Poppi’s success story is a perfect example of a business turnaround. Before it became the colorful prebiotic soda brand everyone knows today, Poppi started as Mother, an apple cider vinegar drink created by husband-and-wife founders Allison and Stephen Ellsworth. When they appeared on Shark Tank in 2018, the product had potential, but the branding felt too old-fashioned and niche.

The major turning point came when branding expert Rohan Oza saw a bigger opportunity. Instead of changing the product itself, the team changed how people saw it. Mother became Poppi, the glass bottles were replaced with bright cans, the vintage-style logo became bold and modern, and the product was repositioned from an “apple cider vinegar beverage” to a prebiotic soda.

That shift changed everything. Poppi went from feeling like a health remedy to becoming a fun, trendy soda alternative for younger consumers. Social media, especially TikTok, helped push the brand even further. One authentic video from founder Allison Ellsworth reportedly generated $100,000 in sales in 24 hours.

Poppi’s turnaround shows that sometimes the product is not the problem. The real issue may be the name, packaging, audience, or story. By rebranding with the customer in mind, Poppi transformed from a niche wellness drink into a major player in the functional beverage market.

Turnaround Thursday Lesson:
A failed or overlooked idea can still become a success when the brand finds the right positioning, audience, and story.