Forbes StaffMikaila Ulmer is an American entrepreneur, author, and public speaker who has become an inspiring figure in social entrepreneurship. As the founder and CEO of Me & the Bees Lemonade, a company she started at just four years old, Mikaila has combined her passion for sustainability and business to make a positive impact on the environment and communities worldwide.
Born on September 28, 2004, in Austin, Texas, Mikaila’s entrepreneurial journey began when she was stung by a bee twice in one week. Instead of fearing bees, she became curious and began learning about their critical role in pollination and the alarming rate of their population decline. Inspired to help, she started selling her great-grandmother’s flaxseed lemonade recipe, sweetened with honey, to raise awareness and funds for bee conservation.
In 2009, Me & the Bees Lemonade was officially launched, with a portion of the profits dedicated to organizations working to save honeybees. Mikaila’s lemonade quickly gained popularity for its delicious taste and eco-friendly mission. Her big break came when she appeared on Shark Tank in 2015, securing a $60,000 investment from Daymond John, which helped her scale her business significantly.
Under Mikaila’s leadership, Me & the Bees Lemonade has grown into a nationally distributed brand, available in major retailers like Whole Foods, Target, and Kroger. The company’s mission-driven approach has inspired countless young entrepreneurs to use business as a force for good.
In addition to running her business, Mikaila is an advocate for sustainability and youth empowerment. She has authored a book, Bee Fearless: Dream Like a Kid, where she shares her entrepreneurial journey and encourages young people to take bold steps toward their dreams. She also speaks at conferences and events, promoting environmental conservation and the importance of protecting pollinators.
Mikaila’s work has earned her numerous accolades, including being named one of TIME’s 30 Most Influential Teens and receiving the Black Enterprise Teenpreneur of the Year Award. At just 20 years old, she is already a seasoned entrepreneur and an inspiring role model, proving that age is no barrier to making a difference.
Through her passion for bees, sustainability, and social entrepreneurship, Mikaila Ulmer continues to inspire others to take action and create a better world for future generations.
