Description

Emily O’Brien is an entrepreneur and the Founder of Comeback Snacks—a specialty popcorn company that challenges the status quo. After being sentenced to a four-year federal prison term following her arrest at Pearson International Airport, Emily set out on a mission to transform herself and make her time in prison as meaningful as possible. Using her entrepreneurial pre-sentence background and experience, Emily birthed the idea for Comeback Snacks (formerly ‘Cons and Kernels’)—a popcorn company that serves up bold and unique flavours alongside the even bolder mission of fighting the stigma surrounding those who have a criminal record.

Her popcorn is now available in over 1200 locations in Canada and the US.

Through her trailblazing efforts, Emily is an example that positive change can happen within correctional institutions with passion, drive, and a positive mindset.

Emily is determined to help remove the stigma surrounding people with prior convictions, as well as give them opportunities for reintegration through training, empowerment and education.

As a leading voice in this unique movement, Emily is frequently called upon by media, including CBC, CTV, Global, Toronto Star, iHeartRadio, CHCH, VICE, and more. Emily was awarded the Business Leadership & Entrepreneurship award at the 2020 YWCA Hamilton Women of Distinction Awards , the Entrepreneur of the Year by the Women’s Empowerment Awards, and the 2022 Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Award for Community Service in recognition of her dedication to social justice. 

Most recently, she was a finalist in the 2024 Meridian Bank Small Business Big Impact Awards, winner of the 2025 Diversity Award from Sobeys and also one of the Top 50 Global Women in Sustainabiity 2025. 

For more on Emily, visit her website.

SOCIAL LINKS:

Instagram: @ComebackSnacks

Facebook: @ComebackSnacks

Twitter: @ComebackSnacks