Meet Angela Solomon | Owner of Potions And Popcorn

We had the good fortune of connecting with Angela Solomon and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Angela, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
When I was a young single mom, my priority was keeping things afloat materially. I was not able to spend much time or effort on taking better care of myself physically. Over the years that took a toll on me and forced me to slow down and pay more attention to my own needs. I hope that young mothers today are able to practice more self care. Once the kids were in High School, I was able to focus on me again and life began to come back into balance…for a while lol.
And then I was gifted with a Grandson. His very young mother neglected him and when he was 2 he came to live with me full time. He was non verbal at the time and I have worked diligently since to get him the care he needs.
Its been almost 3 years since then and he is by far the most important thing in my life. You see, Arthas has Autism and his world just operates differently than what we are used to.
Now, my energy is spent on his quality of life, not making car payments (I drive an old Buick lol).
I recently (In February) made the tough choice to quit my salaried position to dedicate myself to my grandson and my new business in an effort to find a better balance. Life is too short to focus on material things over the beauty seen in the eyes of a child.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a person that likes variety and I have owned several small businesses over the years. Before I started Potions and Popcorn, my prior business was a Martial Arts School in Gurnee. I love running my own businesses, it is very fulfilling, but wow a lot of work!! I have also filled the time in between those businesses as an IT Business Analyst in Higher Education, most recently at U of I as Student Systems Coordinator.
While I enjoyed my career, it takes too much of my energy to leave much for others and I am looking forward to being more involved in my community (There may be a farmers market coming to Warrensburg) and following my passion of bringing healthier treats with no artificial colors that all kids can enjoy.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well I dont really go out much, but I have really enjoyed Rock Springs Conservation Area, its well taken care of and very pretty and peaceful. Then we would stop by Mari Mann Herb Farm for some shopping and tea.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I definitely want to shout out Aryn Callerman! She gave me the courage to put myself out there (I am a very introverted person). I left Phoenix Arizona because I was done with city life and needed to slow things down. So I packed it up and bought a fixer upper in a small town (Warrensburg) that I had never been before.
I was ready for change, but being from a city I was a little nervous about what the community would be like. I will never forget one afternoon shortly after I had moved to Warrensburg, I was in the drive thru window and looked over and there was a mom wearing a brand new baby, working away! And I said to myself, wow thats an amazing show of support for moms. This really IS the kind of community I want to belong to. And I was right, I didnt know her then, but everything I have learned about Aryn supports my first impression. She is a family oriented business owner who really cares and it really shows in everything she does!

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