Founder update: Big changes at Primary Beans
Dear friends of PB,
After 5 glorious years of creating and running Primary Beans, I have some big, exciting news. While I’ll always be devoted to beans and all they do for our bodies and planet, I’m ready to turn the page on a new chapter. PB’s Fall 2023/Winter 2024 harvest will be my final bean crop. Read on for what that means for the bean brand you’ve come to know and love :)
This may seem like an unexpected turn, especially since our community has grown to over 33,000 bean enthusiasts! I'm so inspired by all the kind words and creations you share, and I’m honored to have been invited into your kitchens and inboxes. Your engagement and support have truly been the cornerstone of my professional evolution.
When I launched PB back in 2021, I imagined building on 15 years of agriculture experience and harnessing the humble bean to inspire meaningful conversations about our food system. While I loved building PB, the daily grind eventually began to overshadow my craving for a space to go deeper – sharing stories and exploring ways to create change in how we grow, eat, and connect through food. I realized I needed a different avenue to create impact, which led to the hard decision to take a step back and explore new possibilities for both myself and the brand.
My sister Renee and I at our first trade show.
It's not lost on me that this decision will – at least temporarily – impact the incredible farmers and researchers I’ve collaborated with, as well as the talented team behind PB. I'm so grateful for my sister Renee for her generous launch support, Lori Abichandani for inspiring content and a strong commitment to authenticity, and Nate Zack for his creative vision.
One of my greatest joys has been building this PB family to bring you regional beans grown with such care, embodying the good intent within our food system that can get lost in the pursuit of pure profit. I'll sorely miss our interactions, but I'm excited to see how these relationships evolve and to champion their work in new ways.
Sharing this news openly was a big decision, especially while things are still evolving. We could have waited, but transparency has always been at the heart of PB. It felt right to bring you along on this journey – after all, who knows what it might inspire!
As I explore different paths for the next chapter of PB, I'd truly love to hear from you! My ultimate goal remains the same: bringing good food to your tables while supporting the farmers who grow it. I’m open to ideas on how that unfolds. Feel free to reply directly to this email or reach out at lesley@primarybeans.com – I’d love to hear your thoughts.
If you've enjoyed the journey with PB, I invite you to stick around – we have much more to share. And for those who love our beans and recipes, don’t worry! We still have plenty of beans in stock and lots of delicious content coming your way.
This isn’t goodbye – it’s a transformation. I’m deeply grateful for your support, engagement, and willingness to embrace this next chapter with me.
Talk soon,
Lesley
