If you’ve ever started a business, I applaud you! It’s like climbing Mount Everest, but instead of snow, you’re wading through invoices, supply chain hiccups, and endless taste-testing sessions (which, in my case, was at least a delicious problem to have). Small Business Week is all about celebrating the dreamers, the doers, and the downright determined. Because trust me—starting a business isn’t for the faint of heart. And when you’re starting one from inside prison? Well, let’s just say I had to think outside the box while literally being inside one.
How It All Popped Off
Comeback Snacks wasn’t built in a high-rise office with a fancy espresso machine. Nope. It started with 82 books, a whole lot of snail mail, and a business partner on the outside who patiently exchanged logo ideas through envelopes instead of emails. When I first started mapping out this journey, I didn’t have access to Google, let alone a test kitchen. But what I did have was time—and I used it to learn everything I could about business, branding, and, of course, gourmet popcorn.
After my release in 2018, it was game time. And let me tell you, building a business from the ground up is no joke. We tweaked recipes until they were criminally good, adjusted pricing to make sure our popcorn was accessible while still supporting our mission, and revamped packaging so it stood out on the shelves. Every bag of Comeback Snacks isn’t just a tasty treat—it’s a statement. A reminder that second chances are possible and that sometimes the best things in life come from the most unexpected places.
Innovation Behind Bars
Being inside taught me something crucial: constraints breed creativity. With limited resources, I had to get scrappy. No Wi-Fi? No problem—I relied on old-school business books. No access to a graphic designer? Time to sketch out ideas by hand. No way to test market demand? I talked to literally everyone about my idea, from fellow inmates to correctional officers. That outside-the-box thinking led to a business that stands out—not just because of our mission but because our caramel popcorn, handcrafted popcorn, and flavoured popcorn snacks are simply that good.
Why Small Business Owners Deserve All the Snacks
Running a small business means juggling about 47 different jobs at once. One minute you’re the CEO, the next you’re the head of customer service, marketing director, and logistics coordinator. It takes grit, resilience, and a willingness to embrace failure as just another step in the process. But the best part? Seeing something you built make a real impact—whether it’s satisfying snack cravings, providing gourmet gifts, or changing the narrative around second chances.
More Criminally Good Comeback Stories
Comeback Snacks isn’t the only business born behind bars. Plenty of incredible entrepreneurs have turned their time inside into a launchpad for something better. If you love a good redemption story (and let’s be real, who doesn’t?), check out these businesses that prove resilience and reinvention go hand in hand:
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ConBody: A prison-style fitness program founded by Coss Marte, who transformed his prison workout routine into a fitness empire. No fancy gym equipment—just pure hustle.
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Cornbread Hustle: A staffing agency helping second-chance individuals find meaningful employment. Because everyone deserves a fair shot at success.
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Queen Coffee Bean: Founded by a formerly incarcerated woman Claudia Shivers, this business sources ethically grown coffee while supporting women’s reentry into society. Because great coffee and great causes should always go hand in hand.
Pop Over and Join the Comeback!
So here’s to all the small business owners, the dreamers, and the risk-takers. If you’re looking for a snack that’s bold in flavour, socially responsible, and just downright delicious, check out our artisan popcorn snacks. Whether you’re planning snacks for parties, searching for the best popcorn brands, or hunting for holiday popcorn gifts, we’ve got you covered. After all, our popcorn is so good—it’s criminal.
Thank you again for supporting small business-with a big heart!