Zayna Sallum is one of those kitchen masters who have cooking and baking in their blood, answering what came naturally through generations from strong early influence from her mom and grandmother to passing delights to friends and family.
It was moving to Chicago that she quenched a thirst for baking and a desire to be free from the corporate life when a serendipitous ingredient mix turned into a delectable, irresistible masterpiece, the Cuffin. In that, a delicious business was born.
In this episode, LaVonne Ellis shares the story of her founding of Tealing & Co., and the budding empire that tea is making.
She shares the lessons from being a small business owner, and the many details and storms of starting a new business, including the two-sided coin of having a business degree being a benefit as well as also being what makes it filled with more pressure because people have higher expectations. Particularly because nothing really prepares one when you’re starting up a new business.
LaVonne shares the challenges of getting people (normally coffee addicts) to try tea, especially those of Tealing & Co., and the magical joys of three key components to success, however you may define it: doing something you love, being able to make a living doing what you enjoy, and having a market for what you’re passionate about.
In the first episode of All Things Detroit Conversations, Jennyfer Crawford interviews Megan Cowan of Finch Finery about how she started, how her company grew, and the unique type of products she sells.
Get a jump on holiday shopping and beat the crowds. All Things Detroit returns this fall to Eastern Market with hundreds of your favorite small business vendors, food trucks, entertainment and family fun.
Ahead of the Nov. 5 event, Jennyfer Crawford, founder of “All Things Detroit,” chatted with City.Life.Style.
City.Life.Style: What inspired the vision for All Things Detroit?
Jennyfer Crawford: “I’m a people person, and I feel that people are most happy in life doing what they love, so I wanted to create a platform that helps people follow their dreams. I was inspired by the people in my life that would say I wish I could do this or that, but never really knew how. They didn’t have help or that push that they needed. So my vision for All Things Detroit came along when I was on a journey to find my best self.”
CLS: What is “All Things Detroit” and what should attendees expect?
Crawford: “All Things Detroit is a community of entrepreneurs and makers who get together three times a year to network and showcase their products and services. Not only do we highlight the products these small business owners have created, but also tell the story behind the business. Attendees can expect to shop at a wide range of small businesses from across the state that showcases products and services. The event also features live entertainment and giveaways. We call it the All Things Detroit Experience.” …
Fall Sundays at Eastern Market usually have a dramatically different feel, as Lions fans get revved up for a game and often times are drinking by 8-9 a.m. But Sunday’s gather was about business — Detroit business.
Chris Blair, of Brighton, showed Local 4 News what she took home from the event.
“Pop Daddy popcorn; I have some wonderful lotion made out of Shea butter,” Blair said.
Shoppers pay an admission fee to get in and vendors do the same…
Day Out with Thomas at Greenfield Village, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat.-Sun., (also May 13-14). $38.75, $36.25 seniors, $11.75-$32 kids, $11.75 members. 20900 Oakwood, Dearborn. (866) 468-7630.
Strawberry Festival at St. Florian Church, 5-11 p.m. Sat. and 1-10 p.m. Sun. Polish Muslims play at 6:30 p.m. Sat. 2626 Poland, Hamtramck. (313) 871-2778 or stflorianparish.org.
SATURDAY
Free Comic Book Day at Detroit Comics, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Sat. 23333 Woodward, Ferndale. (248) 548-2669.
Grace Centers of Hope’s “Women Helping Women” Luncheon and Fashion Show Fundraiser at Royal Park Hotel, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sat. $100. 600 University, Rochester. (855) HELP-GCH.
SUNDAY
All Things Detroit Marketplace with 250 vendors at Eastern Market, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sun. $5, $15 early bird admittance. 2934 Russell, Detroit. iloveallthingsdetroit.com.
Mark and Erin Sarafa founders of Pop Daddy Popcorn were both born and raised in Southeast Michigan. They met in 1990 while working together for Coca-Cola Enterprises in Auburn Hills, Mi. They have been married since 1995 and find themselves back together in the Food and Beverage Industry.
Erin was the proud owner of two National Franchise retail candle stores. She is now responsible for HR, AP, and AR at Pop Daddy Popcorn, LLC..
Mark graduated from the University of Michigan in 1989 and received his MBA in Marketing from Wayne State University in 1992. Mark worked his way through the Food and Beverage Industry spending time at Coca-Cola (4 Years), Frito-Lay (9 Years), and Absopure Water (12 Years).
With unwavering encouragement from Erin and the approval their 2 children, J.T. (16) and Grace (13), the Family incorporated Pop Daddy Popcorn in 2012. Mark made it his full time career in October of 2013.
Mark credits his wife with the start of the business. “I am so grateful that my wife and children had the faith in me to run a Family business. This is not something we have done alone. Our friends, neighbors, schools, and community in which we live have shown tremendous support through words and actions. We will be forever grateful, regardless of our achievements.” For more information about Pop Daddy Popcorn go to www.popdaddypocorn.com
Pop Daddy Popcorn is available in Meijer stores and a variety of other stores in Michigan.
