When Denise Striblin and Sonya Wylie met seven years ago at church, they had no idea that their converging paths would one day lead them to own a business together — but that’s the way things work when you’re open to opportunity.

At just this time last year, the two friends, who work together at Striblin’s hair salon, were brainstorming ideas for a downtown-Greensboro business. “We wanted to bring something new to the area,” Wylie says, “and we wanted to establish a business that lets us give back to the community.”

The result? A Pot of Gold, The Popcorn Shoppe, on McGee Street near the intersection with Elm. The tiny shop is bursting with rich flavors and unexpected combinations that the pair dreams up, such as their signature Pot of Gold, a mix of cheddar and caramel popcorn.

Popcorn lovers can choose from five tasty categories: Traditional — such as butter, cheese, and caramel; Glazed — with colorful blue raspberry, green apple, or strawberry; Flavored — including delectable pizza; Crazy — like the salty and sweet Pot of Gold combination; and Chocolate Lovers — offering milk chocolate or a milk and white-chocolate combo. The shop also offers a nostalgic Slushy machine and a candy station with a variety of munchies.

In addition to creating a place where Greensboro residents can stop in for a crunchy snack, Striblin and Wylie say they plan to use their business as an opportunity to give to local organizations. “We’ll have days where we’ll donate a portion of our proceeds to family and women’s charities and cancer research,” Wylie explains. Now that’s food for the soul.

A Pot of Gold, The Popcorn Shoppe. 111 W. McGee St., Greensboro. 336-335-3004.