Four. That’s how old Mikaila Ulmer was when her parents first encouraged her to enter into a children’s business competition. She put on her thinking cap and went to work playing with some ideas. During this brainstorming process two big things happened in 4 year old Mikaila’s life…She was stung by a bee twice and her Great Granny sent her family an old cookbook, including her special recipe for Flaxseed Lemonade. Although bees originally scared her after her experience she became fascinated with the creatures, learning about how they benefit the ecosystem. She wanted to do something to help honeybees. Out of this desire, Me & the Bees Lemonade was born (Originally “Bee Sweet Lemonade”). The recipe comes from Great Granny Helen’s cook book and is sweetened with local honey. She donates a percentage of the profits to local and international organizations that are fighting to save the honeybees. “Buy a bottle…Save a Bee.” Now 11 years old, Mikaila snagged a $60,000 deal on shark tank with Daymond John. Her refreshing and healthy beverage is flying off the shelves of Whole Foods Market and is available at a growing number of restaurants, food trailers and natural food deliver companies. She even leads workshops on how to save the honeybees.
At 11 years old Mikaila Ulmer is a social entrepreneur, bee ambassador educator and student.
This is so cute! What a wonderful idea and how inspiring it is to hear about a young person who became an entrepreneur while overcoming a fear she had as well! I have never heard of flaxseed lemonade before but it sounds like a wonderful product that has conquered a different niche in the market as well. Mikaila Ulmer is an example to the rest of us on so amny levels and there is so much to take away from her. What a great story!
I believe this could be a record for the youngest entrepreneur in a blog post thus far. I absolutely adore the name of this company and the story behind it is as sweet as the lemonade is.
Awesome story behind the business. I think its great as well that at such a young age she gives back to what she believes in. One of my favorite blogs yet!
In some ways, it seems there is a disconnect between lemonade and bees, but I really appreciate that she is seeking to protect honeybees. I suppose it makes sense that honeybees are pollinators. I think her personality really combines an entrepreneurial creativity with some youthful whimsy in a really beautiful blend of a company.