The irony is not lost on Nicole Brengel.  When she graduated from West Virginia University in 2010, she moved to Richmond, Virginia, fully intending to have a lifetime career as a Dental Hygienist.  Six years later, she has started her own handcrafted popcorn business. 

 

For those who knew her in high school, the creative streak was an obvious part of Brengel’s personality.  While at Bridgeport High School, she was passionate about the arts, involved in theater and music and spent her spare time on fashion and design.  So, imagining her mixing and tasting and popping her way to success is not far-fetched at all, despite her earlier commitment to dental hygiene.

 

Like many innovations, the concept came to Brengel during an ordinary evening.  After returning from a trip one night, she and her husband were starving and found the refrigerator empty.  Opening her pantry, she found popcorn. Simple, old-fashioned, popcorn.  What could have been a very mundane moment turned into one of inspiration as Brengel imagined how she could turn something so simple into an indulgence not currently offered in the Richmond area.

 

“I fell in love with the idea of creating a popcorn business,” she said.  “I get to use my creativity on flavor combinations, branding and marketing.”

 

Brengel and her husband dove in head-first, learning the ins and outs of the popcorn and gourmet snack industry and working with consultants on building a brand.  She created unique flavors such as Cinnamon Toast and Cheddar Bacon and created social media campaigns to increase awareness. 

 

For Brengel, entrepreneurship runs in the family.  Her grandparents own Twin Oaks and her dad is an entrepreneur as well.  Staying connected to the family has always been a priority, often calling her mom and siblings daily.  Now, she also has the opportunity to brainstorm for new business strategies and develop creative approaches to growing her business when she calls home.

 

“The great thing about popcorn is that it is almost universally loved and great for gift giving,” said Brengel.  “Our tins have vibrant colors and we feature bold flavors, ideal for personal or corporate gifts.”

 

Recently, Sugarbella’s Handcrafted Popcorn has found a following among tailgaters and wedding guests and Brengel is eager to roll out the holiday ordering options in November.

 

“Our tins are perfect for Christmas and customers can choose up to three flavors, including our special holiday flavor to be released next month,” she said.  Eventually, she would like to bring the taste of Sugarbella’s Handcrafted Popcorn back to her hometown, possibly even the Farmer’s Market, but for now, she is focusing on growing her business one kernel at a time in the Richmond area and online. The combination of inspiration, creativity, family history and hard work have allowed Brengel to start her own business venture, one that continues to evolve into something delicious.

 

Discounts, promotions, and online ordering are available by following Sugarbella’s Handcrafted Popcorn on Facebook or Sugarbellaspopcorn on Instagram.