The Story Behind the Name EllyPop
Ever wonder where the name EllyPop came from? Get the story behind our brand name, straight from co-founders Dr. Amanda and Dr. Jackie, plus a big trademark milestone.
Our Story
EllyPop was inspired in 2017 by Dr. Amanda Watters, while working in pediatric primary care, where she saw a need for gentle, natural hydration options for kids. As a naturopathic doctor, she often suggested homemade herbal tea pops, but knew families needed something easier and ready-made.
Working alongside fellow naturopathic doctors, Dr. Jackie Kirihara, that idea evolved into thoughtfully formulated freezer pops made with organic fruit juice, herbal tea, and essential electrolytes.
In 2025, that vision became a reality with the launch of Wild Cherry and Sweet Peach EllyPop Freezer Pops!
CEO
Dr. Amanda Watters
Dr. Amanda Watters is the Chief Executive Officer at EllyPop and first imagined creating natural electrolyte popsicles for kids when working in a pediatric primary care clinic during residency. She saw first hand how quickly children can get dehydrated, and how important it is for parents to have convenient, healthy options to offer their kiddos.
In addition to wanting new options for hydration, she felt inspired to find creative and delicious new ways to enjoy herbal tea. For generations, grandmothers have been preaching the benefits of sipping a cup of ginger tea to calm an upset tummy, or some chamomile tea to wind down at night, and Dr. Amanda has shared many of these same recommendations with her patients over the years. Working in pediatrics however, she knows many children (and their adults!) who are reluctant to sit down with a hot cup of tea, but will enthusiastically enjoy a freezer pop with the same great botanical benefits.
After sitting with the idea for a few years, she shared the vision with her friend and colleague, Dr. Jackie, and together they committed to making this dream a reality... EllyPop was born!
Outside of her work at EllyPop she maintains a small clinical practice, and also teaches in the Pediatrics course at National University of Natural Medicine. Patient, parent, and provider education is one of her favorite parts of being a doctor, where she spends time ensuring that families continue to gain a greater understanding of how to make positive changes in their lives.
CMO
Dr. Jackie Kirihara
Dr. Jackie Kirihara is the Chief Marketing Officer at EllyPop™. Her passion for inspiring families to think differently about their approach to children’s health started while working with Dr. Amanda Watters while attending her doctorate program. When Dr. Amanda came to her with the idea of a fun, healthy, and approachable hydrating herbal tea for families, Jackie was instantly drawn to the vision, and brought her entrepreneurial spark along for the ride.
Building and nurturing a brand from the ground up through design, personality and sheer determination is a place where Jackie thrives. With the help of her designer husband and business-savvy Dad, she is well equipped to bring the EllyPop business dreams to reality.
Outside of her work at EllyPop, Jackie serves her community as a naturopathic doctor and midwife at an integrative functional medicine clinic in Portland, OR. She is the proud mom of two EllyPop-loving daughters. Dr. Jackie brings energy, heart, and authenticity to everything she does.
Social Media Manager
Lilly Ramalingam
Lilly Ramalingam is the Social Media Manager at EllyPop, where she leads all things social, from curating fresh, fun content to building meaningful digital connections with our community. She has a passion for creative storytelling and loves translating EllyPop’s mission into moments that resonate across platforms. With an eye for trends, design, and strategy, Lilly brings both heart and intention to every campaign!
Her passion for working with children runs deep, rooted in her experience growing up in a family that runs a Montessori school serving preschool through 8th grade in Minnesota. She has worked closely with students as a teacher’s aide and continues to support the school as its Marketing Manager, helping to shape messaging that shows the magic of childhood and the power of education. She’s especially excited to use her background in education and marketing to amplify EllyPop’s story!
Lilly is currently pursuing her MBA with a focus in Marketing, further developing her skills at the intersection of brand building, innovation, and impact.
Women-Owned. Doctor-Created. Family-Focused.
Pop Talk!
We're Featured on Honest Health with Jeffrey Burke!
EllyPop was featured on Honest Health with Jeffrey Burke! Hear from our naturopathic doctor founders and get the story behind our electrolyte pops.
Celebrating Community at the Eastmoreland Fourth of July Parade
EllyPop joined the Eastmoreland Fourth of July Parade in Portland, sharing freezer pop samples, connecting with families, and celebrating community. Learn more and partner with us!
EllyPop Freezer Pops Are Now Available at Cōpow
EllyPop is now available at Cōpow in Idaho. Discover our natural hydration freezer pops made with organic fruit juice, herbal tea blends, and electrolytes.