Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Jo (LJ) Marino.
Hi Laura Jo (LJ), can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
We started Everbean Kids (Everbean) because, as parents, we saw a gap in the children’s resale space – there wasn’t an easy or reliable way to buy and sell outgrown clothes. We knew there had to be a better way, so we created Everbean to make it simple for families to sell high-quality pieces and discover new favorites along the way.
Sustainability has been part of our mission from day one. By giving gently used children’s clothing a second life, we’re helping families reduce waste, save money, and make choices that are better for the planet.
We began shaping the concept in January and poured our hearts into building something that feels both intentional and practical. After months of refining, sourcing, and learning, we officially launched this fall and it’s been incredible to watch it grow into a community that gives beautiful pieces a meaningful second life.
Everbean Kids is also proud to partner with local charities in St. Petersburg, helping support and give back to the communities we call home.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No, it definitely hasn’t been smooth. Coming from accounting and finance backgrounds, we had a lot to learn. Everything from working with developers to navigating legal structure, operations, and marketing. One of our biggest hurdles early on was inventory photography. We debated whether it made sense for consignors to take their own photos but ultimately decided that we wanted buying and selling with Everbean to be as seamless as possible.
We made several strategic pivots along the way, but we’re very pleased with the direction we ultimately took with Everbean Kids. Like most startups, we’ve had to make difficult decisions to make sure Everbean is built in a way that’s sustainable and scalable. Every decision matters, and our goal has always been to pass cost savings back to our consignors and customers.
As you know, we’re big fans of Everbean Kids, LLC. . For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Everbean Kids is a curated children’s consignment marketplace designed to make buying and selling simple, trustworthy, and stress-free. For parents, that means no more late nights taking photos after the kids are in bed or juggling messages with potential buyers – Everbean does it all for you!
We handle everything: easy shipping (including local pickups in St. Pete, Tampa, and NYC), professional photography, listings, and monthly payouts. Parents can consign effortlessly and shop sustainably, knowing every item has been hand-selected for quality.
Shopping with Everbean feels like browsing a children’s boutique, but at a fraction of the price. Our collection features items in “New with Tags,” “Like New,” and “Gently Loved” condition, typically priced 50–70% below retail. You’ll find trusted brands like Moncler, Ralph Lauren, Jacadi, Patagonia, Mini Boden, and Hanna Andersson, all chosen for their quality, durability, and timeless style.
At Everbean, we believe in high-quality kids fashion with a lighter footprint. Our mission is to reduce waste, extend the life of beautiful pieces, and promote conscious parenting that feels as good as it looks.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up, I was always up for a challenge and loved dreaming big – whether that meant learning a new language, solving math problems, or finding ways to connect people and ideas. In undergrad and grad school, I was deeply involved in campus life and during my MBA, I served as Head of the Graduate Business Council, responsible for organizing and executing social events and our annual gala. Even during my corporate career, I developed and launched a regional mentoring program across five Latin American countries.
I’ve always carried this sense of purpose – the belief that business can be a force for good, that it can create both opportunity and impact, and that’s the heart of what we’re building. That drive to learn and build community shaped how I approach Everbean today. Looking ahead, we’re focused on growing thoughtfully – forming partnerships with local businesses and community spaces, hosting pop-ups, and continuing to make consigning easier, shopping smarter, and sustainability second nature.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://everbeankids.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everbeankids/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574697634720
Image Credits
Photographer: Angela Pan @abpanphoto
Design Partner: Hey Ganza @heyganza
