Today we’d like to introduce you to Leslie Brown

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Leslie Brown. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below. Leslie, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know? Diamond Daiquiris isn’t just a business; it’s a manifestation of resilience, community, and culture. Our mission is to bring a “Taste of the South in Every Sip” to our customers, combining authentic Louisiana flavors with a commitment to uplifting our community. Why is this meaningful? It stems from my life experiences. Growing up in Louisiana, I was surrounded by a vibrant culture of seafood boils, music, and daiquiris—a culture that brought people together. After serving 11 years in the US Navy and later surviving the Dayton, Ohio, mass shooting in 2019, I realized the importance of connection, joy, and building a legacy. That tragic event became my turning point, inspiring me to pursue my dream of entrepreneurship not just for financial gain, but to create something meaningful for others. Diamond Daiquiris allows me to honor my roots while giving back. We actively support veterans, military families, and local communities by hiring those facing employment barriers and donating a portion of our proceeds to causes like mental health awareness. We believe in fostering experiences that unite people while offering an authentic slice of Southern culture. Our mission is meaningful because it’s more than a product—it’s a platform for resilience, inclusion, and joy. Through every sip, we hope to inspire others to find strength, connect, and celebrate life. As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context? My name is Leslie N. Brown, and I’m the proud founder and owner of Diamond Daiquiris, Dayton, Ohio’s first-ever Louisiana-style Daiquiri and Sno-ball Mobile Food Truck. I grew up in a small town in Louisiana surrounded by the rich culture of Southern food, music, and hospitality. After high school, I served 11 years in the US Navy, which shaped my resilience, leadership, and passion for serving others. After my service, I pursued a career in software development but found myself unfulfilled. Everything changed after surviving the Dayton mass shooting in 2019, which became a turning point in my life. That event reminded me of the fragility of life and inspired me to pursue my dream of entrepreneurship. I founded Diamond Daiquiris to share the authentic flavors of Louisiana while building generational wealth, uplifting my community, and creating opportunities for others. We offer premium Louisiana-style daiquiris and sno-balls in various fun packaging options, such as cups, pouches, and half-gallon jugs, alongside branded merchandise like tumblers and t-shirts. Our mobile food truck participates in local events, festivals, and food truck rallies, bringing people together for a taste of the South.