ABOUT MALI

It all started with Blow Pops. Back in middle school, best friends Mallory and Lianne Lopez (just friends, not sisters!) were hustling lollipops for a buck each, turning their lunch money into a mini candy empire. By high school, they’d upgraded to handmade bracelets—five for $45—because, let’s be real, fashion lasts longer than a sugar rush.

Fast forward, and that little side hustle turned into MaLi Beads, a brand that’s been spotted on celebrities, featured in magazines, and—most importantly—making a real difference. Founded in 2009, MaLi Beads blends bold African-inspired designs with a purpose, channeling a love for art, fashion, and philanthropy into its “From MaLi, For Mali” campaign. Every eclectic, hand-crafted piece is inspired by the eight regions of Mali, bringing together vibrant colors, mixed beads, and an effortlessly chic aesthetic.

At its heart, MaLi Beads is built on a simple but powerful triangle: friendship, fashion, and philanthropy. What started with candy money has grown into a movement—one that proves style can be meaningful, and that a little hustle (and a lot of heart) can change the world.