A near-death experience at age 20 became the catalyst for Anna Cobb’s groundbreaking wellness journey. The Tulsa entrepreneur has transformed personal tragedy into triumph with O’kra, the world’s first sparkling okra water.
Her innovative beverage now sits on the prestigious shelves of Erewhon. The luxury grocery store is famous for its $26 smoothies and celebrity shoppers.
From Life Support to Life’s Purpose
Anna Cobb’s story begins with a terrifying allergic reaction. She purchased what seemed like a harmless energy supplement from GNC during her college years.
“I had an allergic reaction to a synthetic energy supplement that left me on life support and in a coma,” Cobb told Fox23. The reaction was severe and immediate.
She remembers her throat closing as 911 rushed epinephrine through her veins. Cobb spent one week on a ventilator in a coma. When she woke up, she knew her survival meant something bigger.
Research Led to a Healthier Alternative
The experience sparked intensive research into energy supplements. Cobb spent countless hours studying the harsh chemicals in these products.
While attending Tuskegee University, she noticed a problem. Her fellow students, faculty, and staff lacked access to healthful food and beverage options.
During her senior year, she launched a plant-based catering service on campus. The business offered healthy soul food alternatives to the entire community. COVID-19 forced her to close the venture prematurely.
Rejuvenation: The First Plant-Based Energy Drink
Right after her virtual graduation, Cobb launched Rejuvenation. The 100% plant-based energy drink offers high energy without jitters or crashes.
“Turning my tribulations into triumphs has been the goal of my company this far,” she explained. Every ingredient in Rejuvenation is pronounceable and natural.
The company started humbly in her mother’s townhome kitchen. They used a spoon, a tea bag strainer, and a small crockpot. The team sold drinks in repurposed gallon water jugs with hand-applied labels.
Building a Women-Powered Manufacturing Team
Cobb’s team has grown from three to eight women. All products are handmade by this dedicated group.
“We sing, we laugh, we talk,” Cobb shared with Canvas Rebel. The workspace fosters community and gratitude.
Every day, she looks at her professional bottles in awe. The journey from humble beginnings to polished products reminds her of God’s blessings.
O’kra Launches as World’s First Sparkling Okra Water
In September 2025, Cobb introduced her second brand, O’kra. The product operates under parent company Rejuvenation by VQC Inc.
Sparkling okra water had never existed before this launch. Cobb discovered okra water’s benefits through personal use.
She experienced clearer skin, fewer mood swings, and natural energy increases. “I cured my adult acne through okra, as well as losing fifty pounds,” she revealed.
Honoring Ancestral Heritage Through Modern Wellness
Okra has healing roots in communities for generations. Cobb wanted to honor that heritage while creating a modern product.
“For generations, okra has been used in kitchens and communities as a healing food,” she wrote on LinkedIn. The mission combines tradition with innovation.
O’kra features flavors like pineapple and pomegranate. The brand taps into okra’s trending popularity on TikTok over recent years.
Explosive Sales in First Month
The market response exceeded expectations immediately. O’kra sold 1,000 cans in the first week alone. Within the first month, sales reached 7,000 cans. The numbers proved consumers were ready for this ancestral wellness drink.
Success came faster than Cobb anticipated. The rapid growth validated her vision for bringing okra to mainstream markets.
Landing at Erewhon: A Dream Partnership
Erewhon represented Cobb’s ultimate retail goal. The luxury grocery store is known for premium, health-focused products.
“I can officially say that in under six months of O’kra, we have launched into Erewhon,” she announced on LinkedIn. The achievement felt surreal.
Erewhon’s selection of O’kra speaks volumes about the retailer’s values. The store honors culture, heritage, and authentic wellness. “Choosing okra isn’t just intentional. It’s symbolic,” Cobb emphasized.
Expanding Beyond Grocery Stores
Regional launches with Sprouts and Whole Foods are already secured. Cobb’s ambitions extend far beyond traditional grocery retail.
She plans to place O’kra in beauty retailers like Ulta and Sephora. The crossover makes sense given okra’s skin benefits.
Over the next five to seven years, she aims to develop more natural beverages. Products will target focus and digestion specifically.
The Vision: Becoming a Health and Wellness Coca-Cola
Cobb’s ultimate goal stretches beyond current success. She wants to build a beverage empire focused on wellness.
“My end-all, be-all goal for all of this is to be a health and wellness Coca-Cola,” Anna stated. The vision combines scale with purpose.
Her accomplishments already include impressive milestones. She was accepted into the ACT House accelerator program.
Recognition and Investment Fuel Growth
The Black Ambition competition brought significant validation. Cobb won $100,000 in investment and a meeting with Pharrell Williams.
Gradient Innovation Hub provided vital assistance along the way. These partnerships accelerated O’kra’s development and launch.
Each achievement builds on the foundation of that life-threatening moment. What could have ended her life instead sparked a wellness revolution. Anna Cobb proves that purpose can emerge from the darkest experiences.