We live in an age where experience and wisdom are often over-valued by creativity, passion and drive. But every now and then, there comes along someone new who completely rocks the boat. Here’s our piece on the youngest Founder/CEO we know.
Who is Mikaila Ulmer?
Know any 13-year-old, self-made millionaires? We do! Meet Mikaila Ulmer – the founder and CEO of ‘Me & The Bees’. At the age of 4, this sweetheart got stung by a bee but instead of staying angry, she devoted her time researching more about honey bees and why they are so important to our ecosystem. With a little bit of help from her granny’s recipes, and a whole of determination, ambition and passion she was inspired to produce sustainable honey-flavoured lemonade that contributed 10% to protect the vital creatures in our ecosystem. She competed in multiple venture competitions, and in 2015, she successfully secured $60,000 on the TV show Shark Tank. However, this year was only her first breakthrough.
Entrepreneurial Ventures
Today, ‘Me and the Bees’ is being sold across more than 1500 American stores, including WholeFoods and The Fresh Market where she supplies over 360,000 bottles a year. She has also successfully secured an $800,000 dollar investment from over 10 NFL players. Just to add more, this brilliant kid has been invited to meet President Barack Obama twice so far, including 2016, when she had the opportunity to introduce him at the United State of Women’s Summit. FYI, she has been doing all of this while getting topnotch grades at her middle-school. Though, she did reportedly get a C in Maths.
What is she doing now?
In August 2020, Mikaila Ulmer plans to launch her first (of the many I am sure) books titled, ‘Bee Fearless, Dream Like a Kid’. It is about her journey navigating the competitive food-retail industry, her adventures in social entrepreneurship, and about her brand today. She is also planning to launch her organic beeswax-based lip balm ‘Herbal Beeswax Lip Balm’ along with a range of branded merchandise.
In my humble opinion, she is an entrepreneurial prodigy who is an example of compassion-led success. She has ultimately proved to us that dreams and success don’t necessarily age, experience, or wisdom – just some nurturing and some drive.
Inspired enough to start your own business? Here are Mark Cuban’s 3 tips for young entrepreneurs.
