Alina Morse – ZolliPops: Healthy Candy?

Alina Morse at the young age of seven had a spark of an idea as she was walking from the bank with her father.   She had been told many a time by her parents that sugar was bad for her teeth so naturally after being offered a lollipop she declined it asking, “Why can’t we make a lollipop that’s delicious and good for your teeth?” 

After many experiments and failed attempts the sugar-free combination of natural sweeteners xylitol and erythritol yielded the result she was looking for.  Soon ZolliPops was born selling suckers that taste good and are good for your teeth! Next, they got their first retailer, Whole Foods.  The idea of having a healthy alternative for lollipops perfectly fit the business model as a product Whole Foods wanted.  Her youth became her unique opportunity as many TV broadcasts wanted her on their show.  So, Alina Morse with the help of her parents decided to go on many TV broad casts.  Early on she mainly stuck with premade responses but as she got more practice she became well versed in more spontaneous answers that flowed well. 

Alina Morse was even able to get Kroger to adopt her product as a retailer.  She jokingly lamented that even though her product was featured on the bottom shelf, it had recently been moved to the next to the bottom shelf. This showed her knowledge of how marketing works in retail stores.  The biggest money makers and popular products are put at eye level of shopping customers. However in 2018, ZolliPops had a whopping $6 million in retail sales proving the value of her product.  ZolliPops has given 10% of its profits to its own founded charity, Million Smiles Initiative, that educates students about entrepreneurship and dental health. 

ZolliPops had to overcome some obstacles as it expanded to selling its products in other counties such as overseas in Asia.  As the overwhelming heat of summer on the sea during shipping caused the candy to melt.  Now, however Zollipops are impervious to melting during shipping and the company as a whole is prepared should they face another problem sailing in on the horizon.  A problem is not just a threat to the business but can also be a challenge to improve and an opportunity to do something you never would have done otherwise. 

Her passion for wanting to enjoy the delicious things in life yet finding a way to create a way to make it healthy at the same time is such a testament that thinking outside of the box is a great way to find opportunities.  Through the help of Alina’s father and support from her mother she went far.  The MEDC company guided Zollipops in market research, process development, and recruiting strategies and ZolliPops received coaching from Edward Lowe Foundation.  Through this I learned that I can do great things through the support of many others who help me and believe in the vision I am trying to create. 

Now 20 year old Alina is still the CEO of Zollipops. Even through running her business, doing school, and having her friends, she continues to value her social life and strives to give balance so she can make her Zollipop and eat it too.