St Pete Story - Whitney of Global Sprouts
Some people bring the beach with them wherever they go & Whitney Duenas Richardson is one of them. A Guam native turned Gulf Coast powerhouse, Whitney has the kind of effortlessly cool energy that makes you feel at ease but also low-key want to change the world. She’s laid back enough to name her daughter after a professional surfer, yet fearless enough to pitch to angel investors and audition for Shark Tank.
Whitney's St Pete story starts with a random New Year’s trip to Clearwater’s acclaimed beaches, where a casual “I’m moving to Florida” quickly became a done deal. She sold her boutique fitness studio, packed up her family, and never looked back. That same clarity of purpose fuels her work as the founder of Global Sprouts, a company on a mission to raise globally curious and culturally connected kids through hands-on learning rooted in empathy and tradition.
She may be local now, but Whitney’s vision is anything but small.. it's global. And we’re lucky to have her bold heart and big dreams rooted right here on our beaches!
When I landed in St. Pete back in 2021, I came for the sunshine and the beach days. Having grown up in Guam, every previous visit reminded me of home with the salty air, the rhythm of the water and the sense of warmth that lingered in the community. I thought I was just chasing a feeling, a familiar breeze, a slower pace.
But what I found here was more than just a beach. I found a city that embraces creativity, celebrates diversity and makes space for people who want to build something of their own. I found a community that felt like home, even before I truly knew how much I’d need one.
Then Hurricane Helene hit and everything changed.
Overnight, we lost our home to flooding. We were displaced, forced to rebuild from scratch, carrying our baby girl in our arms and trying to hold onto any piece of normal we could find. It was humbling. It was heartbreaking. But through that hardship came clarity and a deeper “why” that pushed me not just to recover, but to create something meaningful.
That’s when Global Sprouts was born.
As a CHamoru and Dutch mom, cultural connection has always been close to my heart. I’ve traveled to more than 30 countries, and what I’ve learned is that it’s not landmarks that stay with you but the people, the meals shared, the traditions passed down and the stories told at the dinner table.
I wanted to share that richness with my daughter. I wanted to create something that didn’t just entertain children, but helped shape them to grow empathy, understanding and curiosity about the world around them.
Global Sprouts creates cultural themed learning boxes that introduce toddlers and preschoolers to a new culture through hands-on crafts, storybooks, recipes and language learning. Each box is thoughtfully designed to bring a country’s traditions, flavors and history into your home in a way that feels approachable, engaging and joyful.
It’s more than just a box, it’s a tool for raising kind, curious and globally-minded humans. Whether you’re cooking a traditional dish from Spain, weaving a coconut leaf craft from Guam, or learning to say “thank you” in another language, every activity is a spark. A spark of connection. A spark of understanding.
And what better place to launch Global Sprouts than in St. Pete? A city that knows how to reinvent itself. A city that believes in big dreams and the power of creativity. A city full of families who know how to weather a storm and still find beauty on the other side.
We’ve hosted at the Creative Kids Club, popped up at Stay at Home Mom events, and shared our joy for culture and creativity at community spaces like Mamapalooza, Run + Play Cafe, and The Grove Academy. Each of these moments has been a reminder that this dream has wings. And the journey continues.
This summer, you’ll find us at The Spiral Staircase in July, eager to share more of our story. In August, we’ll be setting up at Practically Pikasso for Toddler Tuesday, doing Australian crafts and storytime. September will take us to The Bunny Hive to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. You might even spot us at the pier, handing out booklets and planting seeds of curiosity for families passing by. These aren’t just events on a calendar but connections and chances to meet new families and hear new stories.
Global Sprouts was born out of a storm, but it’s rooted in hope. And I’m endlessly grateful to share that hope with families near and far.
Ready to kickstart your child’s cultural journey? We’re offering an exclusive promo for The Bay Current readers!
Use code: “RECRUITFULLY” for 10% off your first Global Sprouts subscription box here.
Join us in raising the next generation to be curious and empathetic.
