Writer / Joshua Deisler
Inside their grandparents’ house on a quiet street in Crown Point, two girls watched their grandfather toss kernels into a stove pot. To their grandparents the girls had biked — around the cemetery and through the park — and now they were helping their grandfather stir the corn on the stove, listening as the kernels popped… one… two… then too many to count.
Little did they know that this memory would grow into an Indy favorite.
Having toyed for years with the idea of starting a business, the girls discussed their hobbies such as restoring and painting furniture to interior design. They had always enjoyed making things, such as storage shelves for their neighbors, so they wanted their business to be artistic. But on this there would be no debate: Sisters Carly Swift and Mandy Selke would share this together.
They did not yet have a plan. That is until, while painting a lake house, the girls turned to each other and said, “Nostalgic… Grandpa… Popcorn!” With this epiphany came excitement and determination. “As soon as Mandy and I get excited about something, it’s kind of hard to pull back the reins,” said Carly.
The new business would need a catchy name and logo. As they sat on the couch brainstorming, they spoke of a business where folks could “Just Pop In.” And they wanted their logo to fit their personalities, but they never imagined having cartoon sidekicks. That’s just what an old friend and graphic designer gave them!
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Just Pop In began as a small adventure. The first flavors were very simple: cheese, caramel, candy, and cocoa. Now, during their 11 years of business, Carly and Mandy haven’t stopped with just retail locations. No, their desire to participate in the local food movement launched them toward another adventure.
They dived into the food industry, working with businesses like Sun King to develop one of their best selling popcorns, Dark Chocolate Osiris. And, as opportunities sprouted, Mandy and Carly partnered with other local establishments to tell their stories. This led to unique flavors like Hoosier Mama Bloody Mary and Zest! Spicy Ginger Curry.
Popcorn represents more than just a business to Mandy and Carly. “We want them [our customers] to feel joy by way of our experience,” said Mandy.
As new opportunities arise, Carly and Mandy are dedicated as ever to spreading smiles. “I can’t think of a better person I can go through a challenge with than my sister,” said Carly. And there’s one thing they’re sure of as their business expands: whatever happens, it will be — as always — together.
Just Pop In
6302 Guilford Avenue
317-257-9338
justpopinonline.com
