Pop(corn) Culture
Every business has a backstory. Some are simple. Others are built from reinvention, risk, failure, and growth. Before we dive into the music, the memories, and the madness, this is where Pop(corn) Culture really begins.
Welcome to the Pop(corn) Culture Blog
In the immortal words of Prince “Life, it ain’t real funky unless it’s got that Pop”
Welcome to the Pop(corn) Culture Blog. Let me start by introducing myself. My name is Todd Webster and I am The Popcorn Lady….Yeah I know but for the record I am not the original Popcorn Lady. That was Holly Levine, however, she has retired from this carnival life and I have grabbed the reins of this crazy train with both hands.
So why open up with a quote from Prince you ask? Well, first, it’s prince and I subscribe to his brand of Pop Logic. I mean seriously who can not agree with the lines of Pop Life “show me a boy that’s crazy in school and I will show you a boy aware”? That boy was me and I am VERY aware. Second, I love anything that has that POP. Lastly, simply put I had no idea where to start on this Blog Journey and he inspired me. So, let’s pour one out for our lost 21st century Mozart and continue our journey.
Chapter One: The Dancer
My journey here has been filled with a ton of twists and turns. Just like the Jimmy Buffet song I have lived my life in both chapters and stages. Chapter one, as a young teenager I was a dancer. Yes, I studied Ballet on a scholarship at the Ballet Academy in Winter Haven, FL. I really thought that was my direction in life. Until one fateful day when my ego outgrew my potential and when faced with the notion that I would be a good dancer but never a great one I walked out and never returned.
Chapter Two: The Marine
Next chapter, I joined the Marines (I know talk about a hard left right?). I spent 10 years as a combat photographer which was more of an investigative photographer where I covered all the crimes scenes you can possibly imagine. Again, my ego was too big for my uniform and when faced with a jerk of a captain I decided to leave.
Chapter Three: Real Estate and The Crash
Next Chapter, I went into real estate and mortgaging. It was the heyday of sub-prime and money was just falling in my lap. But that bubble was doomed to crash and crash in the most ugly way imaginable.
Chapter Four: The Chef
And so my next chapter was as a Chef. I used my GI Bill to go to culinary school in Miramar, FL and somehow managed to land a small job in the pastry section of one of the best restaurants in Miami, Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink. I was starting my career and I was surrounded by James Beard Chefs. I got to cook for the elite of society (my personal favorite was Billy Joel). I met world famous Chefs like Thomas Keller and Jamie Oliver. And then my supersized ego got in the way again. I was angry all the time, my marriage was less than awesome and I was poor as dirt LOL. When I left that place, I was told that I should spend more time on the line, but I took an executive chef job and failed my way upward. Honestly, I was a pretty damn good chef, but like my dancing I would never be great.
The Current Chapter: The Popcorn Lady
So, the current chapter is as such, I have tamed my ego. I have an amazing wife and she keeps me humble in the best possible way. I have purchased this company that Holly worked so hard to create and build a solid foundation for me to expand upon. Great things are coming this way. I am thrilled by what the future holds and as the song goes “Everybody needs a Thrill, POP LIFE”
If you want to learn more about what we do, visit our Services page or check out our Event Packages to see how we bring that POP to celebrations of every size.
Every Chapter Needs Its Pop
Life rarely moves in a straight line. It twists, it humbles, it teaches, and if you are lucky, it gives you another chance to build something meaningful. Pop(corn) Culture is not just about snacks. It is about growth, grit, reinvention, and a little bit of funk along the way.
If you are planning an event and want to add something unforgettable to the experience, let’s make it happen. Call us at 678-722-3202 and let’s talk about how we can bring that signature POP to your next celebration.
Stay tuned as we Pop to the Top
