We had the good fortune of connecting with Jessica Villalobos and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Jessica, what role has risk played in your life or career?
When we think about risks, we believe they’re important because life is full of them. With faith, we can face risks & obstacles without fear. Taking risks in our kettle corn business has led us to new opportunities for growth. We know that not every risk will pay off, but each one is a learning opportunity that helps make our business resilient. In this day and age, despite the struggling economy, everyone wants things faster, and almost everything is done online.
Because of this, we noticed that our quality time with the people we love & surround ourselves with was diminishing. To combat this, we decided to step out of our comfort zone and take a risk by opening a kettle corn business. This, in essence, would allow us to slow things down and savor each moment, literally.
For this reason, one of our goals is to also help others have moments of joy with their families, friends, and communities. We truly believe our kettle corn will help achieve this. Our mission is to spread joy and quality time with others while snacking & sharing our Fun Kettle Corn & cotton candy.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
What sets Fun Kettle Corn apart from others is our commitment to quality, creativity, and community. We only use the freshest, non-GMO ingredients and cook in small-batch preparation to ensure each batch is perfectly popped and delicious. Our unique, locally inspired flavors offer something for every palate, from the traditional sweet & salty to bold, modern combinations. This is why a major part of our excitement comes from constantly creating innovative new flavors. Additionally, we focus on sustainability, using eco-friendly packaging and supporting local suppliers whenever possible. We continually explore new ways to expand our brand. From ‘FUN’draisers with local schools and sports teams, to hosting fun pop-up events. We are incredibly proud of the strong relationships we have built within our community and the joy our products bring to people of all ages.
Recently, we have been chosen to participate in a popular dessert competition known as “Dessert Wars”, located in Miami.
We feel honored & excited to be chosen to participate in it and enjoy these types of events & competitions, but the thing we are most proud of is seeing the smiles on our customer’s faces. Their smiles, along with receiving their positive feedback, is the most rewarding part of what we do.
Our customer-centric approach, which focuses on giving friendly service, and our passion for creating memorable experiences, is what truly sets us apart. We aspire to deliver this in every interaction.
Our Journey: Built on Hard Work and Determination.
Our journey to get to where we are today was built on hard work, determination, and a passion for what we do.
It certainly wasn’t easy as starting & growing a business comes with its fair share of challenges.
In the beginning we faced many obstacles, like finding the right suppliers, perfecting our recipes, and establishing a brand in a competitive market. There were setbacks and moments of doubt, but we stayed committed to our vision and kept pushing forward. To overcome these challenges, we focused on staying adaptable and learning from every experience.
We listened closely to our customers, continually developed & improved our products, and experimented with new flavors and ideas. We began to build strong relationships with local partners, and the community helped us gain support and grow our customer base. Most importantly, we embraced a mindset of perseverance.
Every challenge was an opportunity to learn and improve, and every small victory fueled our drive to keep going.
Our journey has taught us that success doesn’t come overnight. Success is the result of consistent effort, a willingness to take risks, and a deep belief in the value of what we’re creating.
Our Story: It’s More Than Just Kettle Corn.
We want the world to know that our brand, Fun Kettle Corn, is more than just making delicious kettle corn.
It’s about creating moments of joy and connection. From the beginning, our mission has been to bring people together through a simple, timeless treat, made with love. Every batch we make is crafted with care, using recipes that blend tradition with a twist of creativity. We are rooted in a passion for great taste and a commitment to our community.
Our brand represents fun, flavor, and a little bit of nostalgia, a reminder that some of life’s best moments are shared over
something as simple as a bag of kettle corn and cotton candy. We’re proud of how far we’ve come, and excited about where we’re headed. We continue to strive for excellence, aim to bring a smile to your face, and hope to bring a little fun to your day. That’s the heart of our story, and we’re thrilled to share it with the world.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
So I would start any itinerary when visiting South Florida is a day out at sea or relaxing on the shoreline. If the person doesn’t have a boat or knows someone with a boat, I would splurge and rent a boat. It is so worth it. I like the prices, service, and boat selection at Islamorada Boat Rentals then ride out to Alligator Reef to snorkel after stop at Islamorada Sandbar then head back to Robbie’s for lunch and to feel the rush of feeding the tarpons. After that stop at Blond Giraffe Key Lime Pie Factory for a yummy treat then head off to see the sunset at Gilbert’s Resort/Tiki Bar if you’re hungry try the surf and turf plate and drinks they are amazing. If you’re on a budget trip head to Oleta River State Park and rent a canoe or paddle board and ride through the mangroves as you head out to the sandbar to enjoy the water party and you can even have lunch from the food boats. After a day out on the water, it’s time to enjoy Miami’s concrete jungle aka the Miami design area from Wynwood to walk through the colors of Miami so many great places to eat, drink, and dance while enjoying art. The next day for sure needs a drive down State Road 27 (Krome) to see a tropical country. Stop and eat tacos from La Quebradita Mexican Grill then head down the Everglades National Park. It is a must-see. Walk alongside alligators and wildlife with no cages. Amazing trails, the history, and the importance of that area for Florida. but don’t forget to bring water, bug spray, and closed hiking shoes. And if that’s not enough adrenaline and you still have time stop at Everglades Alligator Farm for a great airboat ride and show. Then finish out eating the best ice cream at Michoacana Ice Cream Shop.
There is so much to see, explore, and enjoy in South Florida this is just a glimpse of what I live in daily. I love South Florida.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are several people & groups that deserve credit and recognition in our story. First and foremost, we want to thank our LORD and Creator! He is the foundation of our success. Next is our family, who bring dedication, passion, creativity, and hard work every single day, from the guys popping the corn, to the girls serving our customers with a genuine smile. Afterwards are our local farmers market vendors, such as Miami Friendors and city events who play a crucial role in our success. Even our suppliers deserve recognition as their commitment to providing high-quality, fresh ingredients allows us to deliver the best products possible. Lastly, our customers are at the heart of our story. Their joy, enthusiasm, feedback & loyalty inspire us to keep innovating and improving.
We wouldn’t be where we are today without the support of our LORD, family, friends, community partners, and customers, who have all championed us from the beginning and helped spread the word about our Fun Kettle Corn. As the saying goes, it truly takes a village, and we are incredibly grateful for everyone who has been part of our journey. We cannot wait to see what is yet to come!
Website: https://www.funkettlecorn.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/funkettlecorn
Image Credits
all photos were taken by us.