Georgee George of Yummee Pop Popcorn

Born and raised in the Motor City, Georgee George has always been driven to pursue her passions. After getting her marketing degree at Ferris State University and working in corporate America, she shifted gears to become a freelance hairstylist, building a community of clients and getting a feel for being her own boss.

Thirty years later, a new opportunity popped up to change the course of Georgee’s career once again. It started when she sought a snack she could savor without side effects due to dietary restrictions. When Georgee’s husband purchased a popcorn popper, she was hooked, and her penchant for popcorn led to her next big venture.

Georgee’s sister encouraged her to try different flavor combinations, and she began sharing her creations with friends and family. “They enjoyed it, and then they started demanding it,” she says. “I refused to make it into a business because I’m a hairstylist, and I love my clients. I thought, ‘Who would want to start a popcorn business?’ But after a year, I had to listen to the universe. I made about 100 bags of popcorn, and they sold out.”

While she never expected to start a popcorn business, after years as a hairstylist, Georgee realized she could turn her hobby into a new career opportunity and decided to take a chance on herself. Yummee Pop Popcorn was born. The gourmet popcorn brand focuses on clean ingredients and bold flavors, from a Spicy blend and Caramel to Dill Sea Salt & Vinegar.

As she looked for ways to grow her new business, Georgee tapped into the small business resources provided by the Operations School in Detroit, which serves as a Small Business Support Hub with funding from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. Since 2019, the Operations School has provided a launchpad for minority and marginalized entrepreneurs in Metro Detroit. Through the Operations School support, Georgee’s business sharpened its strategy, improved efficiency and expanded market presence, all while building a network of fellow business owners. Georgee was also awarded a $5,000 grant through Operations School and Black Leaders Detroit, funding new equipment such as a new 52-ounce popcorn machine to help increase production capacity.

While Georgee still has a few hair clients who “will not let [her] go,” she is excited to focus on Yummee Pop Popcorn full time – embracing the salt and the sweet of it all.

How did you first get the word out about Yummee Pop Popcorn?

Initially, I started at the Birmingham Farmers Market and smaller pop-ups and festivals, such as Detroit Vegan at Eastern Market. In the beginning, I wasn’t sure I wanted to start a popcorn business. I spent the first couple of years testing the concept and listening to customers because I wanted to see if this was something people truly wanted.

I always said, ‘As long as the people want it, I’ll pursue it.’ The response was overwhelmingly positive. People kept coming back for more. That’s when I realized it could be more than a hobby.

Once we received our MDARD license and got into our first grocery store, we started building momentum. Today, Yummee Pop is carried in 13 specialty grocery stores, including Meijer market-format stores and Niemann Harvest Market in Indiana. We’ve also expanded into e-commerce, corporate gifting, fundraising and custom event orders.

How did Operations School support you as an emerging small business owner?

Because I'm new at this, I was looking for some kind of structure or map to help me scale my business from just popping popcorn to creating a full-fledged, successful business. Operations School provided that for me, including learning about operations, marketing and all the things you need to make a successful business.

When you start a business, you don't know what you don't know. I would tell people to consider reaching out to the Operations School because it was great for me. They have professionals who are successful in their businesses who come in and talk to you. You can relate to some of the things they say. It's like, ‘Oh, wow, I thought it was just me going through this.’ You can see that they're successful now, and it gives you the guidance and the hope that you're going to be able to succeed as well.

What was it like to be in a cohort with other aspiring business owners?

It was very helpful to be surrounded by other entrepreneurs who were at a similar stage in their journey. When you’re building a business, it can sometimes feel like you’re figuring everything out on your own. Being part of the cohort helped me realize I wasn’t the only one facing challenges and trying to navigate growth. We were able to share ideas, resources and experiences with one another. More importantly, we encouraged each other and held each other accountable.

There are two people from that cohort that I still stay connected with today. We regularly check in with each other, share opportunities, and ask questions like, ‘Did you follow up on that lead?’ or ‘Have you considered applying for that event?’ Those relationships have become an important part of my entrepreneurial support system.

Do you have a favorite flavor that you make?

My personal favorite is the Himalayan Salt. It’s made with a smaller kernel that has a light, crisp texture and a clean, fresh flavor. Sometimes the simplest things are the hardest to do well, and I think that flavor really lets the quality of the popcorn shine.

Our bestseller is Caramel. Customers love that it has the rich, sweet flavor of traditional caramel corn while still being made with simple ingredients. It’s also vegan-friendly, which surprises a lot of people. Another fan favorite is Dill Sea Salt & Vinegar. It has a great balance of dill and tangy vinegar without being overpowering. Our Spicy flavor is inspired by Ethiopian spices, so it’s very different from a traditional spicy popcorn. It has layers of flavor, and the heat builds gradually as you eat it.

What do you enjoy most about your community and living in Michigan?

Michigan is an amazing state. One of the things I love most is that you don’t have to travel far to experience beautiful waterfronts, parks and natural scenery. Growing up in Detroit, I didn’t fully appreciate that until I went away to Ferris State and started exploring other parts of the state. I remember thinking, ‘Wow, this is Michigan.’

I also love the diversity of Metro Detroit. We have so many different cultures, foods, traditions and experiences all within a short drive. Whether it’s the restaurants, festivals, museums or community events, there’s always something to discover.

What makes me especially proud is seeing Detroit’s revival. I’ve lived here most of my life, and I remember when parts of downtown felt empty. Today, there’s so much energy, activity, and opportunity. You can enjoy events year-round, support local businesses and experience a city that continues to reinvent itself. Detroit is my hometown, and I’m proud to be building Yummee Pop here.

Learn how the MEDC supports small businesses like Yummee Pop Popcorn.