Lemonade: The Sweet Southern Sistas

In the scorching heat of summer, few things can quench our thirst and lift our spirits like a humble lemonade stand. Snuggled on street corners, driveways, and parks, these modest little setups have been a quintessential part of the American childhood experience and southern culture for generations. But behind the seemingly simple act of pouring a glass of lemonade lies a world of entrepreneurship, creativity, and life lessons. Southern Digest, dived deep into the inspiring story of the Sweet Southern Sistas, who proudly serve Southern University students and staff lemonade and renowned southern hospitality.
If you haven’t seen the Sweet Southern Sistas before, you’ve definitely heard them from a distance. Jessica and Jasmine Haynes not only make delicious homemade lemonade but also build connections and relationships with their customers. “When I’m around them, I feel like I’m home. I can’t help but keep coming back,” Asia Muhammad, a freshman majoring in Chemistry from Georgia says while taking breaks from her sentence to rejuvenate her tastebuds with strawberry lemonade.
The Sweet Southern Sistas provide a momentary home away from home for many Jaguars, and Jasmine claims the feeling is mutual, “The energy, love, appreciation, it’s unmatched. Why wouldn’t I come here?” she expresses.
When asked the “why” for their business, Jasmine began to open up about the trauma she endured from domestic violence. Starting her own business proved to be a transformative journey for Jasmine, one that not only pushed her toward entrepreneurial success but also played a pivotal role in her personal healing and strengthened her bond with her family. As she navigated the challenges and triumphs of entrepreneurship, Jasmine discovered that the process of building something meaningful from the ground up served as a therapeutic outlet. Her family rallied around her, offering unwavering support, and becoming a fundamental part of her entrepreneurial adventure. Jasmine found a newfound sense of connection and unity within her family all while reinventing herself. Starting a business became more than just a professional pursuit; it became a means of personal growth. Jasmine jokes, “Life gave me lemons, and I made lemonade, literally.”
The Sweet Southern Sistas want to impact Southern University beyond their delectable lemonade and to inspire Southern students to have the audacity and tenacity to make pivotal career choices, for it could lead to something transformative. They want their journey, filled with obstacles and challenges, to serve as a testimony of the importance of hard work, family, and faith. “Take your time, think smart and know your purpose,” the Sweet Southern Sistas advise.
The Sweet Southern Sista’s have emerged as trailblazers in the world of black entrepreneurship in Baton Rouge, paving the way for future generations of Black business owners to follow their dreams and aspirations. With their unwavering tenacity, innovative spirit, and commitment to quality, they have taken the simplicity of lemonade to another level. Their journey is not only about building a thriving business but also about overcoming adversity. By demonstrating the power of resilience, determination, and community support, the Sweet Southern Sistas have become a prime example of how entrepreneurship can be a positive change amongst impressionable young adults and in reinventing oneself.