and this is the story behind Diversity Beans

It All Started With a Picky Toddler...
Born from one parent's frustration with their small child's boycott of all green foods, the random color/flavor combinations of our jelly beans proved to be a great tool for something more than encouraging toddlers to expand their edible horizons: facilitating discussions about bias.

Driven by Diversity
When I first learned about Diversity Beans, I was a military spouse (and veteran myself), entrepreneur, and mom to two little girls. Estranged from my parents following my interracial relationship, I knew all too well the devastating effects of prejudice and recognized Diversity Beans' potential as a tool for positive change.
Years earlier (2001), I founded the ecommerce brand iCelebrateDiversity, with the mission to find products that reflected diversity and encouraged inclusivity. Adding Diversity Beans was a natural fit, and in 2011, I acquired the company.



An Unconventional Icebreaker
To date, over 15 million assumptions have been challenged with Diversity Beans. Companies like Disney, Target and Pepsi have enjoyed the unique delivery method and thought-provoking message, making them a hit in the office, classroom, boardroom and community too.
A Pictorial Timeline
My blended life and entrepreneurial journey.

(young and naive) 1987

(eyes opened to the lack of products reflecting diversity) 1991

(launched ecommerce brand focused on inclusivity) (those dresses! ❤) 2001

(and another amazing dress! ❤) 2003

(Top 1% - USAF) 2005

(mascot Jelly "the Bean") 2005

2011

(10,000 LBS) 2012

(33 years later & the year this .com was created) 2020