Searching for a means to pay for college, recent Owensboro High School graduate Elizabeth Williams opened a lemonade stand named Squeeze-E’s Lemonade last summer. What was initially a tent and a table has grown into a full-service trailer that offers a wide array of flavored lemonades and signature drinks.
The entrepreneur is entering her second year at Samford University in Birmingham, Ala., where she is studying to become a pharmacist. Williams developed the idea for the lemonade stand with the help of her father, who owns Ben’s Pretzel Shops locations in Meijer’s and Towne Square Mall.
“I needed a way to pay for school. We came up with this idea right before the barbecue festival last year,” she said. “It’s a lot of fun but also a lot of responsibility. My dad helps me a lot with marketing and planning.”
Like with many other businesses, however, the novel coronavirus continues to impact the stand, forcing Williams to evolve her business plan.
“The virus has affected us tremendously,” she said. “We used to primarily do festivals and now we’re having to do research and find additional ways to sell lemonade.”
One of those ways is through private parties and events. For availabilities she can be reached on Facebook or by calling at 270-302-1033.
“The private events have been a nice change of pace,” she said. “They are a lot less fast-paced and stressful than the festivals. It’s been nice meeting new people.”
There is an entire lemon in each lemonade, and there several flavors to choose from. Aside from lemonade, she also sells Ocean Waters and Arnold Palmers.
Williams is enjoying herself and has no plans of slowing down anytime soon.
“We will just have to see how business goes,” she said. “I like being able to do my own thing and hire my friends.”
