IPFW Alumni Insights
EXECUTIVES’ SUMMARY
Vanilla Bean founders Debbie “Vanilla” Smith and Sandra “Bean” Wharton met during their last semester of
culinary arts school. Recognizing that they worked well together in what they call “a uniquely-gifted
combination,” they decided to merge their talents and their two nicknames to form Vanilla Bean, LLC, as an
expression of who they are personally and professionally.
Debbie “Vanilla” Smith (pictured at right) is the creative chef of Vanilla
Bean Unique Cookies. She has a passion for taking the ordinary and
creating something uniquely different out of it. The Vanilla Bean Unique
Cookies signature line was created from her vision.
Sandra “Bean” Wharton (pictured at left) is the marketing chef of Vanilla
Bean Unique Cookies. Her passion is promoting Vanilla Bean’s signature
line by using her creative writing skills to describe the uniqueness of each
individual product in the firm’s marketing materials.
BUSINESS HISTORY
 2005—Met through the Culinary Arts program at Ivy Tech Northeast
 2007—Founded Vanilla Bean, LLC
 2010—Opened Vanilla Bean Unique Cookies (retail store and bakery) at 3410 North Anthony
Boulevard in Fort Wayne
IPFW CONNECTION
 Debbie Smith has an associate degree in human services from IPFW, and an associate degree in
culinary arts from Ivy Tech.
 Sandra Wharton has two degrees from IPFW: an A.S. in accounting technology and a B.S. in business
with a concentration in marketing. She also has an associate degree in baking and pastry arts from Ivy
Tech.
Q & A with Debbie “Vanilla” Smith and Sandra “Bean” Wharton
BUSINESS LIFE
What Does Your Business Do? Create original cookies.
What Moments Stand Out in the Brief History of Your Company? Appearing on Cupcake Wars; being
admitted as members to the Specialty Food Association; and having two of our cookies placed in the 2013
Daytime Emmy Gift Bags.
Any Anticipated Short-Term or Long-Term Changes on the Horizon for Vanilla Bean? We anticipate
increasing our company’s presence in the national specialty food market.
What Is Your Philosophy on Managing Change? Debbie: You need to be able to roll with the punches!
Owning a business is a daily challenge and there is constant change. Sandra: That there’s a reason for it;
otherwise God would not have allowed it.
What Do You Like Most About the Work You Do? Debbie: The creativity level. It allows for the exploration
of ideas, for putting the ideas into recipes, and for creating amazing cookies! Sandra: The opportunity to make
a difference in the lives of the people who walk through the doors of our store.
What Is (or Was) the Biggest Challenge You Have Encountered in Your Business thus Far? Debbie:
Creating an awareness of our company and its original products. While we have had much national exposure,
the challenge remains great. Sandra: Standing on the promise God made to me and believing that it will come
to pass.
PERSONAL LIFE
Debbie “Vanilla” Smith was born in Providence, Rhode Island, and moved to Indiana when she was in the
sixth grade. She is a graduate of R. Nelson Snider High School, IPFW and Ivy Tech. She and her husband,
Jeffrey D. Smith, have a 16-year-old son. For fun, she likes to swim, snorkel, and spend time in Florida.
Sandra “Bean” Wharton has lived all over the world—including Spain, New York, California, Hawaii, Florida,
Maine and Alaska, in addition to Indiana—because her father served 22 years in the U.S. Air Force. She is a
graduate of Ben Eilson High School at the Eilson Air Force Base in Alaska, as well as IPFW and Ivy Tech.
She and her husband Richard B. Wharton have a 30-year-old son, and in her spare time, she enjoys reading.