Movie-night bowls, desk snacks, and “just one more handful” moments feel simple on the surface. What we don’t see at this moment is the story behind the snack.
In this blog, we’ll explore the women behind today's most exciting gourmet snack brands, female founders who are opting for joy over guilt, clarity over chaos, and the real world over perfection.
Founder Spotlight: Brianna of Bri Marie Popcorn
Brianna is the popcorn-obsessed heart behind Bri Marie Gourmet Popcorn. Every founder’s story has a point where a small idea begins to feel true. Brianna’s story with Bri Marie Popcorn is no different: from an unexpected pivot to a growing, joy-filled business rooted in family and tradition.
The Post-Grad Pivot That Started It All
After graduating into a pandemic-shaped job market, Brianna did not chase a faraway role. She turned her gaze closer to home, looking for something local, hands-on, and genuinely hers.
The spark arrived through a family friend who introduced her to the world of gourmet popcorn. One casual conversation turned into scribbled notes, flavor dreams, and the first version of a real plan. What started as a small idea suddenly felt like the next chapter, not just a what-if.
From Pop-A-Licious to Bri Marie
Brianna’s popcorn journey officially kicked off in 2021 under the delightfully fun name Pop-A-Licious. As orders grew and the vision sharpened, the brand stepped into its next chapter as Bri Marie’s Gourmet Popcorn in 2023.
It was more than a name change. With her Business Management degree from Quinnipiac University, Brianna used the rebrand to clarify what the business stood for: joy, craft, and shareable flavor. The heart stayed the same, but the direction came into focus, proving that growth does not erase your origin story; it makes it shine brighter.
Growing the Team, Keeping the Heart
In 2023, Brianna’s world got a little fuller and a lot more fun when her mom, Kerri, and business partner Donna Warren officially joined the Bri Marie Gourmet Popcorn team. More hands meant bigger batches, bolder ideas, and room to dream past the next market weekend.
What changed was the scale and the shared laughter, not the soul. The recipes still feel like family, the decisions still feel intentional, and the story is a reminder that founder-led brands can grow without losing their heartbeat.
What Makes Gourmet Popcorn Feel Truly Handcrafted
When we say gourmet popcorn, we are not talking about fancy buzzwords. We are talking about flavor, texture, and consistency that make every handful feel completely worth it.
For Bri Marie, gourmet means small, handmade batches with serious attention to detail. Flavors are tested, tweaked, and tasted again so each bite has the right crunch, coating, and balance.
You can spot this kind of craft anywhere with a quick check:
- Is there a clear flavor focus?
- Does it taste just as good the second (and third) time?
- Do the combinations feel intentional instead of random?
When the answer is yes, you are not just snacking, you are tasting a founder’s “why” in every bite.
Founder Flavor Flight: A Week of Gourmet Popcorn
Supporting women founders doesn’t have to be a grand act. It can be as easy as sampling a few flavors to see what you like best, or building a playlist with a familiar favorite, a fun surprise, and one bold choice. A flavor flight makes it easy and fun, just like many women-owned snack brands are meant to be shared.
Start With Two Crowd Favorites
Begin with flavors that never let you down.
- Caramel is your cozy, classic sweet anchor, all warm crunch and comfort.
- White Cheddar is the straightforward, savory sidekick, familiar and wildly snackable.
Together, they are the “always works” duo for first-timers and make any playful flavor you add next feel fun, not risky.
Add One Playful Twist
Now add the wildcard.
- PB & Jelly is the nostalgic curveball, a little childhood throwback in popcorn form.
- Cherry & Caramel brings a bright pop without going overboard.
This is the flavor that makes people pause mid-handful and ask, “Wait, what is this?” That tiny double-take is where founder creativity really shines in gourmet snacks.
Finish With a Bold Pick
Round things out with a flavor that brings a little drama.
- Buffalo & Garlic Parm is for spice-lovers who want heat with a big savory bite.
- Sweet Chili & White Cheddar leans into sweet-heat wrapped around a classic cheese comfort.
These are the snack-table flex picks, the ones that mysteriously vanish first, especially with the friends who always say, “Make it a little spicy.”
How to Support Women-Owned Snack Brands Today
Supporting women-owned snack brands can feel as easy as grabbing “one more handful.” Start with three simple moves. When you can, buy direct so more of your money goes straight back into a founder’s craft and community.
Next, share a real recommendation. One honest line like “I love this brand because it’s founder-led and all about joy-filled flavors” travels farther than a long review.
If you want to keep things low-pressure, try a small flavor flight instead of a big haul. A Bri Marie Signature Line works for everyday snacking, gifting, fundraising, or even corporate thank-yous, but the real goal is simple: pick something that fits your life and tastes fun right now.
Celebrate Female Founders With a Gourmet Popcorn Gift
Female founders influence what we munch on more than we think. By supporting them, we are choosing to eat what embodies care, creativity, and community.
On this Women’s Day, celebrating can be as easy as sharing a bowl, tasting a new flavor, or gifting a treat that comes with a true story. If you are looking for a founder-driven snack that embodies joy and shareability, start by exploring our handmade flavors.
Celebrate Women’s Day with a Bri Marie Gourmet Gift Collection, packed with poppin’ flavors made to share!