Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Allison Miller, Owner of Hip Pop Hooray!, located in Boise, ID, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Hip Pop Hooray! Creates fresh gourmet popcorn in a variety of locally inspired and fun flavors! We love poppin' around town and providing a delicious snack for all, whether it be at a party, corporate event, wedding, or just a treat for yourself to enjoy while binge-watching your favorite series! We love partnering with local businesses to create fun flavors - like our Wrangler Bacon Ranch and Blue Idahoan, both of which use seasonings from local businesses.
We have an Idaho S'mores flavor made with "Chocolat Bar" milk chocolate and complete with Idaho potato chips to give it the perfect salty crunch! All of our popcorn is made in small batches and fresh on location to get the party poppin'!
Tell us about yourself
I have always wanted to own a small business, and I have always LOVED popcorn! So, I made small life goals to ultimately reach my entrepreneur goal of Hip Pop Hooray! I went back to finish college in 2014 at 25 years old, graduated from Boise State in 2017, where I studied marketing, and told myself that I wanted five years of corporate experience before I owned my own business, which I did! Hip Pop Hooray was in the works for three years before I first opened in November of 2021. Opening a small business and working full-time in my corporate job is no easy task.
I am motivated every day by the younger version of myself. Little Alli had big dreams, and I am now making those a reality each day through hard work and a positive attitude. I love creating a party-like atmosphere for my customers - most parties you go to are exciting and fun, and every detail is thought through. That's what I hope my customers see and feel when they visit!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment right now is that the business plan I spent three years cultivating on paper is live, and I get to see my vision in person and share it with others. The penciled blueprints of my food truck are now a reality and are the headquarters of my dream.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Time. There never seems to be enough time in one day. It's a good thing I am a night owl and use those late night hours to accomplish small tasks.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Start it! Let your mind obsess over your dreams so much that you start them sooner rather than later.
- Know what you're getting into and what you want out of it. There is nothing small about running a small business. Give yourself time to really understand what will change in your life and prepare for those changes and how you plan to balance them.
- Positive attitude! For me, positivity is key - even on the bad days, look for the small accomplishments that made it good and moved you forward!
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
I want to give a big thank you to everyone who has supported me in my first eight months of owning Hip Pop Hooray!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://hippophooray.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HipPopHoorayPopcorn
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hippophooray_popcorn/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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