Two random events in Mikaila Ulmer’s life at just 4 years old have sparked an entire business. First, she got stung by two bees. Second, her Great Granny Helen sent her family her 1940’s cookbook, including a recipe for flaxseed lemonade. As Mikaila’s interest in bees grew, she began to think of ways she could contribute to help honeybees, knowing all that they contribute to our ecosystem. She ended up using her Granny’s recipe and adding honey, creating Me & the Bees Lemonade.
Her sweet lemonade soon grew into more than just a lemonade stand. What started as an idea for a children’s business competition grew into a business that sells out at youth entrepreneurial events, and donates a percentage of its profit to organizations that fight to save honeybees. Mikaila’s idea hit rapid growth after she was featured on Shark Tank at just 10 years old. Her passion and success lead her to receive a $60,000 investment! Me & the Bees Lemonade is now sold at a variety of restaurants and food delivery companies, as well as in Whole Foods Market.
One of the contributing factors to Mikaila’s success is her content. She doesn’t only sell lemonade, she provides her customers with information and an experience. She recently created a Facebook page that shares interesting facts about bees and honey. She also shares recipes and other fun information on her website, and she has a Beelieve blog. These all ensure that customers aren’t just buying lemonade, they’re learning about the mission of Me & the Bees, and are building a good brand image in their minds. The simplicity of Me & the Bees Lemonade, drives by Mikaila’s creativity, can be an example to all aspiring entrepreneurs.
This is another great example of how starting with a cause about which you care can lead to a very marketable product. It is important to remember that production is limited by the extent of the market, and when you start from the point of view of someone with a cause such as this (one which is the concern of a great many people around the world) there will certainly be a market for the product which results.
I love that she is taking something that was a negative experience and turning it into something that helped her learn and develop an idea. Another aspect that is incredible is her ability to present herself. Being only ten and going on a TV show with some of the toughest and most influential people in the entrepreneurial business is an accomplishment all in itself. She is showing how to be confident and strong when she knows she is right. She is also someone that cares about her customers by creating an experience. She truly is an incredible entrepreneur.