Stacey Ralphs’ get-healthy program after the birth of her second son included intense exercise with Bikram Yoga and cutting out white flour and sugar.

“I became really aware of what I was feeding my children and myself, so I was reading labels like crazy. I kept seeing corn syrup and sugar in everything, and then in an article in a health food magazine I read about using agave nectar as a sweetener.”

Agave’s low glycemic index and other benefits appealed to Stacey, and she started experimenting with it. “I studied the research about using agave to sweeten ice cream. I tried it, and it was amazing!”

Stacey and her partner Jean Zwarg met when they were both students at the University of Southern California. “We knew right away that we would be great friends. We also both wanted to use the creative side of our brains to have our own business. We’re perfect partners.”

Members of Jean’s family are diabetic, so she was intrigued by the idea that they could use agave syrup to develop a healthier sweet treat for diabetics.

Stacey’s next-door neighbor is Teri Valentine, one of the founders of The Perfect Bite. Stacey told Teri, “My girlfriend and I have this crazy idea – we want to make ice cream with a ‘secret’ ingredient. What do you think?”

Teri provided valuable advice that helped Stacey and Jean get started, including encouraging them to exhibit at the Winter 2009 Fancy Food Show, where Agave Dream got an enthusiastic reception from buyers.

Since part of their original motivation was a dessert that diabetics could enjoy, a portion of the profits from the business will be donated to the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation.

“We feel that you can’t go wrong with ice cream,” Stacey laughs. “And by buying Agave Dream, people can feel good about helping the economy while they feel good about tasting a great dessert!”