Meet 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. 

Our mission goes beyond serving daiquiris. We’re passionate about fostering community connections and supporting those facing employment barriers, such as veterans and underserved populations. We also aim to provide a unique cultural experience, introducing people to the vibrant flavors of Louisiana, which are often hard to find outside the South. 

Diamond Daiquiris is more than a business; it’s a movement rooted in resilience, authenticity, and community engagement. As a disabled veteran, minority-owned, and female-operated business, we bring a unique perspective to our industry. Our Southern roots, paired with our dedication to supporting local causes and creating joyful experiences, make us stand out. 

I’m incredibly proud of how far we’ve come. From launching Ohio’s first Louisiana-style daiquiri truck to becoming deeply embedded in the community through events, partnerships, and charitable initiatives, every milestone represents hard work, resilience, and a commitment to making a difference. I’m also proud of our vision for the future, which includes expanding through franchising to bring our Louisiana-inspired daiquiri culture to more cities. 

Diamond Daiquiris is built on a foundation of love for culture, community, and connection. Our motto, “A Taste of the South in Every Sip,” encapsulates our mission to share joy and create lasting memories. When you support us, you’re not just enjoying a great product; you’re supporting a vision of resilience, empowerment, and giving back to the community. 

My journey to becoming a full-time entrepreneur is a story of taking bold risks and aligning my life with my passions and purpose. For over 20 years, I worked in the IT industry as an automated software tester. It was a stable career that provided financial security, but deep down, I knew it wasn’t fulfilling. I often found myself dreaming of something more meaningful—something that reflected my creativity, culture, and desire to connect with others. 

After much reflection, I decided to take a leap of faith and pursue a long-held dream of bringing authentic Louisiana-style daiquiris to Ohio. Growing up in Louisiana, I was surrounded by vibrant flavors, community gatherings, and a rich culture that brought people together. I wanted to recreate that experience in Dayton while building something that could leave a lasting impact. 

In 2022, I made the courageous decision to leave my IT career and become a full-time entrepreneur. The transition wasn’t without challenges—stepping away from a two-decade-long career was daunting. However, the passion and vision for Diamond Daiquiris gave me the motivation to move forward. 

Today, I’m proud to own Dayton, Ohio’s first-ever Louisiana-style Daiquiri and Sno-ball Mobile Food Truck. This pivot wasn’t just about starting a business; it was about creating a platform to celebrate culture, foster joy, and build community. 

Making this shift taught me that it’s never too late to follow your dreams. Leaving behind a stable career wasn’t easy, but it was worth it to pursue work that aligns with my values and allows me to share a piece of my heritage with the world. 

Building Diamond Daiquiris’ reputation in the market has been a combination of authenticity, community engagement, and leveraging media platforms to share our story. From the very beginning, I focused on staying true to my roots and delivering a product that represents the rich culture of Louisiana. This authenticity resonates with our customers and sets us apart in the market. 

One of the key elements in establishing our reputation has been active community involvement. Participating in local events, festivals, and food truck rallies allowed us to connect with people directly and create memorable experiences. We also made it a priority to give back, whether through hiring local talent, supporting veterans, or donating a portion of our proceeds to charitable causes. These actions have fostered trust and loyalty among our customers. 

Our media presence has also played a critical role in building our brand. We’ve been featured in multiple media segments, including interviews, articles, and spotlights on local TV and online platforms. These opportunities helped share our story and mission with a wider audience, establishing us as more than just a business but a brand with purpose. 

Digital marketing has further amplified our reputation. By actively engaging on social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok, we’ve been able to showcase our products, share our story, and connect with our target audience in a genuine way. Coupled with text message marketing and strategic partnerships, this has solidified our place in the market. 

Ultimately, I believe our reputation has been built on a foundation of authenticity, quality, and community. We deliver more than just a product—we provide an experience and a connection to the vibrant culture of Louisiana, which keeps our customers coming back and spreading the word