From the Coastal Bend to the national stage, Emily Rendon is proving that big dreams can start with a little lemonade!

The United Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce is proud to celebrate Emily Rendon, owner of Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy and founder of Emily’s Cakesicle Co., who has been named Lemonade Day’s 2026 National Youth Entrepreneur of the Year.

The announcement was made during the Lemonade Day National City Directors Conference in Omaha, Nebraska, where Emily’s entrepreneurial journey stood out among young entrepreneurs from across the country. Out of approximately 65,000 children registered nationally, Emily’s achievement highlights the power of hard work, creativity, and community support.

Emily first earned the title of Coastal Bend Entrepreneur of the Year before advancing to the national competition. She was also recognized for her Favorite Stand in Gregory, Texas.

From Local Lemonade Stands to Business Success

Emily’s journey with Lemonade Day began four years ago with a simple stand and a big dream. Since then, she has grown her business, expanded her products, and learned firsthand what it takes to be an entrepreneur.

Her stands reached communities throughout the Coastal Bend, including Beeville, Gregory, Portland and Corpus Christi. From Tractor Supply in Beeville and neighborhood pop-ups to Lemonade Day events in Corpus Christi and Gregory and The Art Center in Corpus Christi, Emily connected with customers and built her business one sale at a time.

Her business results reflected that growth, generating $850 in gross revenue and $500 in net profit. Emily repaid her initial investor in full without interest, set aside savings, and donated a portion of her earnings to support recovery efforts following the 2026 floods.

Just as importantly, Emily learned that entrepreneurship takes flexibility. She adapted her offerings to include portable lemonade pouches and cakesicles, paid attention to customer demand, managed inventory, and adjusted to challenges such as weather and changing sales conditions. These experiences helped her understand that successful entrepreneurs listen, learn, and pivot when needed.

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A Family and Community Behind Every Young Entrepreneur

Emily’s achievement is also a celebration of the family and community that supported her along the way.

Her mother shared: “Four years ago, she started with a little lemonade stand and a BIG dream. This week she was standing on a stage in Omaha, Nebraska, accepting the 2026 Youth Entrepreneur of the Year Award!

As a parent, there are no words to describe how proud I am of Emily. Watching her grow, work hard, believe in herself, and turn her ideas into real businesses has been one of the greatest blessings.”

That growth is at the heart of Lemonade Day. Young entrepreneurs learn more than how to sell a product. They build confidence, practice financial responsibility, develop problem-solving skills, and discover what is possible when their ideas are met with encouragement and opportunity.

Emily’s story is a reminder that it takes a community to help young entrepreneurs succeed. Families, educators, local businesses, community partners, and customers all play a role in turning a young person’s dream into a real-world experience.

A special thank-you goes to Wells Fargo, the 2026 Presenting Tour Sponsor of Lemonade Day Coastal Bend, for supporting opportunities that help young people develop entrepreneurial and financial literacy skills.

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The Celebration Continues: Lemonade Day Coastal Bend Turns 15!

As Lemonade Day Coastal Bend looks ahead to its 15th anniversary in 2027, Emily’s accomplishment reflects the lasting impact of investing in the next generation of business leaders.

Through Lemonade Day, young people are encouraged to Dream, Plan, Work and Share! All while learning to start, own, and operate their own businesses. Emily’s journey shows how those lessons can grow into confidence, community impact, and national recognition.

Congratulations to Emily Rendon on this outstanding achievement! The Coastal Bend is proud to celebrate her success and looks forward to seeing where her entrepreneurial journey takes her next.

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Want to help the next generation of entrepreneurs succeed? Learn more about Lemonade Day Coastal Bend and how your school, youth organization, or business can get involved at https://local.lemonadeday.org/coastal-bend.

United Starts With Our Youth. United We Grow!