About Mali Beads

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, flipping their lunch money into a mini empire. By high school, the sugar rush turned into something sweeter — handmade bracelets, five for $45, because let’s be real, fashion lasts longer than candy. Fast forward, and that little side hustle grew into MaLi Beads — a brand founded in 2009 that’s been spotted on celebrities like Chrissy Teigen, Jessica Alba, Vanessa Hudgens, and even Penelope Disick, featured in magazines, and most importantly, making a real difference. MaLi Beads blends bold African-inspired designs with 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 with purpose can spark real change, and that a little hustle (and a lot of heart) can leave a lasting impact.Read their story