We were lucky to catch up with Derrick Jackson recently and have shared our conversation below.

Derrick, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

At the tail end of the pandemic, the world was collectively searching for moments of joy, connection, and celebration. That’s exactly where the vision for Popstarz Popcorn was born. Life had been filled with so much distance, isolation, and uncertainty, and we wanted to create something that brought people together again—something fun, flavorful, and memorable.

Popcorn felt like the perfect canvas. It’s a snack everyone recognizes, but we saw an opportunity to take it further—to reimagine it as an experience rather than just a snack. Instead of the same few flavors you could find anywhere, we wanted to craft hundreds of unique, gourmet flavors that would spark conversations, laughter, and nostalgia. From weddings to corporate events to family movie nights, popcorn has a way of gathering people around a bowl or a bag. We wanted to elevate that moment into something extraordinary.

The logic behind it was simple: people crave connection, and food is one of the most universal ways to create it. At a time when people were rebuilding routines, hosting parties again, and cherishing time with loved ones, we knew there was a space for a brand that wasn’t just about “selling popcorn,” but about celebrating life’s milestones, big and small, with something exciting and new.

What excited us most was the chance to be different. Popstarz Popcorn isn’t just about quantity—it’s about creativity and craftsmanship. Every batch is made with care, and every flavor tells a story. In a world full of cookie-cutter options, we wanted to give people the joy of choice, the thrill of surprise, and the warmth of a shared experience.

At its heart, Popstarz Popcorn was built to be more than a snack. It’s our way of sprinkling a little happiness into the world and helping people create better, sweeter, and more flavorful memories together.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

At Popstarz Popcorn, we like to say we’re not just making popcorn—we’re creating an experience. We launched at the tail end of the pandemic because we wanted to give people something to smile about again, something fun, bold, and shareable that makes everyday moments feel like a celebration.

Our motto, “Snack Like a Star,” is all about living life with a little more sparkle. It means grabbing a snack that isn’t boring or basic—it’s exciting, elevated, and full of personality. Whether it’s Bourbon Bacon, Birthday Cake, Dill Pickle, Spicy Ranch, Banana Pudding, Red Velvet, or even Champagne & Strawberries, our over 200 handcrafted gourmet flavors turn snacking into a vibe.

We stand out because we don’t just sell popcorn—we deliver memories. Our popcorn shows up at concerts, birthday parties, weddings, corporate events, and casual Friday nights. We solve a simple but powerful problem: most snack foods don’t feel special. Popstarz flips that script. We give people a way to mark an occasion, hype up a crowd, or just make a random Tuesday taste like a win.

What sets us apart is our creativity and commitment to quality. Every batch is handcrafted with premium ingredients, and every flavor is designed to surprise and delight. We’re also proud to be Veteran, Woman, and Black-owned—bringing diversity, passion, and authenticity to an industry that doesn’t often see brands like ours at center stage.

What we’re most proud of? The way our popcorn connects people. We’ve seen our bags spark conversations among strangers, make kids light up with joy, and help companies show appreciation to their teams in a way that feels fun and fresh.

At the end of the day, Popstarz Popcorn is about more than snacks. It’s about energy, creativity, and connection. It’s about saying, “life’s too short for boring snacks.” So if you’re ready to turn up your snacking game—come “Snack Like a Star” with us.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

One of the clearest examples of our resilience came in November 2023, when our journey took an unexpected turn. Overnight, a sprinkler-head ruptured in our store’s ceiling, flooding the space with nearly a foot of water. By morning, we were faced with a devastating reality—our showroom, our inventory, and our holiday momentum were gone in an instant. The timing couldn’t have been worse: we were forced to close our doors for two and a half months, right during the year-end holiday season that typically provides the biggest boost for a business like ours.

But instead of letting that moment break us, we chose to see it as a reset. What could have been the end of Popstarz Popcorn became the spark for something greater. Even without significant revenue coming in, we made the decision to retain all of our staff. For us, it wasn’t just about popcorn—it was about people, relationships, and the bigger vision we were building together.

During those 2.5 months of closure, we rolled up our sleeves and reimagined who we were and what we wanted to become. We took the time to clarify our mission, refine our story, and rebuild stronger. We rebranded Popstarz Popcorn not just as a local gourmet popcorn company, but as a brand with national reach and cultural impact. We set our sights higher—on earning national acclaim—and we came out of that storm more focused and determined than ever before.

That experience taught us that resilience isn’t just about surviving setbacks—it’s about transforming them into opportunities. The flood may have washed away our store for a season, but it also cleared the way for us to rebuild with a sharper vision, a stronger brand, and a deeper sense of purpose.

Today, every bag of Popstarz Popcorn carries that story of resilience. It’s a reminder that joy and flavor can come even after hardship—and that no matter the challenge, we’ll always find a way to keep our mission alive: helping people celebrate life and Snack Like a Star.

Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?

The story of how we met is just as much a part of Popstarz Popcorn as the flavors we create. Derrick and Tavia first crossed paths at Elon University—then Elon College—while visiting as high school seniors. What began as a chance meeting on a campus tour blossomed into a friendship that grew deeper with time.

After college, that connection turned into a lifelong partnership—we married a few years later and quickly discovered that our bond wasn’t limited to love alone. We both shared a spark for building, creating, and dreaming big. Over the years, we’ve explored several entrepreneurial endeavors together, each one teaching us more about resilience, teamwork, and the power of shared vision.

When the idea for Popstarz Popcorn came along, it felt like the natural extension of everything we’d been working toward. We each bring something different to the table, and those differences complement one another in ways that make the business stronger. Where one sees vision, the other brings detail. Where one brings strategy, the other brings creativity. Together, we balance each other in life and in business.

Popstarz Popcorn is proof that it’s possible to be in love and in business—and not just possible, but powerful. The same values that strengthen our marriage—trust, communication, and a belief in each other’s potential—are the same values that fuel our brand. Our journey started with two young dreamers on a college campus, and today it’s grown into a company built on partnership, passion, and the joy of creating something meaningful together.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://PopstarzPopcorn.com
• Instagram: @popstarzpopcorn_
• Facebook: Popstarz Popcorn
• Linkedin: Popstarz Popcorn
• Twitter: @PopstarzPop
• Youtube: Popstarz Popcorn
• Yelp: Popstarz Popcorn