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How Pinterest Inspired Thankful Sweets
Thankful Sweets, LLC was an idea that I simply stumbled upon on Pinterest. I originally came up with the idea to make gourmet popcorn in mid-2017. It all started two years prior, in 2015. During the holiday season I would look to Pinterest to make creative gifts for my sisters-in-law’s. Understandbly, I don’t like the idea of buying frivolous gifts. As a result, I put some thought and effort into the gifts I give.
Past Idea – The Wreath
In 2015, I made handmade wreaths. Making the wreaths were fun. Certaintly, the process allowed me to be crazy creative. Using ideas I found on Pinterest, is what helped to motivate me. However, after making a few of them, I grew tired of the idea and moved on.
Past Idea – Mimosa Bar
In 2016, I had fun making a Mimosa Bar (Chalkboard Tray, made out of wood through my old website, DIY Mogul). Although this gift took a lot of work, it was truly worth it. Most noteworthy, I made a few extra variations to include a table tray for my parents. Even more, the Mimosa Bar is a multi-purpose tray that could be used in various ways. This is what makes this gift so amazing and memorable. Just like the homemade wreaths, this idea was also short-lived.
The Begining of Thankful Sweets
In September 2017, I got the idea to make gourmet popcorn through my search on Pinterest. As a result, from September to December, I tested out several recipes. Naturally, popcorn favors with various flavors wrapped in festive bags were perfect. I shared these favors with several family and friends and received many compliments. Impressed with the response, I knew I was on to something special.
If you asked me years ago if I thought a popcorn business would be my business venture, I honestly would say, “No”. Click To Tweet
Thankful Sweets, LLC was formally established on January 9, 2018. First purchases were a popcorn maker and popcorn kernels. I prefer mushroom popcorn kernels because they are bigger and fluffier, which I find is better for our recipes. The first-year sales were constant. Thankful Sweets averaged about 150 orders. Our most popular order was our 3-Pack Sampler. During the first year, I focused on a few recipes that I enjoyed the most. Our Oreo Madness was an instant hit, while our Caramel and Cheese mix was another fan favorite.
Check out our other post ” I Don’t Even Like Popcorn”
Learning the Industry
If you asked me years ago if I thought a popcorn business would be my business venture, I honestly would say, “No”. Prior to stumbling across this idea of running a popcorn business, I knew nothing about the industry. Let me be clear, I didn’t just start posting listings on Esty and waited for orders to come in. Research is key and I put the work in. Learning about popcorn kernels and popcorn machines is essential. Therefore, Investment of time into the different types of recipes and business models was helpful. Understanding marketing tactics and company branding is imperative. Naturally, there is much more I to learn. However, I want to be clear, this is not a turn-key business opportunity for me. It’s amazing to think back and realize how Pinterest was the inspiration that started it all.
