HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Lemonade Day, a national nonprofit committed to empowering youth through experiential entrepreneurship, is thrilled to announce the 2024 National Youth Entrepreneur of the Year. This November, in celebration of National Entrepreneurship Month, we honor Pearl Hope, an extraordinary young business owner who is breaking barriers and redefining what’s possible for kids across the country.
This year’s award recipient is one of over 50,000 young people nationwide who embarked on a journey of entrepreneurship through the Lemonade Day program. Supported by mentors and a community-driven model, Lemonade Day equips kids with the skills to start, operate, and grow their very own businesses. In 2024 alone, participating youth generated over $11 million in sales, contributing nearly $3 million to charity and saving more than $4 million toward future aspirations.
“Our program is not your average lemonade stand. It fosters entrepreneurial resilience and creativity, helping young people thrive in school, work, and life,” says Nicole Cassier-Mason, Lemonade Day CEO. “Each year, we’re inspired by kids like Pearl who leverage our lesson-based program to not only build their own businesses but also to give back to their communities in meaningful ways.”
Pearl Hope, 11-year-old CEO of Lucky Lemonade Co., embodies this spirit of purpose-driven entrepreneurship. With the slogan “Luck be a lemon I like,” Pearl has grown her business into a successful venture, overcoming challenges, seeking mentorship, and achieving revenue milestones. Through dedication and hard work, Pearl has demonstrated remarkable business savvy, setting a strong example for young entrepreneurs nationwide.
Pearl participated in the Lemonade Day Lomita program this year. Lemonade Day Lomita is one of 97 chapter affiliates across North America. Through the Lomita Chamber of Commerce, they have been running the program since 2021 and have empowered over 200 young children who have activated over 130 lemonade stand ventures in this small, diverse business community with a population of under 25,000.
As many first time CEOs can relate, Pearl’s beginning was not an initial success. She was insecure and filled with anxiety, which only melted away with each Lemonade Day season. This 11-year-old girl built her stand using recycled materials, secured donations from Lowe’s and Staples for essential supplies and materials, and took advantage of technology and AI – like ChatGPT and Shopify – to design her marketing materials and streamline cashless pay options. She impressively networked with local business owners, expanded her business to include baked goods, jewelry, and an entire skincare line – which she aims to get into stores like Sephora and Ulta, and even hired her best friend as her first employee.
Through the program, Pearl learned to set goals, develop a business plan to seek a micro loan, create her lemonade products and other stand items, and market it to run a successful business. In her 3rd year participating in Lemonade Day, Pearl generated over $3,700 in sales. She paid back her investor (with interest!), saved $1,700, and shared $300 with Harbor Pregnancy Help Center to assist mothers who are unable to provide basic necessities for their kids. With her remaining profit, Pearl plans to invest most of it back into her business and treat herself for her hard work. While Pearl will continue to find opportunities to run her business throughout the year, she is already planning for Lemonade Day 2025 to continue growing her business and gaining more confidence as a businesswoman.
Reflecting on Pearl’s journey, her mother Drea says, “It’s been incredible watching Pearl develop skills, confidence, and a heart for community impact through Lemonade Day. From initial brainstorming to implementing her business plan, she has shown unwavering determination to make a difference.”
The 2024 award marks the latest achievement for Lemonade Day, which continues to expand its program to communities nationwide, aiming to inspire and prepare the next generation of leaders and entrepreneurs. As Lemonade Day continues to empower over 50,000 youth each year in communities nationwide, stories like Pearl’s exemplify the transformative impact of early entrepreneurship, inspiring future generations to dream big and make meaningful contributions.
About Lemonade Day
Lemonade Day is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to teaching youth essential business, financial, and life skills through a hands-on, community-oriented approach. Since its founding, Lemonade Day has served over 1.5 million young people across North America, with programs in more than 100 markets. For more information, visit lemonadeday.org.
