Today we’d like to introduce you to Erin Wright.
Hi Erin, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My husband and I lived for almost 20 years in the Denver, CO area and even had the opportunity to build our dream home. A tragedy during the Covid times brought us to the North Pittsburgh area to be close to family. I spent my entire 23-year career in Human Resources and carefully selected my role as a Global HR Director at PPG due to available growth opportunities that would not require relocation. That position was eliminated during the large-scale layoffs at PPG in early 2025. I looked in earnest for another HR role and realized that my heart was no longer in the work.
In the past, I’d always answered the “what would you do if” question by saying that I would own a food truck. While doom scrolling on TikTok, I discovered dirty sodas and several female business owners who were doing exactly what I’d always wanted to. A joking comment to my husband about starting a dirty soda trailer that he took 100% seriously led to the birth of Mix Master Dirty Pop. I’ve never worked harder and also never been happier.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Absolutely not! I’ve poured literal blood, sweat and tears into this business. The first year was a discovery period. Setting up a trailer to pass the Department of Agriculture inspection process was an intense experience. Learning where to take the trailer and the cost/benefit propositions for different events was difficult. I’ve suffered through a broken foot, turf toe, a sprained ankle, storm damage and a lot of events where I lost money. Most people don’t realize that it’s a 6-hour workday just to get the trailer stocked, cleaned and ready for an event and then you show up and work your ass off. Many events charge hundreds or even thousands of dollars to be there. You’re completely at the mercy of the weather. I also lost count of the number of times I described what a dirty soda was. It was just 15 months ago, but no one knew what they were at the time. Don’t even get me started on backing up a trailer!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Mix Master Dirty Pop doesn’t just have a vibe, it is a vibe. I’ve put a lot of creative energy into the recipes and drink names that make Mix Master dirty sodas memorable for more than just their incredible flavor. 1990s hip hop songs and artists were the inspiration for the drink names. H to the Fizz-O combines Dr. Pepper, Caramel, Vanilla Cream and Marshmallow bits. The Notorious P.O.P. is a delicious Sprite drink mixed with Peach, Raspberry and Coconut Cream. Pittsburgh’s own Wiz Khalifa inspired the Fizz Khalifa which is a customer favorite combination of Root Beer, Toasted Marshmallow, Vanilla Cream and Cereal Marshmallows. My favorite moments are when I overhear customers laughing about the names or singing some of the songs. I also offer milkshakes, floats and frappes for a full dessert beverage menu. Customers kept asking for a treat they could sink their teeth into, and dirty popcorn has been a very popular new offering this year.
2026 brought a lot of private bookings. I’ve been booked for a prom, senior night, middle school field day and quite a few private graduation and birthday parties. I work with each family or group to design custom menus and drinks to match their theme. The same energy that makes Mix Master so popular goes into crafting the perfect experience for these events. Each private event has led to referrals because I work hard so that my customers have a truly enjoyable and effortless time.
Dirty sodas are everywhere this year. I put my heart and soul into building a memorable brand and recipes that keep people coming back. A lot of competitors entered the market this year because the drinks are popular. This business is a true passion project for me, not a trend that I’m following. I’ve been told many times that my passion shows in everything that I do.
What matters most to you?
What matters most to me is the way people feel when we interact and they try their soda. Everyone buying something from my trailer is out enjoying themselves. For so many years, I approached people in a professional capacity as an HR person. That can be intimidating for any employee, even when the interaction is positive. This business is about joy and fun and a treat along the way.
Pricing:
- Dirty sodas are $6 each
- Milkshakes, Dirty Energizers, Frappes and Dirty Popcorn are $8 each
- Floats are $7 each
- Private parties start at $300 including 40 dirty sodas
- Dirty soda gift kits are available to take home the experience for $6 each
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mixmasterpops.com
- Instagram: Mixmasterpops
- Facebook: Mixmasterpops
- Other: https://share.google/RcgZLEBPXu0vHdz1l
