CEO, Founder @comebacksnacks | Speaker | Formerly Incarcerated |
Volunteering - Habitat for Humanity Canada | Social Media Influencer
Emily O'Brien's story is a remarkable journey of resilience, redemption, and the transformative power of second chances. Her life took a dramatic turn when she was convicted of smuggling drugs, but instead of letting her mistakes define her, Emily used her time in prison to chart a new course—one that would inspire a generation. Emily grew up in the quiet neighborhood of Westdale in Hamilton, Ontario. A natural tomboy, she was drawn to sports and academics, though she struggled with bullying and personal issues, including the impact of her parents' divorce. Despite these challenges, Emily excelled in school and went on to earn her Bachelor's Degree in Development Economics and International Development from the University of Guelph. During her university years, she was actively involved in organizations like AIESEC and Habitat for Humanity, experiences that fueled her passion for making a global impact. In 2015, Emily launched Gatherr, a visual marketing consulting firm that helped brands grow their online presence. As the founder and CEO, she led a team of 10 and collaborated with major clients such as the Canadian Basketball Association and Tokyo Smoke. Emily’s role as a social media influencer extended over a decade, advising over 30 brands in fashion, art, technology, and hospitality, and regularly speaking at industry events as a thought leader in digital strategy.
But Emily’s life took a sudden turn in 2016 when she was arrested for attempting to smuggle drugs. Manipulated by someone she trusted, Emily found herself facing a four-year prison sentence. The initial days behind bars were filled with fear and uncertainty, but she made a pivotal decision: she would use this time to rebuild her life. While in prison, Emily noticed that food, particularly popcorn, brought inmates together, providing a small sense of joy in an otherwise bleak environment. Inspired by this simple act of making popcorn, Emily began to develop the idea for a business that would later become Comeback Snacks. She wanted to do more than just sell popcorn—she wanted to help others who had been incarcerated reintegrate into society, breaking the stigma that follows those with a criminal record.
Released on parole in 2018, Emily wasted no time in turning her vision into reality. Working tirelessly, she saved every penny she could while holding down a job at a gym. By 2020, Comeback Snacks was officially launched, offering unique flavors inspired by her prison experience. The brand quickly gained traction, not just because of its delicious offerings but because of its powerful mission—giving second chances to those who, like Emily, had been written off by society.
Comeback Snacks became more than just a business; it became a symbol of hope. Emily actively hired formerly incarcerated individuals, providing them with meaningful work and a path to reintegration. She also became a passionate advocate for prison reform and against the discrimination faced by ex-offenders, speaking at various events to share her message of redemption. Emily's journey is a testament to the fact that mistakes don’t define us—how we respond to them does. Through grit, determination, and a desire to make a difference, she transformed her darkest moment into a beacon of hope for others. She’s not just selling popcorn—she’s selling a story of second chances, showing the world that anyone, no matter their past, can come back stronger.
Her message resonates deeply with young people, inspiring them to own their mistakes and turn them into stepping stones for a better future. Emily's transformation from a convicted felon to a successful entrepreneur serves as a powerful reminder that it's never too late to rewrite your story. Through Comeback Snacks and her advocacy work, Emily is creating a movement for change, one that proves that everyone deserves the opportunity to rebuild their lives.
Emily O'Brien is living proof that even the darkest moments can be turned into something beautiful. Her journey from prison to entrepreneurship is a compelling narrative of resilience, and she’s leading the charge for a future where redemption and growth are always possible. Comeback Snacks is her business, but her true product is hope—hope that everyone, no matter where they’ve been, can make a comeback.
Photos Credit @girlandcamera
Social Media Handles:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emz.obrien/
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