If you’re anything like us, you’ve likely noticed these bright blue bottles popping up all over the place. In gourmet shops, major grocery stores, and gas stations. In the cup holders and purses of friends. All over social media. It’s called BIOLYTE — “the IV in a bottle” — and this Atlanta-based company is making unimaginable waves in the recovery drink world.
Inc. Magazine just named the company number 605 on the list of 5,000 fastest-growing private companies in America. And that’s largely due to Jesslyn Rollins, BIOLYTE’s 30-year-old CEO. Yep, 30. Vivacious, always smiling, and brimming with passion for her product, Biolyte and its badass CEO completely exceed the hype, and we’re thrilled to welcome Jesslyn as our first FACE of the South in 2023.
As we start 2023 anew, what better brand to meet than one that helps us become the healthiest, most recovered versions of our post-holidays selves? Meet Jesslyn Rollins and BIOLYTE.
Tell us a bit about your upbringing. Were you always entrepreneurial-minded?
The term “entrepreneur” wasn’t the recognizable buzzword it is today when I was growing up. But I have always gravitated towards leadership no matter the setting — church, sports, social life, you name it. I love to lead and improve upon what’s in front of me. I think that’s why leading BIOLYTE was so appealing. A new product, no clear pathway forward, no hierarchy. The possibilities were endless, and that’s SO EXCITING for someone wired like me.
Can you share some background about the founding of this company and how personal it is to your family?
BIOLYTE was created because my mom had breast cancer. My dad wanted to create a product that would help her combat the nausea and dehydration she was experiencing during her chemotherapy treatments. He was uniquely suited to create the first-ever “IV in a bottle” because he had years of experience as an Anesthesiologist and Pain Specialist creating specific IV formulations to help his own patients. Our mission begins and ends with helping the people you love. That’s what gets me out of bed in the morning, even on the toughest days.
BIOLYTE was created amid Jesslyn’s mother’s trying cancer treatment, and the company gives back a chunk of profit to the American Cancer Society today.
You have such a joyful online presence. How have you tried to show up digitally as well as in the retail space?
I try to show up for my team in a big way on LinkedIn. They are out there hustling! They’re dropping pallets, setting up end caps at stores, and loading trucks. I love these people and their dedication to our mission, and I want to show it!
When I like, heart, or comment on their wins, it only reinforces to the whole team that we are here to support each other — our team, our partners, and our customers — like family. Showing gratitude has the power to bring people closer even when they live far away.
If you could go back and tell your “CEO self” one thing on the first day of the job, what would it be?
I’m going to borrow a quote from my boy, FDR, “A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor.”
BIOLYTE in almost 20,000 retail locations and has distribution in 30 states (46 if you include pharmacy distributors). They’ve seen a three-year revenue growth of 1,052%.
What’s a typical workday like for you?
Typically, I wake up around 6:30 a.m., go for a walk, stretch, have coffee, answer a few emails, and then my plan goes up in flames at about 10 a.m. I’m just kidding … or am I? In all seriousness, every day is different. My favorite days are when I’m in another state, out and about visiting stores, meeting with our retail partners, distributor partners, or potential new hires. My job is to spread the BIOLYTE gospel, and any day I’m doing that by meeting new people and building relationships is a win.
Tell us about some moments in life when BIOLYTE can come to the rescue.
BIOLYTE was created to help improve people’s lives with medical-grade rehydration and recovery products. Our customers have found BIOLYTE useful in so many ways. Some we didn’t even expect! Altitude sickness, celebrations, cancer, morning sickness, POTS, workouts, muscle cramps, fatigue, food poisoning, flu, COVID, and overindulgence, just to name a few.
With a current societal shift to drinking less alcohol, what do you say to people who may think of BIOLYTE merely as a hangover helper?
In thousands of Amazon reviews, customers have tagged BIOLYTE as a “miracle in a bottle,” “my saving grace,” and “the best drink ever” for a host of different reasons. We aren’t here to tell anyone how to live their lives. We are here to help our customers get the most out of the life they have and want.
It’s a common misconception that all recovery formulations are created equally. “BIOLYTE is by far the best,” Jesslyn adds, “because of its medical-grade blend of electrolytes, sugars, and vitamins and minerals. If you need to hydrate badly, BIOLYTE helps you feel way better faster.”
What’s something that people are often surprised to learn about you?
I collect gemstones and crystals.
Where can we find you on your days off?
Antique shopping with my mom.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received, and from whom?
I don’t know about the best advice, but both of my parents have modeled the power of hard work, self-confidence, and kindness. Their everyday example has taught me everything. I can only hope to be as wonderful as they are.
Jesslyn and BIOLYTE have had one hell of a year in 2022. She was awarded Atlanta Business Chronicle’s 40 Under 40 and UGA Bulldog 100 (which she got in 2021, too). The company landed on Inc. 5000 and Instacart’s 75 Fastest Growing Emerging Brands.
Aside from faith, family, and friends, name three things you can’t live without.
A fuzzy robe, lipstick, and a massage.
Lightning round of fun questions:
- Best meal you’ve had recently: My husband cooked an excellent pasta dish from Green Chef.
- Favorite hidden gem in Atlanta: Scott’s Antique Market
- Last vacation: Vail, CO, for our first wedding anniversary
- Favorite shop: Tootsies with my girl Maya
- What’s your bedside table: Eye mask, noise machine, and a retainer. I’m a super high-maintenance sleeper.
- Go-to birthday present to give: It’ll be different every time; I like to personalize presents for the person. But if someone is engaged, a Bling Brush for their new ring.
“Superior execution at retail and building world-class relationships with our partners” is on the horizon for BIOLYTE, according to Jesslyn. And we’re ready. Thank you, Jesslyn, for sharing BIOLTYE and your story with us! Get ready for a new year, and stock up on BIOLYTE here. All photos courtesy of BIOLTYE.
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