What began as a way to make a little extra money around Christmas has grown into a year-round business for Tin Acre Gourmet Popcorn owner Abby Balster.

Balster recently joined WCSM’s “Diving In” podcast to talk about the beginnings of Tin Acre Gourmet Popcorn and how the business has grown over the years.

The idea started during the 2018 Christmas season when Balster was looking for a way to earn some additional income. She already had a caramel popcorn recipe and began making popcorn from her home.

What was originally intended to be a seasonal side business began growing as customers and local companies started placing orders. Balster said the business eventually expanded beyond Christmas and into fundraising, online sales, retail partnerships and a storefront in Botkins.

The product lineup has grown as well. Balster said Tin Acre started with around five popcorn flavors and now offers dozens.

One flavor, however, has separated itself from everything else.

Balster said Buckeye is the company’s number-one-selling flavor and sells approximately four times as much as the next most popular flavor.

The growth has also created new challenges behind the scenes. Balster said the business has expanded its partner locations and relies on help from family and friends during particularly busy periods, including the Christmas season.

Fundraising has also become a significant part of the operation. Balster discussed working with area schools and organizations, including a New Bremen school fundraiser that doubled its sales from one year to the next.

While Tin Acre has a physical storefront, Balster said much of the business happens outside what customers see, including online orders, fundraising, business orders and supplying retail partners.

The company’s popcorn has even traveled well beyond Ohio. Balster said one of the farthest destinations she knows of is Japan, while orders also regularly make their way to Alaska.

The full conversation with Abby Balster is featured in Episode 20 of WCSM’s “Diving In” podcast, available for free on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.