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Here’s what happened to Bee Sweet Lemonade after Shark Tank
Many entrepreneurs dream of turning their childhood hobbies into successful businesses, but few actually make it happen. But Mikaila Ulmer had a vision to turn her lemonade stand into a thriving business when she was just 4 years old. What started as Bee Sweet Lemonade eventually became Me & the Bees Lemonade, and Mikaila’s journey took a significant turn after her appearance on the hit TV show “Shark Tank. In this article, we will explore the incredible story of Bee Sweet Lemonade and how it evolved into Me & the Bees, as well as its post-Shark Tank success and future prospects.
The birth of Bee Sweet Lemonade
Mikaila Ulmer’s entrepreneurial journey began when she participated in several competitions for young entrepreneurs. During this time, she experienced two significant events that would shape her business idea. First, she was stung by a bee, which led her to research the critical role bees play in the environment as pollinators. Second, her great-grandmother Helen sent her a 1940s cookbook with her favorite recipe for flaxseed lemonade. These events inspired Mikaila to create a honey flavored flaxseed lemonade, combining her passion for bee conservation with her love of refreshing beverages.
The Shark Tank Pitch
Mikaila and her father, Theo Ulmer, appeared on Season 6, Episode 23 of “Shark Tank” to seek investment and support for their business. At just 9 years old, Mikaila impressed the judges with her poise, confidence and business acumen. The pitch highlighted the health benefits of their flaxseed-based, honey-sweetened lemonade, positioning it as a healthier alternative to sugary drinks. While some of the Sharks had reservations about the competitive beverage industry and Mikaila’s young age, Daymond John saw potential in both the product and the young entrepreneur.
Deal with Daymond John
Daymond John made an offer of $60,000 for a 25% stake in the company, with the stipulation that his distribution connection could stock the product. Mikaila and her team accepted the deal, and the partnership proved to be instrumental in the subsequent growth and success of Me & the Bees Lemonade. The exposure from “Shark Tank” and mentorship from Daymond John helped propel the company forward.
Evolution into Me & the Bees
After appearing on Shark Tank, Bee Sweet Lemonade underwent a name change due to a copyright issue and rebranded as Me & the Bees. Despite the new name, the branding remained similar, ensuring continuity for existing and new customers. The product line expanded to include classic flavors such as ginger, prickly pear, and mint, with the addition of a black cherry flavor. While honey and flaxseed were initially promoted as unique ingredients, monk fruit sweetener was later introduced as an alternative recipe ingredient.
Post-Shark Tank success
Me & the Bees experienced significant growth after its appearance on Shark Tank. The company’s sales skyrocketed, reaching $10.2 million (via Black Dollar Magazine) at the time of the update. The soda, which was initially available in 30 Whole Foods stores in Austin, Texas, expanded its retail presence across North America, with products in major retailers such as Target, Kroger, World Market and Ralphs. The company also diversified its offerings by launching a line of branded merchandise, including shirts, hats, tote bags, stickers and more.
The Healthy Hive Foundation
A notable development following the “Shark Tank” episode was the creation of the Healthy Hive Foundation, a non-profit organization founded by Mikaila. Me & the Bees began donating a portion of its profits to this foundation, which focuses on bee conservation and research. The company’s slogan, “Buy a bottle, save a bee,” reflects its commitment to environmental sustainability. To date, Me & the Bees has donated $250,000 to bee conservation causes, further solidifying its commitment to making a positive impact.
Mikaila’s Future and Expansion
At just 18 years old, Mikaila Ulmer has already achieved remarkable success as an author, CEO, and non-profit founder. While studying business administration at Emory University, she continues to speak at various conferences and workshops, sharing her passion for entrepreneurship and bee conservation. Mikaila envisions using her experience with Me & the Bees to support other youth and minority-owned businesses. Her ambition knows no bounds, and even “Shark Tank” investor Daymond John believes in her limitless potential.
Bottom Line
Mikaila Ulmer’s journey from selling lemonade as a young child to becoming the CEO of Me & the Bees Lemonade is nothing short of inspiring. Her appearance on “Shark Tank” gave her business a significant boost, and partnering with Daymond John helped propel Me & the Bees to new heights. The company’s commitment to saving bees and providing healthier beverage options has resonated with consumers across North America, resulting in impressive sales and retail expansion.
As Me & the Bees continues to grow, Mikaila remains focused on making a positive impact not only through her business, but also through the creation of the Healthy Hive Foundation. Her story is a testament to the power of determination, passion and the ability to turn a childhood dream into a successful business.
The future looks bright for Me & the Bees and Mikaila Ulmer. With her unwavering drive and the continued support of her team and investors, there is no doubt that she will continue to achieve great things and inspire others to follow their entrepreneurial aspirations. As we raise a glass of Me & the Bees Lemonade, we toast Bee Sweet Lemonade’s remarkable post-Shark Tank journey and Mikaila Ulmer’s sweet success.
FAQS
What inspired Mikaila Ulmer to create Bee Sweet Lemonade?
Mikaila Ulmer’s inspiration came from being stung by a bee, which led her to research the importance of bees as pollinators, and receiving a cookbook from her great-grandmother Helen with a recipe for flaxseed lemonade.
How did Bee Sweet Lemonade fare on Shark Tank?
While Bee Sweet Lemonade faced some challenges on Shark Tank, Mikaila’s pitch impressed the judges. In the end, Daymond John made an offer of $60,000 for a 25% stake in the company, which was accepted.
Has Bee Sweet Lemonade undergone any changes since Shark Tank?
Yes, Bee Sweet Lemonade was rebranded as Me & the Bees Lemonade due to a copyright issue. The company expanded its product line to include additional flavors and introduced monk fruit sweetener as an alternative recipe ingredient.
How successful has Me & the Bees Lemonade been since Shark Tank?
Me & the Bees Lemonade experienced significant growth with sales reaching $10.2 million. The brand expanded its retail presence and secured partnerships with major retailers across North America.
What initiatives is Me & the Bees Lemonade supporting?
Me & the Bees Lemonade has established the Healthy Hive Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to bee conservation and research. A portion of the company’s profits go to support this cause.
What are Mikaila Ulmer’s future plans for Me & the Bees Lemonade?
Mikaila Ulmer wants to use her experience with Me & the Bees to help other youth and minority-owned businesses. She continues to speak at conferences and workshops while continuing her studies at Emory University.