The lemonade and weather could not have been sweeter for Chestermere’s third annual Lemonade Day on June 9, 2018.

Out of 171 participants registered, Ayana Kassam, a second grader at Prairie Waters Elementary, was named Lemonade Day Youth Entrepreneur of the Year.

“Ayana is an ambitious young lady we can all learn from!” says Mayor Marshall Chalmers. “On behalf of City Council, I am very pleased to offer her our congratulations on this award.”

Owner/operator of Lemon Squeeeezy, Ayana received top marks from judges in all three scoring categories– Business Results, Goals and Share Your Story. Out of a possible 100 marks, she received an impressive 94.5.

Explaining what she did well and would change Kassam wrote, “This year we chose to place our stand in front of Dollarama, hoping to get lots of walk-in retail traffic. Our famous lemonade is called Sparkling Nectarberry Lemonade and has a combination of tart lemons, sweet strawberries and nectarines infused with fresh mint, and some spritzer to give it sparkle. There are a few other ingredients that make this the best lemonade you’ve ever had, but those are top secret.”

Her change of location and secret ingredients paid off; Ayana exceeded her profit goal by 11.5%. After paying expenses and her investor (with interest) she was able to save 50% of her profit and donated 34% to the Aga Khan Foundation Canada – World Partnership Walk.

“Ayana’s story is the epitome of the program at work,” said Catherine Proulx, Economic Development Manager for the City. “She applied what she learned from the previous year, adjusted her business plan and goals and saw those decisions reflected in her business results. It’s the evolution of being an entrepreneur and operating your own business.”

Representing Chestermere, Ayana will be entered into the grand prize draw with other youth entrepreneur winners from across North America for a trip to a major theme park and title of National Youth Entrepreneur of the Year for 2018.

Mayor Chalmers and president of the Chestermere Chamber of Commerce Michelle Eldjarnson will present Ayana with her trophy in the regular meeting of Council Monday, July 16 at 3:00 pm; members of the public are welcome to attend.

Visit lemonadeday/chestermere.org to read more local success stories.