Thrillist:
How to Spend A Day in Austin Supporting Black-Owned Businesses
When much of the country thinks about Austin, they often picture a few key things: live music, big dog parks, and good food options. But many people are unaware of just how deep Austin’s cultural roots run—and, unfortunately, the historical significance and modern-day influence of Austin’s Black community, in particular, is all too often overlooked.
The Business Journal
Tory Burch Selects 50 Women for 2020 Fellows Program
The Tory Burch Foundation has selected 50 women-owned businesses for its 2020 Fellows Program.
The fellowship provides women entrepreneurs with $5,000 for business education and access to an online community of peers.
Yahoo News: Unique Ways to Celebrate Black Girl Halloween
Even though Halloween is not considered a national holiday, it’s actually one of the most popular days of the year. According to a study from Statista, Americans are expected to spend a whopping $10.6 billion in 2022 to celebrate spooky season.
But where exactly is the money going?
Southern Living Magazine
This Texas Entrepreneur is Cooking Up Soul Food-Flavored Popcorn, and Y’all Need to Try It
De J. Lozada thinks your popcorn could use a little soul.
A single mom to two sons, a caretaker to her niece and elderly father, and unable to work due to a since-cured undiagnosed illness, Lozada had just $53 left in her bank account when she sold her first batch of gourmet popcorn in 2016.
New York Magazine
9 Small Black-Owned Food Brands You Should Know
Shopping online has definitely increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, including for the foods we stock in our pantries. During a time when nothing much about shopping feels “normal,” we’re advocating for spending money intentionally, and spending where it matters most. A recent study showed that more than 40 percent of minority-owned small businesses
Arlan Hamilton’s Your First Million Podcast
With over 100,000 bags sold, SoulPopped has come a long way from a last-stitch experiment to pay the bills born out of De J.’s kitchen in 2016. Relatable, humble, audacious, and inspiring, this episode will resonate with SO many of you. Can’t wait for you to hear this one.
ABC Affiliate KVUE Feature for BHM 2020
Across Austin, the number of black-owned businesses is on the rise, but it’s still relatively low. According to the City‘s Small and Minority Business Resource Department, in 2019 there were 194 certified black-
Austin American Statesman:
New Local Snackery
Pops with Flavor
With $53 in her bank account, De Juana “De J.” Lozada took a chance on a new beginning, though she believes she may have had some help from above.
Spectrum News Highlights Grand Opening
De J. Lozada started selling Soul Popped Popcorn back in 2016 after deciding nobody in the market was making popcorn in an original way.
Mention in The Root
Holiday Guide for Black Cinephiles
Of course, movies are synonymous with popcorn, and Soul Popped is perhaps the blackest brand we’ve heard of yet. Drawing its flavor profiles from soul food favorites like fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, banana pudding and dill sour pickles (and yes, classic butter is still an option), this 100% vegetarian black-owned brand is sure to put a down-home spin on movie night.
Meet the Queen of Soul (Popped Popcorn)
Soulciti shares the love
Flavorsome, colorful kernels are popping up in Austin and soon – all across the nation. Soul Popped Gourmet Popcorn is a “Soul Food Inspired” healthy snack filled with the savory flavor of culture. “Conceived in 100% organic coconut oil,” Soul Popped is made from simple, premium and natural ingredients.
NYT: A funny thing happened in Australia
Soul Popped goes international
Peter and owner De J. Lozada are already working with Amazon in Australia to bring his soul food-inspired snack, Soul Popped Popcorn, to the market. Peter plans to visit with his wife before she gives birth in January.