivoted to TikTok and unhinged creator content which drove early virality.
Use TikTok Relentlessly
- Post content loudly and often on TikTok to win attention; hire creators if you cannot be the face.
- Treat TikTok like a sales channel and prioritize daily organic engagement to unlock virality.