We sat down with Vicki of PopCentric Gourmet Popsicles, one of the newest vendors to our Markets this season!
You can find her at our weekend Markets & visit her storefront at 55 State Street in North Haven.
1. How did you first get started?
When my children were younger I struggled to get them to eat healthy. I really wanted to incorporate avocado and healthier foods into their diet, so I blended avocado and banana together and froze it into a popsicle — they loved it! When I learned that other parents were having similar issues I began experimenting with different flavors and expanding my consumer base. I also started making cool adult flavors for my friends and when everyone loved them I decided to start my business!
2. What’s unique about your product and flavors?
I like to combine very daring and unusual flavors!
4. What is your favorite flavor?
My favorite flavor is coconut avocado.
5. Tell us about your use of local ingredients.
I usually get great deals on berries at farmers markets. I try to use Connecticut-grown ingredients from the market as often as possible, and when these ingredients are not available I use the highest quality ingredients I can source.
6. What do you like to do when you have spare time?
I love to eat new and exciting foods and spend time with my kids.
7. What’s one thing you want everyone to know about your business?
Don’t be afraid to try something different, and I truly care what you think of my product. I love seeing people happy from eating something I created. Especially when I know certain flavors have ingredients that are exceptionally good for you.
8. What are the best and hardest things about being in this industry?
Hardest thing is all the red tape and staying on top of paperwork. I never had experience in this industry prior to PopCentric. I’m also a bartender/waitress at Tre Scalini and a crossing guard so paperwork is not my thing.
9. What is your favorite part of working in this industry?
My favorite part by far is being out in the community and developing relationships with local farmers and other people who are active in the community and neighborhood. That part makes me feel so good.
