We had the good fortune of connecting with Mellini Monique and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mellini, as a parent, what have you done for you children that you feel has had the most significant impact?
LIVE FULL OUT!

It’s been so important for me to show our children that life is good and gritty, full of ease and hardship, it’s active and not passive. That we were created to be creators/producers and not simply consumers. Because of this mindset that we’ve lived out, we can see that our children are creative thinkers, risk-takers, self-starters, and willing to reframe what society says is possible or should be done. I LOVE THAT!

What should our readers know about your business?
My businesses are all about making wellness palpable and practical –in creatively delicious ways, of course.

Herby PoP artisan herbed popcorn was born out of serving as a Gospel Medical Missionary. We were always helping people transform their diets and lifestyles but we discovered the NEED was to still have something fun and flavorful to eat–to not be isolated in the pursuit of health & wellness. What’s more perfect than herbed popcorn in flavors from around the globe to meet that need?

We didn’t start as a business, we started in self-supporting ministry. It wasn’t until 2020 (hello pandemic) that we decided to become a B-Corp so we could enlarge our reach and amplify our impact.

It has NOT been easy. Imagine starting a business with literally nothing but ideas, grit, and the desire to keep doing good for our community. It sounds so great but it didn’t pay the bills, or for equipment breakdowns, or rental spaces. I have been able to overcome every challenge this far with creativity AND allowing that my journey is MINE. Success is on my own timeline and on my own terms. This realization takes the pressure off and allows me to keep creating and producing the purest artisan herbed popcorn on the market. Period!

I want the world to know that Herby PoP is a brand based on real life! We are a real family, making real food, with real ingredients, crafting real flavors from around the globe, and connecting with real people and cultures from the diaspora. We truly believe that when you fuel your body well and dare to share that experience with others, we’re creating a little ecosystem of wellness that can lead to a healthy delicious life.

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?
Oh my! I would have to take them on a plant-based culinary tour around Chicago while enjoying some of the city’s nature scapes in between. We’re going to Majani Vegan Soul Food for their infamous collard greens, bbq cauliflower, and fried grits. Althea on the Gold Coast for a more upscale night overlooking Michigan Avenue. Afro Joes for that early morning non-caffeinated (or caffeinated) hangout. Nobody does Thai better than Opart Thai on Chicago Avenue with their fresh to order wide flat rice noodle dishes. We would do vegan high tea at the Peninsula. Walk the river walk, parlay at Garfield Park Conservatory with a charcuterie board from Chicuterie, Japanese Gardens, a nighttime architectural boat ride on the Chicago river…and take in copious amounts of culture by walking south side neighborhoods like Pullman, Hyde Park, Chinatown, and Pilsen. Oh, and brunch would have to be at our house because we make the best vegan pancakes and waffles, hands down.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I dedicate this shoutout to my husband, Brodie Cross Jr., who has ALWAYS supported my special brand of crazy. He has championed every idea, funded every project, and loves me fiercely as we craft this juicy life we desire.

Website: www.herbypop.com

Instagram: Herby PoP

Facebook: Herby PoP

Image Credits
Xposeur Photography, Cydni C. Polk

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