When it comes to remarkable Shark Tank success stories, few can match the charm and ingenuity of Mikaila Ulmer’s Bee Sweet Lemonade, now known as Me & the Bees Lemonade. Let me walk you through this inspiring journey—from the creative spark of a nine-year-old girl to a multi-million-dollar business that champions sustainability and environmental awareness. Trust me, this story will leave you in awe of what determination, passion, and a little honey can achieve.
The Beginning of Something Sweet
Picture this: a four-year-old girl, stung twice by bees, learns about their importance in the ecosystem. While many kids would harbor resentment, Mikaila Ulmer chose to turn her fear into fascination. Fueled by a family recipe for flaxseed lemonade and a growing passion for saving bees, she began creating what would eventually become Bee Sweet Lemonade.
The story truly began to take shape when Mikaila, alongside her father Theo, appeared on Season 6, Episode 23 of Shark Tank. At just nine years old, Mikaila was already a budding entrepreneur with a mission to create a healthier alternative to sugary drinks while supporting bee conservation efforts. How could you not root for her?
Stepping Into the Tank
Let’s dive into that fateful episode. Mikaila and Theo came prepared, asking for a $60,000 investment in exchange for 10% equity in Bee Sweet Lemonade. It was a bold ask, but their pitch stood out from the start.
Mikaila presented four distinct flavors—original mint, half-and-half (tea and lemonade), ginger, and prickly pear—each sweetened with honey instead of refined sugar. She emphasized the dual purpose of her product: not only was it delicious and natural, but every purchase supported bee conservation. At the time, Bee Sweet Lemonade was already on shelves in 30 Whole Foods stores across four cities, with year-to-date sales of $25,000.
The Sharks were captivated. How could they not be? Mikaila’s confidence and charisma at such a young age were unparalleled. While some Sharks expressed concern about scalability and competition in the beverage industry, others saw the potential. It was Daymond John who ultimately offered $60,000 for 25% equity, contingent on securing distribution through his contacts. Mikaila and Theo accepted the deal, and just like that, Bee Sweet Lemonade’s future was set in motion.
The Numbers Behind the Buzz
Here’s a snapshot of the important details from Mikaila’s Shark Tank journey:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Me & the Bees Lemonade (formerly Bee Sweet Lemonade) |
| Founders | Mikaila Ulmer and Theo Ulmer |
| Season & Episode | Season 6, Episode 23 |
| Ask (Investment & Equity) | $60,000 for 10% equity |
| Final Deal | $60,000 for 25% equity |
| Shark(s) Involved | Daymond John |
| Memorable Episode Moments | Mikaila’s confident pitch at nine years old, emphasizing bee conservation and her unique flaxseed lemonade recipe. |
| Current Net Worth | Not publicly disclosed; however, reported $10.2 million in sales as of 2023. |
| Current Business Status | Active |
| Revenue Since Shark Tank | Reported $10.2 million in sales as of 2023. |
| Social Media Presence | Active on Instagram with over 49,000 followers. |
| Key Achievements | Secured an $11 million distribution deal with Whole Foods in 2016; founded the Healthy Hive Foundation, contributing $250,000 to bee conservation; expanded to nearly 6,000 distribution points across 40 states by 2023. |
From the Tank to the Shelves
After securing a deal with Daymond John, Bee Sweet Lemonade underwent a rebrand, becoming Me & the Bees Lemonade. This name change wasn’t just a fresh start; it was necessitated by a copyright issue. But even a small hurdle like that couldn’t slow Mikaila down.
In 2016, the company landed a massive $11 million distribution deal with Whole Foods. Suddenly, Me & the Bees Lemonade was no longer a small operation; it was a brand poised for national recognition. By 2023, the company had reported $10.2 million in sales, with products available in major retailers like Target, Kroger, and H-E-B, spanning nearly 6,000 distribution points across 40 states.
And the accolades didn’t stop there. Mikaila founded the Healthy Hive Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to saving bees. To date, the foundation has contributed $250,000 to conservation efforts, further cementing Me & the Bees as a brand that’s about more than just profit.
Navigating Challenges
Every business faces challenges, and Me & the Bees Lemonade was no exception. One of the most pressing concerns was scalability—after all, the company’s core ingredient, honey, is subject to price fluctuations and environmental factors.
Despite these hurdles, Mikaila and her team have remained steadfast. By diversifying their product offerings and leveraging strong partnerships, they’ve continued to thrive in a competitive market.
Where Are They Now?
So, where does Me & the Bees Lemonade stand today? As of January 2025, the company is thriving. With a strong presence in major national retailers and an ever-growing social media following, the brand shows no signs of slowing down.
Mikaila, now a student at Emory University studying business administration, remains actively involved in the company. Her passion for bee conservation and sustainable business practices continues to resonate with consumers, especially in an era where environmental consciousness is more important than ever.
Lessons for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
There’s so much to learn from Mikaila’s journey. First and foremost, her story proves that passion and purpose are powerful drivers of success. By aligning her business goals with a larger mission, Mikaila created a brand that stands out in a crowded market.
Another key takeaway is the importance of resilience. From rebranding to navigating industry challenges, Mikaila and her team have shown an incredible ability to adapt and thrive. This adaptability has been crucial to their sustained growth.
The Sweet Future Ahead
Looking ahead, Me & the Bees Lemonade is poised for even greater success. With a proven track record, a strong brand identity, and a founder who embodies the values of her company, the future looks bright.
Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a fan of Shark Tank, or simply someone who loves a great story, Mikaila Ulmer’s journey is a testament to what’s possible when passion meets perseverance. Me & the Bees Lemonade isn’t just a beverage; it’s a movement—one that reminds us all of the importance of protecting our planet while pursuing our dreams.