LEMONADE DAY
Easy , Peazy , Lemon … Global Pandemic ?
Going into 2020 , the Lemonade Day Committee had high hopes for the upcoming Lemonade Day events .
Between the community wide Bank Day ,
a taste-testing contest at Oklahoma State University ’ s Spears School of Business , and a ‘ How-To Create A Business Plan ’ seminar put on by the Spears School of Business Student Ambassadors , there was confidence all of the young entrepreneurs of Stillwater would be educated and prepared for their upcoming expenditure . Fortunately , these kids came out of this experience understanding the importance of entrepreneurship and flexibility , it just came from a different source .
COVID-19 , while challenging and detrimental to many , epitomized the important role pivoting plays when owning your own business . Trends change and global pandemics happen , but the true measurement of grit occurs where innovation is sparked .
On Aug . 22 , Lemonade Day My Way kicked off by sending two participants , Emery Crawford and Gwen Surratt , to sell their lemonade safely to the Stillwater community . Crawford , Emery ’ s Sweet Treats owner , started the day prepared and ready after staying up until midnight the night before hand squeezing her fresh lemonade .
Crawford dominated the lemonade market , selling more than nine gallons of her homemade original lemonade and strawberry lemonade . She profited more than $ 350 in sales and donated an upwards of $ 120 to the Children ’ s Hospital Foundation .
Emery Crawford stands ready for customers at her lemonade stand .
Crawford said she donated to the Children ’ s Hospital Foundation because of the impact they had on her life when she was a little girl .
“ It made me feel joy in my stomach ,” she said . “ I was happy I got to give back because they had done so much for me .”
While Lemonade Day shows kids the value of making money , it also reveals the importance of giving back . COVID-19 didn ’ t only throw a wrench in the way we gather , but it also changed the way we serve others .
The biggest concern with this event was keeping the community and the kids safe . While both goals were accomplished , Crawford spoke of the added challenge of safe service . She said several people bought lemonade at the stand , but most chose the drive-thru option , and all the work was socially distanced .
Cade Crawford , Emery ’ s dad , recorded Emery ’ s earnings , noting onethird of Emery ’ s profit was paid electronically . The swift change in the way we went about our everyday lives transformed many aspects of Lemonade Day , but Emery pivoted quickly and reaped the benefits .
Lemonade Day My Way offers a unique learning experience for the young entrepreneurs of Stillwater . Trials and hardship come and go , but the hope amidst the pandemic is knowing these talented and motivated kids are the future of our world .
Story by Emily Alexander
“ It made me feel joy in my stomach . I was happy I got to give back because they had done so much for me .” — EMERY CRAWFORD , LEMONADE TYCOON
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COMMERCE | 2021 Profile Magazine of the Stillwater Chamber of Commerce