Today we’d like to introduce you to Jared Boyd.
Hi Jared, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
In 2015, 2 friends and I founded Odd Pop, a local handcrafted popsicle company born from our love for creativity and life’s simple pleasures. Starting in a garage, our mission was to offer a fresh, fun twist on frozen treats, using quality ingredients and bold flavors.
What began as a small venture quickly gained local popularity, growing into a beloved brand known for its unique flavors and dedication to craftsmanship. Under my leadership, Odd Pop continues to innovate, creating delightful experiences with every popsicle.
At the heart of Odd Pop, is my passion for connecting with people and spreading joy through our treats. Today, the brand thrives, thanks to loyal customers and a team that shares the same vision. I am excited for what’s ahead, always looking forward to putting smiles on faces, one popsicle at a time.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Like most small businesses, it definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road. When I started Odd Pop, I was learning everything as I went. From recipe development and sourcing ingredients to navigating permits, events, and the logistics of keeping a frozen product perfect in the Texas heat. There were plenty of moments where things didn’t go as planned, especially in the early days.
One of the biggest challenges has been building something from the ground up while figuring out how to scale it sustainably. Events can be unpredictable, equipment can break, and sometimes you invest a lot of time and energy into opportunities that don’t pan out the way you expected. There’s also the reality that when you’re a small business owner, you wear every hat. Production, sales, marketing, operations, and that can be overwhelming at times.
That said, those challenges have also been some of the most valuable learning experiences. Each obstacle forced me to get better, refine the brand, and really understand what customers love about Odd Pop. Austin has an incredible community that supports local businesses, and that encouragement has played a big role in helping Odd Pop grow into what it is today.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
For the first seven years of building Odd Pop, I was also working in the service industry. That meant a lot of late nights and long shifts, but it was also where I developed a deep appreciation for food and beverage. I became especially interested in learning about wine and spent a lot of time studying flavor profiles and how different elements come together to create a balanced experience. That curiosity and attention to detail carried over into Odd Pop and helped me refine recipes and think more intentionally about flavor when developing our popsicles.
Today I work in the tree service industry. I originally started in the field as a tree care specialist, where I assessed properties and provided homeowners with estimates for the scope of work our crews would perform. That role gave me valuable experience working directly with customers and understanding how to evaluate a property and communicate solutions clearly.
After some time in that role, I was offered a position within the company focused on logistics and scheduling to help maximize efficiency across our crews and daily operations. That is the role I currently hold. Being involved in the operational side of the business has given me a strong appreciation for systems, organization, and problem solving. Skills that have also helped me stay disciplined and intentional while continuing to grow Odd Pop.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
If there’s one thing I’d share, it’s that you don’t have to have everything figured out to start building something meaningful. Odd Pop began with a simple idea and a willingness to keep experimenting, learning, and improving over time. There were plenty of late nights, early mornings, and moments where things didn’t go perfectly, but consistency and curiosity go a long way.
Austin is an incredible place to build something because people genuinely support local businesses and creativity. That support has played a big role in the growth of Odd Pop. At the end of the day, my goal is simple: create something that makes people smile, whether it’s a popsicle on a hot Texas day or a moment where someone tries a flavor they didn’t expect and loves it.
If our story shows anything, it’s that small ideas can grow into something special when you stay committed to the craft and keep showing up.
Pricing:
- $5
- $6 Seasonal flavors
- $8 Specialty flavors ie alcohol pops
Contact Info:
- Website: https://oddpopatx.com
- Instagram: http://instagram.com/oddpopatx
- Facebook: http://facebook.com/oddpopatx
- Twitter: http://x.com/oddpop
- Youtube: http://youtube.com/@oddpopatx
- Yelp: Odd pop
