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Alumni: In Focus

 

 

 Alumna Khadijah Polly recently united her love of the performing arts, snacks, and her marketing skills into a Midtown Art Center showcase. 

 On Jan. 18, Polly held an event called “Popcorn & Poetry” at a venue in Houston, Texas. The event featured other Gramblinites Herb Milton, Regan Martin, and Renita Freeny, who shared artwork under the brand Freemajik.   

 Polly’s all natural popcorn business called Kay’s Kettle Corn was also showcased at the Midtown affair.

 ”This event was a way for me to combine my love for performing arts and entrepreneurship,” said Polly, a 2003 graduate.

 Polly is also a member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., and is from Los Angeles. Known to her friends as “Kay”, Polly didn’t move to Houston until after taking graduate classes at the University of Louisiana at Monroe in May 2006.

 ”I moved to Houston because California is so expensive,” Polly said. “Most of my family moved here in ’06 when I moved here.”

 n April 2012, Polly had the idea to make her own kettle corn after tasting some at a local flea market. Having a love for snacks, Polly describes herself as always having an “entrepreneurial spirit.” After many trials and errors, Polly created her own gluten-free kettle corn recipe. During the summer of 2012, she started making popcorn for her friends and family. However, after making the popcorn as party favors, the demand for her sweet, yet salty treats became continuous.

 Now, her business brings the sweet and salty festive treats to offices, parties, and fundraisers all over Houston.

 ”Kay’s Kettle Corn brings the delicious snack that is traditionally found at fairs and outdoor markets to your door step, campus or office all year round,” said Polly. “We are a small business that supports non-profits and other small businesses, and we love to have fun.”

 The company also participates as a vendor at local Houston festivals and there are plans to expand. “A kettle corn truck is definitely on my list,” said Polly. “I love eating at food trucks, so having one would be awesome.”

 For more information about Kay’s Kettle Corn go to www.kayskettlecorn.com. The company also has pages on social networking sites such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.