We had the good fortune of connecting with Mahli Cooper and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Mahli, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I watched my mom and dad operate their own business. So I knew that I wanted to grow up and own my own business as well! What I didn’t know was that I would start to pursue my dream at the age of 9 years old. My favorite snack and some times even my dinner is popcorn. I’ve eaten it ever since I’ve grown teeth. One day, my parents asked me if I wanted to create my own website where I could share my favorite flavors with the world. I was overly excited and immediately started thinking of what to name my business. I love unicorns and popcorn so I thought, what if I throw that together and call it Mahli’s Uni~Pop Gourmet Popcorn! I signed up for a lot of events and started selling my popcorn. A few months later, I had the opportunity to open a store front in Rome, Ga.
In just a little over a year, I now offer over 30+ flavors of popcorn! I’m wanting to open a bigger store soon where I can offer snow cones, cotton candy, and more.
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.
My biggest challenge was that I was very shy. When I started this business I didn’t realize that I would have to talk to strangers in an adult way. I’m still a little shy at times but my mom works with me everyday on how to answer questions and to talk with confidence.
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 would like to thank my mom and dad for working so hard at making me successful. I would like to thank my school The Virtual Learning Academy for boosting my confidence and always supporting me.
I would like to thank my Nonna (grandma) for always giving me the best ideas and being my number 1 customer.
Website: https://unipop.shop/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/mahlis_unipop?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mahlis-UniPop-Gourmet-Popcorn-106607894976977/
Other: Email: mahlisunipop1211@gmail.com Address: 9 E 2nd Ave Rome, Ga 30161 Contact: 706-767-8087