A Star’s Swift Rise Fuels Business Ambition (Image Credits: Unsplash)
New York City – Whitney Leavitt, the 32-year-old reality star from Hulu’s Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, has assumed a top executive role at Cool Sips, a rapidly growing dirty soda chain.[1][2] Known for popularizing customizable soft drinks through social media and television, she now serves as chief creative and brand officer. The move marks a pivotal moment for the Utah-rooted trend as Cool Sips positions itself for broader reach across the East Coast and beyond.
A Star’s Swift Rise Fuels Business Ambition
Leavitt first captured national attention with the 2024 debut of Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, a series that followed young Mormon mothers in Salt Lake City. Cast initially as a potential antagonist, she evolved into a viewer favorite over three seasons.[1] Her on-screen presence, often featuring signature dirty sodas, resonated widely and amplified her influence.
Off the screen, Leavitt built a formidable digital footprint with 3.6 million TikTok followers and 1.9 million on Instagram.[1] She competed on Dancing With the Stars, finishing sixth in a highly rated season, and later delivered a record-breaking Broadway performance as Roxie Hart in Chicago. These achievements honed her entrepreneurial mindset. “There’s a lot of ambitious women in Utah,” Leavitt remarked, reflecting on her roots.[1]
Dirty Soda’s Journey from Utah Hangouts to Mainstream Craze
The dirty soda phenomenon originated in Utah as a creative workaround for Mormons avoiding alcohol, coffee, and tea. Baristas there began doctoring sodas with flavored syrups, creams, and fruit purees, turning simple drinks into personalized treats. Social gatherings revolved around these concoctions, fostering a sense of community.
Hulu’s series thrust the trend into the spotlight, with Leavitt among the cast members showcasing recipes that went viral. Chains like Swig capitalized early, but the concept has since inspired national copycats. Customization remains key: drinkers mix bases like club soda or Diet Coke with add-ins for endless variations. Leavitt emphasized this appeal, noting that “Dirty Soda is all about customization, and that’s really what’s driven its popularity across the country.”[2]
- Soda base: Seltzer, Coke, or Diet Coke
- Syrups: Strawberry, peach, vanilla, or lime
- Creams: Coconut or coffee creamer
- Extras: Fruit purees, boba pearls, or pebble ice
Cool Sips Emerges as the Trend’s Urban Powerhouse
Cool Sips launched in 2024 under serial entrepreneur Andrew Moger, whose portfolio includes Naya and Mighty Quinn’s Barbecue. The chain now operates four Manhattan outposts, with five additional sites slated for opening this year.[1] Moger praised Leavitt’s fit: “Whitney has helped bring Dirty Sodas into the cultural mainstream… her leadership will be instrumental in shaping what comes next.”[1]
In her new position, Leavitt oversees creative direction, brand vision, and product innovation. The menu will soon extend to iced teas, lemonades, energy drinks, and cold brews. She relishes the challenge: “I’m not just marketing one product, I’m marketing a company, which I think is really exciting.”[1] Her debut initiative introduces “The Whitney,” a fruit-forward blend of club soda, sugar-free pineapple, peach, and vanilla syrups, lime syrup, and raspberry puree.[2]
Leavitt’s Big Move Signals Bigger Horizons
Leavitt recently relocated from Utah to New York City with her husband Conner and their three young children. The family home in Salt Lake City went on the market as she embraced East Coast opportunities. This shift follows her Broadway stint and aligns with Cool Sips’ growth trajectory.
Past collaborations with brands like Panera Bread, where she shared dirty soda hacks, prepared her for this executive leap. The hiatus of Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, amid production challenges, frees her to focus on business. Utah remains the trend’s epicenter, Leavitt affirmed, yet its appeal proves enduring nationwide.
Key Takeaways
- Cool Sips plans nine total locations by end of 2026, targeting East Coast dominance.
- Leavitt’s role emphasizes innovation, blending her influencer expertise with corporate strategy.
- Dirty soda’s social, customizable nature positions it for sustained popularity.
Whitney Leavitt’s transition from reality TV to corporate leadership underscores how cultural trends can spawn viable businesses. As Cool Sips scales, her vision could redefine beverage innovation for a new generation. What do you think of dirty soda’s rise? Share your favorite recipe in the comments.
