Ardyn Solomon, a University of Maryland alum and director of Social & Partnerships at PopUp Bagels, aims to inspire with one bagel at a time.
Solomon graduated from UMD in 2022 and is currently a full-time employee at PopUp Bagels. Her behind-the-scenes experience with one of the most sought-after bagel companies has helped build partnerships with the Jonas Brothers, Dancing with the Stars, Drew Barrymore, and countless other stars and brands to promote PopUp Bagels.
Behind all the cream cheese and star-studded partnerships, Solomon is a UMD grad who turned her dreams into reality.
Although Solomon did not have the typical “college” experience because of COVID-19, she still found ways to make it incredible by joining Phi Sigma Sigma and even “studying abroad” in College Park, which she said was the best semester of her life.
“…it was a yes semester…we just did everything. Like, it was just so much fun and like, that’s the part I remember about school,” Solomon said.
Sydney Schwartz, a sophomore kinesiology major and Phi Sigma Sigma member, said she is proud to be Solomon’s sorority sister and of the opportunities it represents for its members.
“I think it’s something very cool and it shows the academic or even just like corporate success that people or women in our sorority have had in the past,” Schwartz said.
As director of Social & Partnerships at PopUp Bagels, Solomon said her work schedule changes daily, whether that means managing social media, supporting new store openings, or collaborating with influencers to launch new schmear flavors.
When it comes to content, Solomon makes food look appealing while staying engaging for the PopUp Bagel audience.
“I am sort of like project managing relationships with partners, so making sure that, you know, the concepts come to life,” Solomon said. “We don’t really follow social trends…We really like to be the people who kind of start the trends,” she added.
Solomon’s job has provided opportunities to go truffle hunting in Italy with Sabatino Truffles, a PopUp Bagels partner and to serve PopUp Bagels at the Super Bowl; as an Eagles Fan, this was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for Solomon.
Solomon said her favorite collaboration while working with PopUp Bagels was partnering with Jen Terry from Love Island USA, ironically given the nickname “everything bagel,” which
went viral.
“I DM’d her on Monday. Tuesday, we were sending a photographer to do a photoshoot with her. Wednesday, she was flying to LA and Thursday, she was at our store,” Solomon said. “…it really came together so quickly, and people lost their minds over it,” she added.
Solomon also said working with the Jonas Brothers and influencer Brett Chody was an incredible experience for her and her career.
“[Brett] is my favorite and I love her, and I feel like she was like our first real influencer schmear,” Solomon said. “We had done some in the past, but like she broke the internet and it was crazy.”
For college students interested in social media and marketing, Solomon wants them to know they can do anything.
“I think never be afraid to put yourself out there,” Solomon said. “…I was not qualified for this job at all. I had, like, a food TikTok and I DM’d the founder of PopUp on Instagram and he wasn’t hiring for a social media role. I literally just DM’’d him and I was like, ‘You should let me do this and here’s why.’”
Solomon emphasized that there is no harm in pursuing a passion.
“Never be afraid to put yourself out there,” she said. “If you like a brand, you want to work for them, send them an email, make them a TikTok, like, do whatever it is that you have to do, but just, just try.”
Ardyn Solomon is more than just the behind-the-scenes of America’s favorite bagels and schmeres; she inspires others to keep trying and follow their dreams.