Join 15-year-old Mikaila Ulmer, a social entrepreneur and bee ambassador, as she shares her remarkable journey from launching her lemonade business at age four to being a voice for youth empowerment. She highlights how overcoming childhood fears can lead to passion-driven ventures. Mikaila discusses balancing her entrepreneurial spirit with academics, securing partnerships with major retailers, and the importance of supporting young innovators. With insights on turning dreams into reality, this conversation is a must-listen for aspiring entrepreneurs.
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Bee-ginnings
Mikaila Ulmer's lemonade business, Me & the Bees, began after she was stung twice.
This led her to research bees and discover their importance, inspiring her business.
insights INSIGHT
Passion for Bees
Mikaila's passion for bees grew from initial curiosity to hands-on experience.
Visiting hives and learning about pollination fueled her desire to share her knowledge.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Coffee Shop Pitch
At eight, Mikaila pitched her lemonade to a local coffee shop after overhearing the manager.
This experience taught her about pitching and proactively seeking business opportunities.
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Mikaila Ulmer: Bee Fearless
Mikaila Ulmer is a 15-year-old social entrepreneur, bee ambassador, educator and student. She founded her Me & the Bees Lemonade business when she was just four years old, and over the past decade has sold over 1 million bottles across 1,500 stores in the United States. Her appearance on Shark Tank at age nine scored a $60,000 investment from Daymond John.
Mikaila has established herself as a voice of guidance for others, appearing on Good Morning America, The Today Show, 20/20, ABC World News Tonight, and many other venues. She was selected as one of Time magazine’s 30 Most Influential Teens and for Ebony Magazine’s Ebony Power100 #Black Excellence. She is the author of the new book, Bee Fearless: Dream Like a Kid*.
In this conversation, Mikaila discuss what inspired her to start her business and the importance of a larger mission behind work. She talks about the importance of passion, balancing her work with her schooling, and how to support kids in doing great things. Plus, she shares what she’s learned along the way on turning a dream into reality.
Key Points
Turn adversity into advantage.
It’s more enjoyable to build a business when you not only have hands-on experience and know-how, but passion.
Big news needs to be approached with careful consideration.
Aim to be good and kind in running a business.
Resources Mentioned
Bee Fearless: Dream Like a Kid* by Mikaila Ulmer
Related Episodes
How to Transform Your Limitations Into Advantages, with Mark Barden (episode 207)
How Leaders Build, with Guy Raz (episode 491)
If You Build It, They Will Come (Dave’s Journal)
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