Hidden Gems: Meet Belinda Beard of EggRollDiva

Today we’d like to introduce you to Belinda Beard. 

Hi Belinda, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’m Belinda Beard also known as EggRollDiva! 

EggRollDiva the business was started in March 2020 created from my mother’s recipe established in 1988 in Ypsilanti, MI. As a single mother of five children, my mother tried to be creative with cuisine, teaching us to have a balanced and sophisticated palate. She was naturally skilled in culinary arts, created the original “ground turkey egg roll” recipe and it was a hit. Her dream was to open a restaurant to share her passion with the world. 

As her eldest daughter, and carrier of her legacy, I created EggRollDiva. Cooking is in my DNA, and it has brought me tremendous joy to cook for my family and enjoy seeing the joy my egg rolls bring. 

People had been telling my family for years to sell these egg rolls. A friend told me that I was the “EggRollDiva”, and I said yes, you’re right and decided to take a chance and make it happen. 

With the support of friends and family, I started my small business shortly before the Pandemic. It started by taking egg roll orders and catering local events on weekends only. It makes me so proud to see how it has grown and I’m also the owner of a food trailer, a branded tent, and the desire to continue to expand my small, minority, woman owned business. In May 2022 I quit my corporate job at Ernst & Young with no regrets to run the business full-time. 

EggRollDiva gives back by sponsoring several events a year including Cancer Walks, sponsoring meals for teachers and staff at several local public schools and mentoring other minority business owners. I definitely believe in paying it forward! 

I’ve been told by customers that these are the best egg rolls that they’ve ever had! 

I am the only woman and minority food truck owner nominated for the Hour Detroit Best of Awards 2023! 

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Some of the struggles have been the business side of running a food truck. Many people know how to cook, but owning a food truck is more than just cooking. I manage the day-to-day operations which also includes booking events, scheduling, managing staff, bookkeeping, ordering supplies, and so many more responsibilities! As a woman and minority new to the industry I have learned so much, so the struggles for me are just opportunities to learn. It has been challenging but rewarding! 

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
EggRollDiva is a woman-owned and minority-owned business, I am 100% sole Owner. We specialize in a variety of fresh delicious egg rolls. Our customer service, professionalism and enthusiasm is unmatched! 

This brand started from me doing small pick-ups and deliveries and expanded within a year and a half to a full food truck! 

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Yes it is important to have a mentor, a network and always bouncing ideas off of others. I have benefited from all of the above and suggest the same to any new and upcoming business owners. 

Contact Info:

• Website: Eggrolldiva.com
• Instagram: @eggrolldiva
• Facebook: @eggrolldiva
• Youtube: @eggrolldiva

Image Credits
Creative Focus Productions
Paul Beard