I built a $2,000,000,000 business on vibes

In this episode, Alison Kahn, co-founder of Poppy, shares the incredible journey of her brand which sold for $2 billion, illustrating the challenges and triumphs of entrepreneurship. Starting from a personal need for healthier beverages, she developed Poppy from its original concept, Mother Beverage, into a recognized soda alternative, focusing on health and flavor. Alison emphasizes the significance of timing during the pandemic when health became a priority for many consumers.

A key highlight is the brand's innovative use of TikTok, where Alison engaged with audiences through fun and relatable videos, helping to propel their growth from $3 million in the first year to a massive scale by the fourth year. She explains how they prioritized brand awareness, focusing not just on revenue but on establishing a connection with consumers that resonates with emotional experiences tied to soda. Alison offers insights on maintaining authenticity and the necessity of adapting to consumer feedback.

The episode also delves into the process of selling the company. Alison narrates the negotiations with Pepsi, explaining how the valuation evolved as their revenues increased and positioning themselves strategically to encourage acquisition. She shares lessons learned about maintaining focus on brand integrity and making data-driven decisions while remaining open to customer needs. Furthermore, Alison discusses life post-sale, the importance of family, and how creating fun experiences fuels success rather than detracts from it.

The conversation wraps up with her vision for future projects, hinting at her next entrepreneurial venture without revealing too much, while also reinforcing the significance of being serious about success without losing the sense of fun.