About Us

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.

Author Profile

Donna Spencer
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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