At just 19 years old, Mikaila Ulmer has already built a thriving business with a powerful mission: “Buy a Bottle… Save a Bee.” As the founder and CEO of Me & the Bees Lemonade, she is proving that age is no barrier to making a real impact.
A Sting That Sparked a Movement
Mikaila’s journey started when she was just four years old. After being stung by a bee—twice in one week—she became fascinated by these tiny creatures instead of fearing them. Through research, she discovered the critical role bees play in our ecosystem and how their populations were declining.
Encouraged by her family, Mikaila combined her newfound passion for bees with a family recipe. She decided to revamp her great-grandmother’s flaxseed lemonade by sweetening it with honey instead of sugar—helping both the environment and taste buds at the same time.
From Local Competitions to National Success
Mikaila first introduced her lemonade at children’s business competitions, where her innovative idea quickly gained attention. As demand grew, so did her brand. Today, Me & the Bees Lemonade has experienced over 500% growth and is now available in major retailers across the country, including Whole Foods, Target, and Walmart.
A Business with a Purpose
Beyond selling delicious lemonade, Mikaila has remained committed to her original mission: saving the bees. A percentage of sales from every bottle goes toward bee conservation efforts, helping fund research, education, and initiatives that protect pollinators.
More Than a CEO: A Role Model for Young Entrepreneurs
Now celebrating over a decade in “buzzness,” Mikaila has become an inspiration to young entrepreneurs worldwide. She has written a book, Bee Fearless: Dream Like a Kid, and continues to speak at global events about entrepreneurship, sustainability, and social impact.
Her story is a reminder that even small ideas can create big change—especially when they come from a passionate, fearless young leader like Mikaila Ulmer.
