What started as a lemonade stand built by a three-year-old and her mother has grown into a fully licensed food business in Cambridge. Alexis Oliveira, 14, officially registered Lemon Squeeze & Sweets after adding mini pancakes and refreshers to her menu. “I love meeting people. I love being social,” she told CTV News. “It’s just fun because I get to make drinks and pancakes.” The business began in 2016 as a simple lemonade stand outside the family’s home in Brantford. It became a summer tradition, with Alexis and her two younger siblings occasionally selling lemonade, cookies and popcorn. She decided to take the idea further following an incident in May. Alexis was selling mini pancakes at a citywide garage sale. Her mother, Jody Cowen, said that’s when the family received a visit from bylaw officers after someone complained that Alexis was serving food to the public. The family contacted the City of Cambridge’s business centre and learned what was required to operate legally. “We didn’t really know what was all required because we’ve done the lemonade stand for so many years without any issues,” Cowen explained. “Bylaw did some research, and he said everything was okay. But we decided just to register it, make sure she had insurance, and everything became legal after that.” Alexis completed a food-handler course, and the business is now registered, insured and approved by public health. The family also rebuilt the stand and Alexis renamed it Lemon Squeeze & Sweets. “She’s a hard worker, she’s determined, she’s kind, she’s energetic. She’s a people person,” Cowen explained. “She’s grown so much from being the three-year-old little girl that we started this journey with, and it’s just amazing to see her continue with it.” Alexis said the best part is making her customers happy. “I love seeing people smile, and it’s really enjoyable.” The teen has also used the business as a vehicle to give back to the community, including raising money for a children’s book author and hosting a community cleanup. Lemon Squeeze & Sweets has made appearances at local markets and private bookings. Alexis and her mother are also scheduled to bring the stand back to Forbes Park in Cambridge for Cruise and Craft Fest on Sept. 19. The following weekend, the stand will be in Galt for the Great Dog Day event. The mother-daughter team are looking to book more private events, including weddings, showers and other gatherings. For Alexis, the business remains as much about the people as the products. “I love doing it with my mom,” she said. “She makes it funnier with all her jokes and stuff.” “It honestly gives me goosebumps. Her visions of what she wants it to be is really exciting for me. I wish I could be that little girl,” Cowen said, laughing.
