Kelly Mann represents her custom-made koozie and Dr. Pepper baseball tee (Photo by Riley Fisher)

Texas is a state with many staples connected to it: HEB, Buc-ee’s, Dell and Whataburger, to name a few. However, according to the Texas Standard website, Dr. Pepper takes the cake ranks as the second most iconic Texas brand.

Kelly Mann, instructor of interior design, is an on-campus ambassador for the brand, often representing it with her custom-made koozie as well as merchandise, such as t-shirts and pins.

An ACU alumna, Mann’s affinity for the soft drink has lasted her entire life, taking shape during her years at school with a daily breakfast of one Dr. Pepper and two chocolate doughnuts. This is one of her favorite combinations with the drink. Another is Dr. Pepper and Cheetos, claiming it leaves an aftertaste of oatmeal.

After completing her Master of Arts and Fine Arts at the Academy of Arts, Mann built a solid following with a blog she wrote. During the process of renovating her house she said, “You don’t get what you don’t ask for,” then began to request sponsorship and ambassadorship for product brands on her blog in return for discounts or free supplies.

After coming across a post on social media, Mann applied this statement, and requested the same from Dr. Pepper. After the application process she was accepted, making her a member of the esteemed “Pepper Pack” on Facebook. She includes this as a fun fact to kick off every semester with her classes.

As a member of the group, Mann receives perks from the company in the mail often, her first being a “welcome box” holding shirts, stickers, pins and other collectibles. She and other members have also received special edition flavors of the drink, including “birthday cake” flavored Dr. Pepper.

She has also seen advertisements and commercials before they are released to the public – some being common favorites that have included the band KISS as well as the Diet Dr. Pepper mascot Lil’ Sweet.

She defends her love for Dr. Pepper fervently. Mann refuses to drink coffee, saying the flavor is not good and doesn’t offer her the same “kick” in the morning that Dr. Pepper does. She said she is often disappointed when going on cruises or going to places on the east coast, as the drink is not offered in these places.

“Dr. Pepper’s combination of 23 unique flavors” has allowed Kelly Mann to create a lifestyle around the drink which affects her daily life, creating a routine that reflects Dr. Pepper’s slogan, “the one you crave.”