Bubbly and Bright: Fizz Fusion Brings Dirty Sodas to Virginia
April 23, 2025 | Natalie Janssen
Miami University’s Farmer School of Business offers its students real-world experiences to help them curate something special once they leave the brick streets. Francesca Ciula took her education to the next level when she brought Fizz Fusion to Virginia. She saw an opportunity and she took it, even when she didn’t think she was ready for it.
The Spark of Fizz Fusion: Who is Francesca Ciula?
Francesca Ciula is an entrepreneur, soda fusion expert, a leader in fresh and fun ideas, a risk-taker, and a Farmer School of Business alumna. Graduating in 2020 with a Marketing degree, Ciula created something special for the people of Windsor, Virginia.
Ciula loved the idea of creating something similar to the soda shops she first experienced while traveling on the West Coast that mixed together creams and syrups with different flavors of soda. Having no soda shops like this in Virginia, Ciula jumped on the opportunity like her classes at Miami University taught her to do.
Bubbly Beginnings: What is Fizz Fusion?
Fizz Fusion takes the typical soda experience and turns it into something fun and unique. Anyone can go to the new spot in Windsor and order one of their favorite sodas splashed with creams, syrups, or even a twist with coffee.
The name, Fizz Fusion, came from multiple rounds of ideation. Ciula knew she wanted a name that would stand out and flow nicely. She wanted a fun, catchy name, with some type of alliteration, and contemplated different variations of words associated with soda – finally landing on Fizz Fusion. She wanted people to say, “Let’s go grab a drink at Fizz Fusion,” ensuring it sounded natural, one-of-a-kind, and special.
Fizz Fusion’s extensive menu offers many different sodas to choose from. These flavors range from Coca-Cola with peach, fresh lime, and vanilla cream to Dr. Pepper with strawberry and vanilla cream.
Ciula’s favorite fusion is the Vanilla Villain – Dr. Pepper with vanilla syrup and vanilla cream. The soda shop also offers limited time flavors. In March, for example, Ciula’s favorite was the Lucky Pepper that mixed Dr. Pepper with tiramisu, vanilla cream, and vanilla cold foam!
A Sparkling, Fun Environment: The Focus of Fizz Fusion
Fizz Fusion is a place for everyone to come together, fulfill a need in the community, and have fun.
Ciula made a point to create a spot in Windsor where music would blast, sodas would flow, and creativity would flourish. Fizz Fusion is that spot.
The company not only offers quotes on cups and a “vibey spot in the community,” but also hosts fundraisers for organizations within the community and events like photos with Santa.
Fizz Fusion is collaborating with a local permanent jewelry brand for Mother’s Day weekend. They’re also planning an adoption event in partnership with our local county animal shelter.
Leaving Miami With Real-World Experience
Ciula graduated from Miami University in 2020 with a plethora of knowledge acquired at the Farmer School of Business.
She reflected on her time at Miami, grateful for the amazing professors and courses she had that offered her real-world experience. Ciula specifically remembers an honors marketing course taken with professor Jan Taylor, where the students worked with Abercrombie & Fitch in a case competition.
She also reflected on her senior capstone project with Textron Aviation. A degree from Farmer School of Business would not be complete without a case competition completed during a student’s first year at Miami. All of these classes and experiences allowed Ciula to feel equipped with the knowledge and confidence to start a business. As she said, “Farmer prepares you for the real world.”
The Future of Fizz Fusion
The future for this bubbling business is bright! Ciula hopes to expand her company, offer new soda fusions, incorporate food onto the menu, and work with Miami University.
Ciula has a few concoctions she wants to see make the menu this summer including sparkling water refreshers! This spring, Fizz Fusion featured a cotton candy drink on their spring menu.
She also wants to incorporate food onto the menu, although they do currently offer edible cookie dough bites.
When asked if Ciula would be open to doing an event at Miami University or having students from Miami intern with her, her response was, “Yes! Absolutely!”
Miami University left a lasting impression on Ciula as she begins a new chapter in her professional life. Ciula has a piece of advice for students who are thinking about starting their own business, “If you wait for when you feel ready, you will never be ready.”
