Mikaila Ulmer isn’t just a typical young entrepreneur struck by a great idea, she was stung by one!
When Mikaila was just 4 years old, she was stung by two bees within just one week! Finding it strange and interesting, Mikaila began to do tons of research on her own about everything related to bees. While Mikaila was in the middle of her fascinating research on bees, her parents had received an old 1940s cookbook from her grandma which contained many old traditional recipes. Around this time Mikaila was also encouraged by her family to try out for young business competitions in their area.
Thinking of possible inventions in her environment, Mikaila learned about how dangerously endangered bees have become over the years in America and was interested in making a product that could support them. So, after finding a small flax seed lemonade recipe in the old 1940s cookbook, Makaila decided to substitute the unhealthy sugar in the lemonade with all-natural honey from local beekeepers to support bee conservationists. Ever since then, Mikaila’s lemonade business, now called “Be Sweet” (Changed later to “Me and The Bees” due to copyright disputes), has skyrocketed and she was even featured on the famous tv show “Shark Tank”!
Mikaila’s company had started small ten years ago but has grown exponentially by then. Mikaila’s products can even be found in several select retailers and restaurants and is increasing that number almost every year.
Mikaila has also written a book that released in August of 2020 called “Bee Fearless, Dream Like a Kid”, that documents her experience as a young entrepreneur and gives tips to future entrepreneurs like herself.
Mikaila’s story is very inspiring and gives a look at how most good ideas or inventions could come from something you are very passionate about.
Or an old cookbook.
Sources:
Mikaila Ulmer of Me & the Bees Lemonade | Microsoft In Culture
Meet Mikaila: CEO, entrepreneur and bee conservationist – YouTube
BeeSweet Lemonade Featured on CBS This Morning News – YouTube