Young tycoons in citrus business on inaugural Lemonade Day Kamloops

Lilly’s stand was among 27 that popped up across the city during Lemonade Day Kamloops, a program that aims to teach youth how to start, own and operate their own business.

The first Lemonade Day held in the Interior, organized by Community Futures Thompson Country [CFTC], featured a pair of contests — best stand and entrepreneur of the year.

“It teaches them everything from financial literacy to branding, marketing, customer service… they get to build their confidence,” said Jennifer Brown-Binns, projects and communications manager for CFTC. “It’s a huge component. They’re interfacing with people all day long and really working on those skills.”

Across the street from Lilly’s commerce hub, the competition at Alex’s Lemonade Stand was impressing passersby outside of the Royal Bank branch, taking advantage of contest rules that state business is not limited to citrus.

“We have jewelry, scented candles, hair clips, gift baskets and stuffies,” said Alex, the 11-year-old salesman pointing to his wares. “It’s very fun. I want to make money.”

Added Brown-Binns: “They can get as creative as they want to be with products they want to sell.”

Lilly said it has been her dream for two-and-a-half years to operate a lemonade stand and her parents noted quality control was never in doubt.

“If you need to do the fresh-squeezed lemon, then we have to apply for a permit,” said Lilly’s mom, Annie Nguyen. “I asked her, ‘Would you want to do it with the concentrate?’ She was like, ‘Mom, I actually want to do the real lemon because it tastes better.’”

Lilly said it must be a sign that one of her first customers rolled up to her stand with a golden retriever.

Mom and dad aren’t so sure about that just yet.

“That’s a future question,” Nguyen said with a laugh. “I don’t think she’s going to earn enough for a dog, but yeah, that’s her goal.”

by Marty Hastings

Young tycoons in citrus business on inaugural Lemonade Day Kamloops

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