If you were asked to recall the hallmarks of childhood, it’s likely that operating a lemonade stand would top the list. For many children, it’s the quintessential entrepreneurial pursuit – kids learn important lessons about economics and the value of hard work. And because it’s ‘fun,’ most kids arrive at the idea like a rite of passage – with exuberance and zeal.
For the Hitch family, it was no different for their daughter, Claire, who had been asking her parents if she could do it. However, what is different about the Hitch family, is that they would do it together, as a family. Matriarch Amber Hitch explains, “It seemed like a fun adventure to take on and was a very low investment.”
Because they don’t live in a neighborhood, the Hitch family astutely recognized that their family business, Music City Squeeze, would thrive at events, like the Mt. Juliet Farmer’s Market and Breeden’s Orchard. You can also find them at school events, HOA gatherings, or ‘anything where kids are involved.’ Kids and adults alike will enjoy their signature flavors – like pink starburst and French lemonilla – and at the very reasonable price of $3-$4. It is a truly mutual exchange that results in a happy customer and a family that is reaping the rewards of entrepreneurship far beyond the obvious financial benefits.
Claire, who is 9 years old and “proudly wears her fanny pack,” is sharpening her math skills every time she calculates an order. “We are always there to help check her math, but more times than not, she gets it correct,” her mother proudly remarks. Claire’s younger sister, Maggie, who is 7 years old, enjoys the process of making the lemonade. Both girls are learning to come out of their shells as they engage with customers from all walks of life.
When asked what lessons they’ve taken away from this enterprise, Claire says, “to put yourself in your customer’s shoes. Say please and thank you and treat them how you would want to be treated.” Maggie added, “Work hard and never ever give up.”
As a parent, you’d be hard-pressed to put a price tag on those kinds of lessons. For the Hitches, not only do they get to watch their children learn invaluable life skills, but they also get to connect with the community. “Honestly, aside from serving delicious lemonade, our next favorite thing is all the connections we’ve made and getting to know so many people in our community.” With so many rewards, it makes you wonder which other quintessential childhood activity could yield such benefits, if taken on by the whole family.
"Aside from serving delicious lemonade, our next favorite thing is all the connections we’ve made."