Our story

MEET THE TEAM

Co-Founders Lisa Harrington and Kimberly Martinez are united by a shared vision: to create products that not only solve everyday challenges but also "spark joy" for the user. 

The story began 21 years ago. As a pediatric nurse, Lisa was required to wear an employee ID badge. Tired of the bland, standard-issue lanyards, she decided to attach her hospital ID to a beaded necklace she designed herself—and a new product category was born! Her colleagues at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital were so enamored with the idea that they all wanted one too. This sparked the birth of a cottage business, offering ID necklaces and badge reel jewelry that allowed her coworkers to express their individuality and style, replacing the uninspired "shoelace" lanyards and badge reels issued by hospital security.

Meanwhile, Kimberly, a downsized Fortune 50 executive, heard about Lisa’s innovative idea at a family holiday party and immediately saw its immense potential. Fueled by holiday cookies and adrenaline, she stayed up all night drafting a business plan on the back of a Christmas card envelope. The next morning, she shared her vision with Lisa, and together they realized they had a mission: to liberate working women everywhere from the fashion disaster that come from wearing an employee ID.​

Since that original concept, the product line has expanded to offer a wide range of solutions for today’s “on-the-go” lifestyle, blending practicality with on-trend designs. Their unique combination of creativity, timing, and boldness didn’t just build a successful business; it continues to establish entirely new categories in the fashion accessories world.

Women own 50% of businesses in the United States, yet less than 3% achieve sales over $1 million. Bonitas International shattered that milestone in its third year. As a certified Women-Owned Business, Bonitas has proudly been listed on the Inc. 5000’s list of fastest-growing privately-held companies five times and remains the global leader in the functional jewelry category.

Fast Facts

  • Bonitas International is the category creator and global leader in on trend functional accessories
  • Proudly listed on the INC 5000; Americas fastest growing companies 2011, 2012, 2014 & 2015 
  • Certified Woman Owned business (WBE) & Small Business (WSOB)
  • 21 years of expertise brings unrivaled insight into consumer buying patterns maximizing gross profit margin and increasing turns.
  • Our design team produces on trend products every 120 days maintaining freshness and customer interest.
  • Display “your way” with fully customizable merchandising programs.
  • We produce quality products with attractive price points designed to delight your customers.
  • State of the art owned distribution facility is EDI and ASN equipped.
  • Our dedicated, responsive, and experienced account teams are committed to your success.
  • Experienced & nimble DSV supporting e-commerce platforms. 
  • All factory partners are ISO 9001 certified: many are ASO 400
  • Factories are audited for social, safety and environmental compliance.
  • Dunn & Bradstreet rated: 2
  • AM Best rated commercial liability insurance.