If you ask 9-year-old Lyla Jones how her business got started, she’ll give you the honest truth: “I wanted to buy some things, and I knew my mom wouldn’t want to pay for that.” So, she decided to earn the money herself -- with lemonade.
But not just any lemonade.
Inspired by a TikTok video of a woman hand-shaking lemonades to pay for pharmacy school, Lyla pitched the idea to her parents. They agreed to help -- with a catch. “They bought me the supplies, but I had to pay them back,” Lyla says. And she did. Sip! Specialty Lemonade was officially born, with a bright teal tent, bold branding, and big ideas.
Lyla may be young, but her flavors have some serious depth. From “Ocean Vibes” (her personal fave) to “ATLien” (a nod to Atlanta legends, OutKast), every blend is thoughtfully crafted with seasonal inspiration, cultural flavors, and a splash of creativity. She even hosts "Sip Sessions" at home, inviting friends and family to taste-test and give feedback. “We want people to take a sip and say, ‘This tastes like summer!’ or ‘Wow, fall in a cup!’” she says. One flavor was even inspired by her favorite song!
What does she love most about running Sip!? “Being creative and seeing my business grow,” Lyla says without hesitation. “It feels awesome when I earn money because it means people like what I’m doing.” She's always watching how others run their businesses, too -- taking notes, swapping ideas, partnering with fellow kid local entrepreneurs, and planning ways to make Sip! even better.
And people do like what she’s doing. Sip! has become a festival favorite, thanks not just to the unique flavors but also to the confidence Lyla brings to every event. “When someone tells me, ‘This is the best lemonade I’ve ever had,’ I feel a lot of pride,” she shares. “I created something that gives someone else joy.”
One moment that still stands out? “The first time we used our fancy custom tent with the back wall and logo -- I looked at it and thought, ‘Wow, I really accomplished something.’ I paid for all of that myself.”
Behind the scenes is Lyla’s mom, Michelle, who plays the role of coach, cheerleader, and unofficial COO. “The girl is always looking for ways to make money, so this was very on-brand,” Michelle laughs. “But when she kept bringing it up, I realized we could make this something special.”
Michelle helps manage the marketing and logistics, but makes sure Lyla is involved in everything -- from flavor planning to event prep and clean-up to learning about profit margins and yes… even taxes. “She always gets the first say on whether or not she wants to do an event,” Michelle explains. “The goal is to try and grow, but I also try not to overbook her. We’re teaching work-life balance early.”
The experience has helped Lyla grow in ways that go beyond business. “She used to be shy talking to adults,” Michelle says. “Now, she’s confidently chatting with customers, calling clients asking for event details, and handling herself like a pro. I’m watching her grow into herself with every event.”
Together, they hope Sip! Specialty Lemonade serves up more than just a refreshing drink. “There’s a reason the phrase ‘age is just a number’ exists,” Michelle says. “With the right support and passion, kids can create something truly impactful.”
As for what’s next? Lyla’s dreaming big. “I want to have a mobile stand, hire employees so we can be in two places at once -- and maybe even franchise one day!” She’s already planning new flavors for fall and has a vision board full of ideas.
We’ll toast to that.
Sip! Specialty Lemonade is serving up handcrafted, seasonal flavors that bring serious joy—one shaken cup at a time. Based in Smyrna, Lyla Jones and her bright teal tent are popping up at markets and festivals across town.
Want to try Ocean Vibes or ATLien? Follow along to see where Sip! will pop up next!
Follow on instagram: @sip.lemonade and sip-lemonade.com (coming soon!)
“When someone says it’s the best lemonade ever, I feel proud—because I made something that makes people happy.” – Lyla Jones
“Every part of Sip! Specialty Lemonade—every dollar earned, every flavor created—is the result of Lyla’s hard work and big ideas. She’s proving that passion has no age limit.” – Michelle Jones