Woman who spent four years in jail for DRUG SMUGGLING reveals how time behind bars inspired the launch of her lucrative POPCORN business

A woman who spent four years in prison for drug smuggling has revealed how her time behind bars inspired the launch of her lucrative popcorn business.

Growing up in Ontario, Canada, Emily O’Brien had shown great entrepreneurial spirit until her turbulent personal life spectacularly derailed her career achievements.

She was convicted of drug smuggling and began serving at the age of 26 a four-year sentence in a Hamilton prison.

But it was during this challenging time that she came up with the idea for a new company – driven by its mission to show that everyone deserves a second chance.

“I grew up in Westdale and was the second of three daughters. My family lived frugally. My father worked for the Catholic Church and my mother was a housewife,” Emily began.

“Despite limited resources, I excelled academically, and my parents emphasized the importance of post-secondary education. I have a bachelor’s degree in international development.’

In 2013, at the age of 23, Emily launched a social media company while renting an apartment in Liberty Village.

She quickly gained clients and built a successful business, but her personal life was plagued by family problems and her increasing dependence on alcohol as a coping mechanism.

Occasionally she turned to cocaine at parties to balance her drinking.

In the midst of these struggles, Emily connected with a client named Noah, who initially seemed stable and supportive.

However, Noah’s intentions took a dark turn when, during a trip to St. Lucia, he suggested smuggling drugs across the border.

Emily felt coerced and agreed, without fully understanding the gravity of the situation.

‘During the first two days of the trip we had a wonderful time jet skiing at an all-inclusive resort.

“But on the third morning, Noah drove me down a quiet road to a run-down bed and breakfast. It soon became clear that he had used my passport photo to let drug dealers know that we were couriers,” says Emily.

‘A woman from the B&B handed us just over eight pounds of cocaine.

‘At the airport I hid two pounds in the back of my cycling shorts and another loosely tied to my front. It felt like I was hoarding a box of tissues.

“All the while, Noah assured me that everything would be fine, and that the police wouldn’t suspect anything.”

Upon landing in Canada, as Emily navigated through customs and collected her bags, she was approached by an immigration officer.

What followed was unexpected: a physical search was ordered, accompanied by a question that would change everything: Did Emily have drugs in her possession?

For ten agonizing seconds, Emily’s heart pounded, but she finally admitted she had cocaine.

‘I spent the weekend in jail. My parents, who were in the middle of a divorce at the time, posted $50,000 bail.

‘They were aware of my growing substance abuse problems and moved me to their home, where I remained under house arrest before my trial. I cut ties with Noah.

‘After two and a half years of house arrest, my hearing finally came in January 2018. Based on legal advice, I pleaded guilty and was sentenced to four years, with the possibility of parole.’

Emily was incarcerated in a medium-security prison in Hamilton, where she could easily make connections with the other inmates.

Despite their ages, which ranged from their early 20s to their late 70s, they all shared the common experience of being judged unfairly, despite people knowing very little about them.

Among them were chefs, artists and mothers, all bracing themselves for the challenges of life after prison.

“We were limited to spending our $36 weekly allowance on items listed in the Canadian Food Guide, pooling resources to create communal dishes, and indulging in the occasional treat,” Emily explained out. ‘Popcorn emerged as a crowd favorite.’

One day Emily experimented with spices, using the only options available: lemon pepper and dill. The result was “delicious” and led to an idea: she would start a popcorn company.

In December 2018, Emily was released on parole and transferred to a halfway house, giving her the freedom to find work and move around Hamilton as long as she complied with her probation officer’s reporting requirements.

She found work at a gym and used her earnings to rebuild her life and save money for her business.

In 2020, she launched Comeback Snacks, a popcorn company that aims to combat prison stigma by employing formerly incarcerated individuals and advocating for their fair treatment in society after serving their sentences.

Her goal was to humanize the prison experience and demonstrate that everyone deserves a second chance.

Emily started by buying kernels and spices at Bulk Barn and renting a commercial kitchen to experiment with different flavors, including salted chocolate caramel and peanut butter jelly.

She hired a man who had spent six months in Kingston Penitentiary.

Their products found their way into local convenience stores and received widespread support for the concept of second chances for former inmates.

They spread their message through their website and social media, with the cheeky slogan on the packaging – ‘Popcorn so good, it’s criminal’ – helping to tell their story.

Soon, other companies, such as wineries and bars, showed interest in their products, leading to partnerships with co-packers and distributors to expand their businesses.

They now employ five people, all of whom have served time in prison, and distribute Comeback Snacks to 800 locations in Canada and the US.

“Comeback Snacks isn’t just about popcorn,” Emily insisted.

“While a percentage of sales went to the Elizabeth Fry Society, which provides services to women going through the legal process, incarceration and reintegration, the company is also shining a light on an issue most Canadians are unwilling to address: what happens there? to people when they go to prison, and how can communities support them when they are released.’

“I’ve spent time in prison and I’m on a mission to change attitudes about rehabilitation and the importance of second chances.”