Inspiring Conversations with Randy Lipman of Mystic Kettle, LLC.

Today we’d like to introduce you to Randy Lipman.

Hi Randy, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Our story started with a simple goal: to create the ultimate signature recipe—a perfect blend of slightly sweet and lightly salted popcorn. We didn’t want to be just another kettle corn stand at a fair or carnival. We set out to craft something special—fresh-popped on site using locally sourced ingredients. Not just kettle corn—Mystic Kettle.

From the beginning, I knew the goal was to be in front of as many people as possible. We wanted people to recognize and remember us, especially in markets or events with multiple popcorn options. So we built a strong, consistent brand identity—customizing our canopy, work gear, and product labeling in our signature orange and black. We never referred to it as just ‘kettle corn’—it was always Mystic Kettle.

For six years, we worked tirelessly—setting up multiple units across metro Detroit, sometimes doing 15 events in just four days. We’d be up at 3 AM for a farmers market and then off to an evening event, often driving hours just to reach high-volume crowds. And we knew it was working when a little boy held up one of our bags and said, ‘Daddy, look—it’s the real one!’

As our popularity grew, so did our commitment to the community. We began partnering with nonprofits, and giving back became part of our identity. But after years of grinding, I knew we couldn’t be everywhere all the time. It was taking a toll. So we scaled back, made our Eastern Market stand our home base, and trained our customers to find us there.

That shift gave us clarity. Customers would tell us we had ruined kettle corn for them—because once they’d had Mystic Kettle, they couldn’t go back to the generic stuff. We knew our popcorn’s secret ingredient—our gourmet popcorn kernels—deserved their own spotlight. While people love Mystic Kettle, popping popcorn at home is something most shoppers already do. So we branded and packaged our premium kernels in jars, making high-quality home popping accessible to everyone. That became our new focus.

Five years later, our kernels have become so popular that we now operate a licensed packaging facility in Detroit’s historic Eastern Market district. We are licensed to package and distribute our kernels to retail stores across the region—making it easier for people to find and enjoy them regularly. Many people only visit the market once or twice a year, so having our product available closer to their homes allows them to stay connected to Mystic Kettle year-round.”**

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Running a small business like Mystic Kettle comes with a unique set of challenges, especially when it comes to supply chain and inventory. One of the biggest hurdles has been managing the increasing cost of ingredients and supplies, while also navigating limitations on the quantities we’re allowed to purchase. What used to be a simple one-stop shopping trip has, at times, turned into a scavenger hunt
-driving to three or four different store locations just to gather enough of what we need for a Saturday market.
There were instances where store policies restricted the amount of a single item we could buy in one visit. To work around that, I’ve had to get creative-changing my clothes, doing a quick hair restyle, and returning to the store to make a second purchase. It may sound funny, but it highlights the kind of problem-solving and perseverance that’s often required behind the scenes of a small business. These are the moments that test your dedication, but also the ones that make the journey all the more rewarding.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Mystic Kettle popcorn is locally sourced, fresh popped, all natural, and allergy friendly. Shoppers visit Eastern Market weekly to purchase our gourmet popcorn & bags of our signature blend. It is slightly sweet and lightly salted— a snacker’s dream!
Our popcorn is Michigan grown, non-GMO and unique, the kernels are dried naturally for a full year-unlike most store bought popcorn, that is dried quickly in a kiln. This extended drying period yields a remarkable result, unparalleled tenderness, and minimal kernels left un-popped.
Our popcorn isn’t just a snack; its an experience. With several varieties available for home popping.
Mystic Kettle has become synonymous with quality, taste, and a touch of Michigan magic. Whether you’re looking for a delightful treat for yourself or exploring unique gift options for corporate or personal occasions, our popcorn is the perfect choice.

What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned-time and time again—is that kindness always prevails. You never know what someone else is going through, so leading with patience and compassion can truly make a difference. Whether it’s a customer, a fellow vendor, or someone behind the counter at a store. treating people with respect and empathy goes a long way.
I’ve also learned the value of genuinely connecting with people. Every customer is equally important, and I prioritize building relationships over making quick sales. A happy customer naturally leads to new customers-word of mouth is incredibly powerful, especially in a small business. Taking the time to listen, engage, and be present not only builds trust but creates a community around the business, which is something I deeply value.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://mystickettle.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mystickettle/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MysticKettle/