Shivangi Sinha
In recent years, wellness drinks have seen a huge rise in popularity as more people move toward healthier lifestyle choices and pay closer attention to what they include in their diets. From probiotic beverages to low-sugar and functional drinks, consumers are constantly looking for options that support health while still being enjoyable. Even with so many products already on the market, the demand for new and innovative wellness drinks continues to grow, proving that there can never really be enough choices. In ABC’s ‘Shark Tank’ season 17, episode 13, Hot Girl Soda showcased its product with its features and shared the story of how the brand came to be.
Hot Girl Soda: Who Are They and What Do They Do?
Hot Girl Soda was founded by Aarica Griner and Nick Murray. The former studied at the University of Utah, where she earned two Bachelor of Arts degrees, one in Film and Media Arts and another in Strategic Communications. During her time there, from 2017 to 2019, she worked part-time as a Customer Service Representative for the University of Utah Athletics. After graduating, she entered the financial and mortgage sector. In January 2020, she briefly worked as an Account Executive at NextUs Lending, followed by a role as a Loan Processor at La Paz Mortgage from August 2020 to May 2021. Later, she joined Good Home Capital, Inc. as a Business Development Specialist from July 2021 to December 2021. In June 2022, she co-founded Hot Girl Soda and has been working on the company full-time since then.
Her co-founder, Nick Murray, has a strong background in sales and business growth. He graduated from the University of Akron in 2019 with a degree in Sales and Marketing. Nick worked as an Account Executive at Gartner from May 2018 to July 2021 in the Fort Myers, Florida area. In May 2020, he founded Murray Consulting, LLC, which he continues to run. From May 2020 to May 2023, he served as Vice President of Sales at Simple Solar and later, from May 2022 to January 2024, he worked as a Regional Sales Manager at Spartan Solar. The idea for Hot Girl Soda began around 2022 when Aarica was dealing with acne-prone skin and began experimenting with wellness drinks at home. She started mixing aloe vera with fruit juices and sparkling water, creating refreshing beverages she jokingly called her “Hot Girl Drinks.”
At the same time, Aarica and Nick had been discussing the possibility of starting a business together. As wellness drinks continued to grow in popularity, Aarica explored many options on the market but noticed that aloe vera, which she believed had great benefits, was missing from most products. One day, Nick jokingly mentioned the idea of a “Hot Girl Soda” vending machine, and the conversation sparked a bigger idea. They began thinking about turning Aarica’s homemade drinks into a real product. Eventually, the concept developed into a wellness soda brand built around aloe vera and refreshing flavors. The business officially launched in March 2025. Built in California, Hot Girl Soda is a sparkling wellness drink that blends aloe vera with fruit flavors. It is low in sugar, prebiotic and is an overall healthier option made from all-natural ingredients.
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Hot Girl Soda: Where Are They Now?
Hot Girl Soda has quickly gained traction among wellness enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike, thanks to its combination of refreshing flavors, aloe vera benefits, and low-calorie formulation. Customers love the taste, which balances sweetness with a subtle tang, making it both enjoyable and satisfying without feeling heavy or overly sugary. The brand is currently available in four distinct flavors: Passion Fruit Vanilla, Raspberry Lemonade, Blueberry Peach, and Mango Dragon Fruit. Each flavor is sold as a pack of 12 for $32, allowing customers to stock up on their favorite tastes.
For those who want a variety, a 12-pack variety option featuring three of each flavor is also available for $32. Smaller packs are offered as well, including a 4-pack variety containing one of each flavor for $12, making it easy for new customers to try all four flavors. Hot Girl Soda is more than just a beverage. It represents a mentality and a statement of confidence in oneself. This ethos extends to their merchandise line, which has become increasingly popular alongside the drinks. Customers can purchase tote bags for $15 and hats for $19, both featuring the signature Hot Girl Soda logo and brand name.
All of these products are available for purchase on their website, Amazon, and certain other retailers as well. By combining delicious, wellness-focused drinks with a brand that emphasizes self-confidence, positivity, and a healthy lifestyle, Hot Girl Soda has become a product that customers not only enjoy but feel inspired by. Its carefully crafted flavors make it a standout choice in the growing wellness drink market.
