International Women’s Day always hits differently for me. It is not just a date on the calendar, it is a full on celebration of resilience, reinvention, and women who refuse to stay in the boxes the world tried to put them in. And if there is one thing I know, it is that a good comeback pairs beautifully with a great snack.
As the founder of Comeback Snacks, a Toronto snack company built on second chances and seriously delicious gourmet popcorn, I have had the privilege of meeting some incredible women who are redefining what it means to build empowering snack brands in Canada. This year, I want to spotlight a few of them, reflect on a recent speaking experience in Ottawa, and sprinkle in a few lessons that prove when you give, you really do gain.
Let’s pop into it.
First up, let’s raise a can to the founders of Barbet. If you have not tried their sparkling beverages yet, you are missing out on a sip that is as bold as their story. Barbet was founded by a group of women who wanted to create something fun, flavourful, and alcohol free without sacrificing experience. Their mission is rooted in inclusivity and connection, which I absolutely love. Because let’s be honest, you should not need alcohol to feel like the life of the party.
Then there is Nuts For Cheese, founded by Margaret Coons. This brand is a total game changer in the world of plant based, dairy free indulgence. What started as a farmers market hustle turned into a full blown success story. Margaret built a brand that proves you can have rich, decadent, handcrafted products that also align with healthy snack alternatives and ethical values. That is what I call a grate success. Yes, cheese pun intended.
And we cannot forget Odd Cookie. This brand is as fun and fearless as its name suggests. Built on the idea that being a little different is actually your superpower, Odd Cookie embraces creativity in every bite. Their cookies are playful, unexpected, and full of personality. Kind of like the best entrepreneurs I know.
What ties all of these brands together is not just great taste. It is purpose. These are socially conscious snacks, built by women who are not afraid to challenge the norm. They are proof that the best popcorn brands and snack companies are not just selling products, they are telling stories.
Now let me bring it back to Comeback Snacks.
We are not just about gourmet popcorn, although yes, our caramel popcorn is dangerously addictive. We are about popcorn with a purpose. Every bag represents a second chance, a reminder that your past does not define your future.
As a company rooted in supporting prison reform and creating opportunities for those impacted by the justice system, we are proud to be part of the growing movement of ethical snack brands and socially responsible popcorn companies. We are here for the people who have been counted out, written off, and underestimated.
Because let’s face it, everyone loves a good comeback story. Especially when it comes with a side of bold flavour snacks.
Recently, I had the opportunity to speak in Ottawa as part of International Women’s Month with Invest Ottawa. The theme was “Give to Gain,” and let me tell you, the energy in that room was electric.
I shared my journey, from incarceration to entrepreneurship, and how the concept of giving has shaped every part of my life and business. Giving your time, your energy, your support, your belief in others. It all comes back to you, often in ways you never expect.
When I started Comeback Snacks, I did not have a roadmap. What I had was a mission. I wanted to create second chances snacks that not only tasted incredible but also made an impact. I wanted to build something that could satisfy snack cravings while also feeding a bigger purpose.
And along the way, I learned that when you lead with generosity, people show up for you. When you support others, doors open. When you share your story, you give others permission to rewrite theirs.
That is the real magic behind “Give to Gain.” It is not just a catchy phrase. It is a way of living and building.
Let’s talk about the bigger picture for a second.
Consumers today are not just looking for snacks for parties or popcorn for movie nights. They are looking for brands that align with their values. They want guilt free snacks that taste amazing but also do some good in the world. They want gourmet gifts that feel meaningful. They want snack gift baskets that tell a story.
That is where brands like Comeback Snacks come in.
We are proud to be one of the Canadian popcorn brands that is redefining what it means to indulge. Our artisan popcorn snacks are handcrafted with care, packed with bold flavours, and rooted in a mission of impact. Whether you are looking to order popcorn online in Canada or searching for the perfect holiday popcorn gifts, we have got you covered.
And yes, our popcorn is so good, it is criminal.
But more importantly, it is part of a bigger movement. A movement toward fair trade snacks, socially conscious snacks, and businesses that believe in people.
If there is one thing I took away from International Women’s Day this year, it is this.
When women support women, incredible things happen.
We create opportunities. We amplify each other’s voices. We build communities that are stronger, more inclusive, and more resilient.
Whether it is the founders of Barbet, Nuts For Cheese, Odd Cookie, or the amazing women I met in Ottawa, there is a common thread. We are all in this together. We are all figuring it out as we go. And we are all capable of building something extraordinary.
So here is my challenge to you.
Support a woman owned business. Try a new brand. Share someone’s story. Lift someone up.
And while you are at it, grab a bag of Comeback Snacks. Because nothing pairs better with empowering snack brands than a little bit of caramel popcorn and a whole lot of purpose.
Life is not always easy. Trust me, I know that firsthand. But it is in the challenges that we find our strength. It is in the setbacks that we discover our resilience. And it is in the comebacks that we truly come alive.
So here is to International Women’s Day. Here is to second chances. Here is to popcorn that makes a difference.
And here is to you.
Keep going. Keep growing. And keep making your comeback story one worth sharing.
With love and a little bit of crunch,
Emily O’Brien
Founder and CEO, Comeback Snacks