We had the good fortune of connecting with Rebecca Victor and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Rebecca, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
When you are in the popcorn-making business, a lot of people think ‘what a fun job’, ‘this would be something good to do on the side or after retirement. I always tell them, it is a fun job, but it is not an easy job. When you want to offer a quality product, there is a lot of time and loyalty to your brand name. I spend between 60 to 70 hours a week at my business. I have someone that does all my books so these hours are solely dedicated to making popcorn. We do everything in small batches and it is all done by hand. We choose to do it like this to make sure we are always making fresh popcorn and nothing is sitting on the shelf for more than 24 to 48 hours.
It really is a labor of LOVE…. because you never work a day in your life if you truly love what you do. Right?
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
To be honest, there is nothing significant about how I have got to this point in life with a business of my own. There was no schooling, no big degrees, and no prior knowledge of what I was about to do. I actually worked many jobs in my life. I was a cosmetologist, I worked retail and food industry for a while, I use to sew clothing in a factory, and I even was a bookbinder for a few years. And I actually was back in college when I made the decision to open my own business. So was it easy? No is the answer to that. But I don’t take failure as an option. I learned to ask questions to figure out what to do next. I am not afraid to put myself out there to talk about what I do. Advertising helps, but word of mouth will grow your business quicker. So my lesson learned was to not be afraid to talk about what you do. Ask questions along the way. Someone will be able to point you in the right direction. And sometimes, it is not what you know, but who you know that can also help grow. So talk to folks and get to know people. Someone always knows someone.
I think the most important thing is getting to know your customers. Learn something about them, ask them about themselves, and try to remember their stories. Without our customers, we are nonexistent.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
So I have only lived in Colorado since January 2020. Of course, then the pandemic hit, and only now am I starting to venture out a bit more. I have so much to learn about this state and city. So I have not seen a lot yet. Some of my favorite places so far in Greeley are coffee at the Human Bean. Love to eat at Palaminos in Evans. Enjoy doing escape rooms at HD Escape Rooms here in Greeley and Clueology in Fort Collins. A trip up to Estes Park in the fall is stunning. Shopping local is always fun.
That is about all I have got to experience so far. I know there is so much more.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My shoutout goes to my husband Michael. He is actually the one who suggested I open a popcorn shop. I had been making my product for years for family and friends and he would take it to his work all the time. The feedback from people was that it was good enough to open a business making it. So, low and behold, I jumped in feet first and opened my first location in Nebraska in 2012. He supported me through all these years, encouraging me and reminding me to take a few risks and it will all work out. He retired that same year we opened and worked side by side with me to grow the brand.
Could not and would not have done this without him.
Website: momspopcorn.com
Instagram: momspopcorn_co
Facebook: Mom’s Popcorn Colorado