Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kendra Black. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Kendra , we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?
In high school, during my junior year, I began to build up my self-confidence and self-esteem. Throughout my childhood, I was often bullied by both kids and even some adults due to my weight and naturally quiet personality. The constant teasing and bullying took a toll on me, making me feel like I wasn’t important. My parents would try to encourage me to love and be myself, but at the time, I just wanted the bullying to stop, and for people to like and understand me. However, as I progressed through high school and experienced certain life-changing events, I began to realize the importance of valuing myself for who I am. I began to write out positive affirmations about myself. I started my affirmations out by asking myself “Who Are You?”, and I would answer “I am strong”, “I am beautifully and wonderfully made”, and “I am smart” just to name a few. Every morning I would stand in the mirror and recite positive affirmations that I felt about myself were true until I started to believe those affirmations were real in my heart. Consistently doing my positive affirmations has helped build my confidence and self-esteem into the woman I am today.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
Hi, my name is Kendra Black, but most people in the city know me as “The Popcorn Lady.” I am the Owner and Chief Popcorn Artisan of Kendra’s Gourmet Popcorn, and I am proud to say that my love for popcorn began in my mother’s kitchen when I was just a little girl. One of my fondest childhood memories is when my mother would show my sister and me her secret to making delicious popcorn in a silver cast iron pot while our father picked out the movie for our weekly family “Movie Night.”
In the summer of 2016, I talked with a good friend about becoming an entrepreneur. We bounced different ideas around, but I felt passionate about my love for cooking. I began experimenting with several different food creations and found myself reflecting on the feelings of joy and amazement I had as a little girl. I realized that the only creation that turned out right was my mother’s secret popcorn recipe. It was my passion and love for her mother’s popcorn that gave me the courage to start my own business.
I launched Kendra’s Gourmet Popcorn in September 2016, originally named “What’s Poppin.” I soon realized that my dream of becoming a business owner was now a reality, and I now offer delicious gourmet popcorn that will leave you craving for more. As of 2023, I have launched several fundraising campaigns with different organizations in Nashville, TN, and my company will be working with Making Strides Against Breast Cancer in Nashville and giving back to the American Cancer Society.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Throughout my journey, I have learned the importance of consistency and intentionality in all aspects of life. Whether you are working a 9-5 job, running your own business, or supporting loved ones, prioritizing self-care and personal growth is key to achieving success. It’s crucial to conduct thorough research and not rely solely on outside advice. This can involve reading books and articles, networking with others in your industry, and gaining an understanding of the market. Additionally, it’s important to practice patience. In today’s fast-paced society, people often expect instant results, but true success takes time and effort. Although hard work is necessary, the rewards of gaining valuable qualities, skills, and knowledge are well worth it in the end.
Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
I am grateful to have had a supportive network of people in my life. It’s difficult to name just one person, as I have been fortunate enough to have friends, family, and even strangers who have offered encouragement during times when I felt like giving up on my entrepreneurial journey. Their wise words and support have helped me to keep going.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.kgpopcorn.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/kendrasgourmetpopcorn
- Facebook: facebook.com/kendrasgourmetpopcorn
- Other: tiktok.com/kendrasgourmetpopcorn
Image Credits
Dewayne Richards- 713 The Light Productions @Calibercoffeeco KB Photography
