About Me

Hi, I’m Donna Spencer, and I’ve always had a soft spot for flavors that tell a story. Before acquiring and reshaping Otts Pops, I spent nearly a decade working in a small-batch popcorn kitchen tucked behind a vintage movie theater in Des Moines. It wasn’t glamorous, but it was rich with real-life lessons: balancing ingredients, handling customer feedback, testing what worked and what didn’t. I learned that sometimes a small tweak-less sugar, more crunch-made all the difference.

After earning my degree in Hospitality and Retail Management, I worked behind the scenes curating snack menus, packaging samples, and sourcing quirky treats for niche shops.

That hands-on experience showed me how saturated the market could be-and how easy it was for shoppers to feel overwhelmed. I started Otts Pops in 2025 as a way to cut through the clutter.

Donna Spencer
Donna Spencer

While the name is a nod to the snack world I came from, the site has evolved into something bigger: a space for honest, everyday product reviews from someone who’s spent time on both sides of the shelf.

What You’ll Find Here

Whether I’m reviewing a countertop popcorn maker, testing storage containers, or comparing non-dairy toppings, I try to bring the same curiosity and care that I brought to my kitchen days. I don’t write for brands, and I don’t hype products I wouldn’t use myself. This blog is about sharing what actually works-for your home, your habits, and your budget. I live in Cedar Rapids now, still in the Midwest, with a rescue cat named Beans and a garage that’s slowly turning into a product-testing station. This site is my way of staying curious, staying honest, and helping others make choices they’ll feel good about.

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Donna Spencer
I'm Donna Spencer, with a background in Hospitality and Retail Management, I spent years curating snacks and learning what makes a product truly stand out.

In 2025, I launched Otts Pops to share honest, practical reviews on everyday items-from kitchen tools to home gadgets. My approach is simple: no hype, just real-world insights from someone who’s worked behind the scenes.

This blog reflects my passion for helping people make smarter buying decisions through experience, curiosity, and a genuine love for finding products that actually work.
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