Me & The Bees Lemonade CMO on Going From Lemonade Stand to Shark Tank Funded Beverage Empire
Ramon Ray, a self-proclaimed lover of lemonade and small business evangelist, recently spoke with Me & The Bees Lemonade CMO, D’Andra Ulmer, during SXSW 2017 at the Dell Experience.
Me & The Bees Lemonade is an Austin, Texas-based sustainable lemonade company, founded by D’Andra’s daughter, Mikaila. Most amazingly, Mikaila was only four years old when the idea to start her company struck – with the admirable goal of making great-tasting lemonade while helping save the dwindling honeybee population.
Armed with a cookbook from her grandmother, Mikaila refined a flax-based family lemonade recipe and started her company to raise awareness for the plight of the honeybees. From her kindergarten business fair, Mikaila soon landed on Shark Tank. Not surprising, she charmed and impressed the Sharks, landing a $60,000 investment and mentorship support from Fubu CEO Daymond John. A significant purchase order from health food giant Whole Foods soon followed. The buzz and fledgling Me & The Bees Lemonade only grew from there.
[Tweet “Raising a Child #Entrepreneur? Top Tips from #Sustainable #Lemonade #Startup @MikailasBees. @DellInnovators #SXSW”]Entrepreneurship is challenging. So it should come as no surprise that raising a child entrepreneur offers additional challenges. Thankfully, D’Andra was able to give Smart Hustle readers and budding business tycoon parents some great advice. You can watch the full interview below and continue reading for her great tips:
Build a Strong Foundation
In the Ulmer family’s case, their strong faith supports a strong family. From there, their business thrives. Building a business is a team effort that needs a strong base with everyone working together positively. That becomes even more important when it is family-run.
Teach Gratitude
D’Andra and her husband ensure their kids are grateful for everything they receive. An attitude of gratitude avoids taking positive things for granted and helps put minor setbacks in proper perspective.
Work Hard, Play Hard
With child entrepreneurs, it is especially important to make sure there’s a balance between them being a child and a businessperson. D’Andra never forgets her primary job of caregiver and to ensure that her daughter is a 12-year old first. “There are some long days when my daughter then still wants to have a play date,” adds D’Andra. “I support that. She is a child first and then puts on her entrepreneur’s hat.”
Children are Natural-Born Entrepreneurs
Children are naturally curious. When they come to you as a parent with an idea, a problem or a solution –- foster that and encourage them. Make it fun and encourage their creativity.
Lastly, D’Andrea offers some great advice to all entrepreneurs: