063 Burghade Lemonade puts the Squeeze on Success

(00:57) A disappointing cup of lemonade at the Big Butler County Fair ignited an unexpected entrepreneurial journey for Shiquala Dukes and Vonn Jennings. Their quest for something more refreshing and less sugary resulted in Burghade Lemonade, a business that began as a quick money-making venture but rapidly evolved into something much more meaningful.The couple shares how they crafted their first batches in summer 2022, focusing on healthier ingredients with less sugar and more fresh fruit. This health-conscious approach resonated immediately with customers, selling out at their very first events. Their product line has bloomed from two initial flavors to seven varieties. Raspberry dominates at Pride events, while Limeade finds its fans in Lawrenceville and the Strip District Terminal.(15:30) As first-generation business owners, Shiquala and Vonn candidly discuss navigating unfamiliar entrepreneurial waters through programs like Fulton Commons' incubator and Catapult Pittsburgh. Beyond the beverages themselves, Burghade represents something larger: community values, health consciousness, and entrepreneurial inspiration. Their journey embodies their own business philosophy: "Do it scared" and "fail forward."(34:43) Later in the show, Hal B Klein offers up a dining spot on his day off, and Olive Visco dishes out her mom's eggplant parm recipe, where the summer garden is key. Enjoy!Support the show