Otts’ Pops Indie Pop was born from the belief that food, like music, has the power to bring joy and create connections. During the pandemic, co founders Diane Ott Whealy, author and co-founder of Seed Savers Exchange, and Lissie, a singer songwriter and touring artist, found themselves in an Iowa farmhouse, sharing stories, and cooking up something new. The result? A popcorn company that blends their passions for flavor and fun.
What started as a casual conversation turned into Otts’ Pops Indie Pop, a popcorn company that crafts flavors inspired by different pop music genres. Diane’s beloved caramel corn recipe perfected over years in her cast iron skillet became the foundation for a range of flavors that celebrate everything from dream pop and folk pop to pop rock and K-pop. Each bite brings a little pop of joy, connecting food with music and fun.
At Otts’ Pops, we handcraft our popcorn in small batches, ensuring every bag is made with care and respect for the earth. Proudly women owned and Iowa made, we are committed to sustainability and creativity. Our goal is simple: to make popcorn that brings people together, matches your mood, and turns an ordinary moment into something memorable.
Our very first batch sold out quickly, and we’re thrilled to continue sharing our popcorn with you. Looking ahead, we’re dreaming big from growing our own heirloom mushroom-style popcorn here in Iowa to creating even more music-inspired flavors.
So whether you’re indulging in our caramel corn or exploring one of our pop music-inspired flavors, we invite you to experience the joy and creativity that Otts’ Pops brings to every bag.
Meet Lissie Maurus
Lissie (Elisabeth Corrin Maurus) is a Midwest based singer-songwriter known for her unique blend of indie folk and country influences. Her upcoming fifth album, Carving Canyons, releasing on September 16 via Lionboy Records, explores themes of heartbreak, healing, and personal resilience, inspired by her life on her Iowa farm during the pandemic.
Born and raised in Illinois, Lissie moved to Hollywood to pursue her musical dreams, where she gained critical acclaim with her 2010 debut album, Catching a Tiger. Over the years, she has released multiple albums, performed countless sold-out shows, and appeared in TV series like Twin Peaks. Lissie’s music has earned her a devoted fanbase, along with numerous awards and accolades.
Beyond her music career, Lissie co-founded Otts Pops Indie Pop, a gourmet popcorn company that blends her love of music and entrepreneurship. She is actively involved in developing the brand, curating flavors, and promoting a music inspired experience for customers. Otts Pops Indie Pop celebrates the spirit of independent artists and supports sustainability, aligning with Lissie’s passion for creativity and community.
Additionally, Lissie is dedicated to land conservation, running a farm in Iowa where she applies her values of sustainability and care for the environment. Her experiences in farming have strengthened her sense of empowerment and balance, which she brings into her music and entrepreneurial ventures.
Lissie’s journey is a testament to perseverance, creativity, and a commitment to living a life that blends art, nature, and entrepreneurship.
Diane Ott Whealy
Diane Ott Whealy has spent decades nurturing her love for the land and food, becoming a pioneer in sustainability and conservation. Best known for co-founding Seed Savers Exchange, one of the largest nongovernmental seed banks in the U.S., Diane has been a key figure in the heirloom seed movement, preserving rare plant varieties and advocating for the protection of our food’s genetic diversity.
But in 2020, during the quiet days of the pandemic, Diane found herself wanting to bring a little more joy to the world. While spending time on her Iowa farm, she reconnected with her family’s beloved caramel corn recipe, cooked in a cast iron skillet just the way she always had. It was during this time that she teamed up with singer-songwriter Lissie, and together they created Otts’ Pops Indie Pop.
The idea was simple but exciting: craft small batch popcorn flavors that match the energy of different pop music genres. With Diane’s long held recipe and Lissie’s musical vision, they created popcorn that doesn’t just taste great it’s fun, playful, and designed to bring people together.
Now, as co-founder of Otts’ Pops, Diane brings her expertise in sustainable farming and her love of food to every batch of popcorn. Whether it’s sweet, savory, or somewhere in between, each flavor is made with care and a commitment to quality.
Lissie Maurus & Diane Ott Whealy Co-Founders of Otts’ Pops Indie Pop & Bloggers
Starting in 2024, Diane Ott Whealy and Lissie Maurus have expanded their passion for creativity and sustainability by launching an informative blog focused on personal product analysis and first hand usage reviews.
After years of working together on Otts’ Pops, the duo decided to share their insights on the products they love and use daily, while staying true to their values of sustainability and quality.
This new venture into blogging felt like a natural progression. Diane, with her background in sustainable farming and conservation, brings a wealth of knowledge about eco friendly products and sustainable practices. Lissie, a musician with a deep love for creativity, adds a fresh perspective on lifestyle tools and everyday products, combining practicality with a fun, artistic touch.
Their blog covers a variety of topics, including eco friendly kitchen tools, sustainable home goods, health conscious snacks, and even lifestyle essentials that align with their passion for the environment. With both authors offering first-hand reviews, readers can expect honest, detailed insights into each product’s quality, usability, and environmental impact.
Through their blog, Diane and Lissie aim to empower readers to make informed decisions that support sustainable living while enhancing everyday life.
Author Profile
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Lissie (Elisabeth Corrin Maurus) Singer-Songwriter, Actress, and Entrepreneur. Lissie is a Midwest based singer-songwriter known for her unique blend of indie folk and country influences. Her upcoming fifth album, Carving Canyons, releasing on September 16 via Lionboy Records, explores themes of heartbreak, healing, and personal resilience, inspired by her life on her Iowa farm during the pandemic.
Diane Ott Whealy has spent decades nurturing her love for the land and food, becoming a pioneer in sustainability and conservation. Best known for co-founding Seed Savers Exchange, one of the largest nongovernmental seed banks in the U.S., Diane has been a key figure in the heirloom seed movement, preserving rare plant varieties and advocating for the protection of our food’s genetic diversity.
Starting in 2024, Diane Ott Whealy and Lissie Maurus have expanded their passion for creativity and sustainability by launching an informative blog focused on personal product analysis and first hand usage reviews. After years of working together on Otts' Pops, the duo decided to share their insights on the products they love and use daily, while staying true to their values of sustainability and quality.
Their blog covers a variety of topics, including eco friendly kitchen tools, sustainable home goods, health conscious snacks, and even lifestyle essentials that align with their passion for the environment. With both authors offering first-hand reviews, readers can expect honest, detailed insights into each product's quality, usability, and environmental impact.
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