The Munching Unicorn: ‘Mom-Inspired’ Snack-tastic Business Sprinkled with Rum-Infused Popcorn Magic

Danielle Howe is the CEO and Owner of The Munching Unicorn. A gourmet snack business offering rum-infused caramel popcorn. Inspired by her mom’s favorite snack, popcorn, Danielle told Loop News, that amidst the pandemic, with time on her hands, she embarked on a delicious journey fusing her mom’s favourite snack, caramel popcorn, with a Jamaican twist – rum!

Following positive feedback from her acquaintances, family and friends, Howe was motivated to transform her passion into a business. Thus, The Munching Unicorn was born.

Danielle’s first sales came from family and friends, who expressed a fondness for her popcorn, subsequently urging her to establish a business. Initially, Danielle sold her products directly from her home and vehicle, and she had no labels for the products. Over time, she developed official labels and a price list, thereby formalizing ‘The Munching Unicorn’ as an official brand.

Initially, Danielle began with the rum-flavoured popcorn which was a hit was friends and family. They encouraged her to create new flavours and she developed the spicy sweet scotch-bonnet. The spicy sweet scotch-bonnet is an infusion of scotch bonnet with sweet caramel, which she describes as sweet and spicy. According to Danielle, her coworkers began buying the product, therefore expanding the brand. The Munching Unicorn is now sold Islandwide with many different flavours. Her business caters to adults but also offers other flavors appealing to the younger crowd.

The Munching Unicorn now has many different flavours such as Sorrel, Pistachio, peppermint marshmallows, garlic herbs, cookies-and-cream and s’mores’ cake.

Starting a business amid the economic downturn of the pandemic presented notable challenges due to escalating costs. Undeterred, Danielle continues to skillfully manage her business from home, effectively mitigating expenses.

Danielle passionately recounts that the true pinnacle of her journey is witnessing the sheer delight on children’s faces when they recognize her and excitedly introduce her product to their parents. She finds profound happiness and fulfillment in seeing families come together, sharing in the joy of her s’mores cake—an cherished recipe she fondly enjoyed with her own mother during her childhood.

As The Munching Unicorn brand continues to gain popularity, Howe is always exploring new and creative ways to enhance her gourmet popcorn selections. Danielle is looking to introduce the product to market and expanding her customer base.

Danielle Howe, showcased some of her delectable handmade gourmet popcorn and marshmallow carefully crafted treats sweets on Smile Jamaica TVJ

With a strong commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, Danielle Howe and The Munching Unicorn have managed to turn a simple love for caramel popcorn into a thriving gourmet snack business. Despite the challenges faced during the pandemic, this innovative entrepreneur has consistently pursued her dream, bringing joy and delicious snacks to households near and far. By staying true to her roots and her passion for creating unforgettable flavor experiences, Howe’s The Munching Unicorn has not only become a popular with kids and customers when she travels to different locations to introduce her products across Jamaica. This is a testament to the power of determination, creativity, and turning one’s hobby into a successful venture.