Meet Chloe Collins: Co-Founder & Owner, Perennial Pop Co.

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

Hi Chloe, what’s your definition for success?
We’ve put our hearts and a lot of time and effort into developing the best product we can and sharing it with as many people as possible. The COVID-19 pandemic brought all our business for 2020 to a halt — all of our projected specials events, festivals, and farmers markets were cancelled. With preparation, planning and the support of our family, customers and the Atlanta business community we were able to demonstrate agility and resilience by pivoting our business model and expanding our wholesale accounts. Success isn’t about perfection — there will always be bumps in the road. It’s about encountering those roadblocks with grace and grit and finding a way around them. It’s being able to look back at what you’ve accomplished, and know that you did your absolute best.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Our journey began when I was younger and began having problems digesting dairy and soy. Despite my food intolerances, I loved creamy desserts, so my mom and I were constantly wandering down supermarket aisles searching for dairy-free ice cream made with quality ingredients and interesting flavors. When I finished grad school and moved to Atlanta we began doing research and discussing how we could address voids in the frozen dessert market. After settling on a business name, which was inspired by our love of botanical flavors and use of plant-based ingredients, we formed our company, designed our logo and began testing flavors. Three years later, we’re happy with how well our unique cream pops are being received. We’re providing a quality product to those seeking an alternative to the dairy and soy laden ice creams on the market. Parents of children with food sensitivities express how happy they are to find our product. There are many people who are cutting back on dairy consumption, and we’re happy to provide them with a deliciously creamy treat sans animal products. We also make it a point to use fair trade coffee, chocolate, and sugar as well as organic ingredients whenever possible. It may have been easier to continue on the path I had laid out for myself after grad school, but I would have missed out on the incredible experience of building something from the ground up with my mom, learning new skills, and evolving through new experiences. Starting a business requires a lot of planning, resources, and a leap of faith. Staying in business demands mettle, but I believe that without risk, there is no reward.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
In a perfect, COVID-free world, a few days of galavanting around Atlanta with a friend would look like the following: Day 1: Start with a quick breakfast and a latte from Hodgepodge Coffee, Just Add Honey, or Cultivate Food & Coffee; visit Atlanta History Center or the Center for Civil and Human Rights then grab lunch at Herban Fix or Ton Ton Ramen & Yakitori. After lunch we’d take in the High Museum’s latest art exhibitions (if it’s Friday, stay for Friday Night Jazz) before heading to Buteco for drinks, light bites, live Samba music, and dancing. Day 2: Wake up early for a day hike at Sweetwater Creek State Park, Providence Canyon State Park, Cloudland Canyon Statepark, or one of the gorgeous waterfalls near Helen, GA; have a late lunch at Flower Child or Sama Food For Balance and make our way to Jeju Sauna for some R&R. For dinner, we’d choose from one of the many delicious restaurants on Buford Highway. Day 3: Start with high tea at Tipple & Rose or Dr. Bombay’s, browse local bookstores (Atlanta Vintage Books, For Keeps Bookstore, A Capella Books), grab lunch at along the way, stroll through Piedmont Park or the Botanical Gardens, check out an indie movie at Plaza Theatre, grab dinner in East Atlanta Village, and close out the night at the Basement’s 90s/2000s dance party or private room karaoke at Fam-Fam.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
A major key to our success is surrounding ourselves with other entrepreneurs and people who know more than we do. The CREATE (Clark Russell Entrepreneurship and Technology Ecosystem) program has been invaluable as far as expanding our network and business acumen.

Website: perennialpopco.com
Instagram: @perennialpopco
Twitter: @perennialpopco
Facebook: facebook.com/PerennialPopCo
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5BQUDnwvbSY0DgqL_MIJGA

Image Credits
Captured by Tabia, Alex Scheaffer