Young Entrepreneurs Squeeze Success from Modern Lemonade Stands
Young adults are turning to lemonade stands as a profitable side hustle to tackle debt. This trend, blending traditional summer jobs with social media savvy, is gaining traction across the US.
In a surprising twist on a childhood classic, young adults across the United States are embracing lemonade stands as a lucrative side hustle to combat rising debt and living costs. This modern take on a traditional summer job has gained significant traction, with entrepreneurs in their 20s and 30s setting up stands at various events and leveraging social media to boost their success.
Malia Blake, a 26-year-old from Washington D.C., exemplifies this trend. Facing $40,000 in debt, Blake invested $1,500 in May 2024 to start her lemonade business, "Malia's Main Squeeze." Despite a rainy start on Mother's Day, Blake persevered and now earns $1,000 to $1,500 per event, selling her lemonade for $8 a cup in five flavors.
Blake's success story gained viral attention on TikTok, with one video garnering over 1 million views. This social media boost led to a private event booking with TikTok's D.C. office in July 2024.
The lemonade stand trend has deep historical roots. Lemonade, believed to have originated in Egypt around 1000 AD, was the world's first commercial soft drink. The concept of lemonade stands as a children's business venture dates back to the late 19th century, with the first documented stand operated by Edward Bok in Brooklyn in 1873.
Elizabeth Williams, a 23-year-old pharmacy student from Kentucky, has taken the concept to new heights. Operating from April to August, Williams' mobile stand, housed in a refurbished horse trailer, generates $80,000 in annual sales. She's leveraged her success into becoming a "lemonade influencer," selling online courses and securing brand deals.
In Oklahoma, stay-at-home mom Danya Pigeon runs her lemonade business from March to November, traveling across the Midwest. Pigeon's creative approach includes themed drinks, such as "The Malibu" for the "Barbie" movie release, and Halloween-inspired beverages with spider gummies.
"There's a lot of other lemonade vendors at events, so you have to stand out. I invested in labels for my cups and things like umbrella straws. It's all about presentation."
The profitability of these ventures is noteworthy. Williams reports earnings of $2,000 to $10,000 per event, while Pigeon has made up to $10,000 at large festivals. The Cominella couple from Minneapolis paid off their $10,000 wedding debt through their lemonade stand, which now generates enough income for them to pursue it full-time.
This modern lemonade stand trend not only provides financial relief but also offers interesting health benefits. Lemonade is a good source of vitamin C and potassium, and its high citric acid content can help prevent kidney stones. As National Lemonade Day (August 20th) approaches, these young entrepreneurs continue to prove that sometimes, the best business ideas are the simplest ones.
