SCORE Mentors

“I love teaching her that anything’s possible as long as you want to do it, and as long as you put your mind to it.”

When Vee Washington started experimenting with lemonade recipes, he wasn't just trying to create a better beverage. As a first-generation immigrant, he was chasing a bigger dream: building something he could share with his family.

Today, Vanlice Lemonade can be found in nine Hy-Vee stores, restaurants, liquor stores, and independent retailers across Minnesota. But some of Vee's proudest moments don't happen on store shelves.

They happen at farmers markets alongside his daughter, Hazel.

From washing lemons and stocking shelves to running her own stand, Hazel has been part of the business from day one. "It's been fun seeing her develop into this mini CEO," Vee shares. In fact, her stand sometimes outsells his.

As the business grew, so did the challenges. Looking for guidance on scaling operations and planning for growth, Vee turned to SCORE.

"SCORE has been highly beneficial. It's an incredible organization," he says. With support from his mentor, Greg, Vee developed strategies to improve production, prepare for expansion, and push beyond his comfort zone.

Today, Vanlice Lemonade is growing one customer, one store, and one lesson at a time.

Because for Vee, success isn't just about selling lemonade. It's about showing the next generation what's possible.