Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jill Fisher, CEO and founder of Lighthouse Lemonade Inc., located in Fergus, ON, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Lighthouse Lemonade makes a centuries-old Maritime family recipe predating the Canadian Confederation (1867). We produce citrus cordials (concentrated syrups) that are best mixed with water or spirits and can also be used to add flavour to a variety of food recipes. We call it “the little lemonade that could”! Since our cordials can be mixed to taste and contain no gluten, animal ingredients, or artificial colouring, our wide-ranging customer base is always growing. Lighthouse Lemonade is carried by major grocery chains across Ontario - including Loblaws, Metro, and Sobeys - as well as hundreds of independent food shops. We are inspired by the love our customers have for this lemonade and often hear stories about how they have incorporated it into their lives, from serving it at weddings and special family events to helping children and seniors stay hydrated. It truly is Summer in a Bottle all year long!

Tell us about yourself
I come from a long line of "Herringchokers" (New Brunswicker's). I brought my centuries-old family recipe into the 21st century, making it the star of our Lighthouse Lemonade brand. I am an alumnus of the Stratford Chefs School. My chef colleagues loved the lemonade and encouraged me to turn it into a business. I used my food and beverage industry training as a springboard to launch the business in 2010. As an avid triathlete and Ironman competitor and the mother of four now-adult children (+ 2 grandchildren), No has never been part of my vocabulary. I will always find a way to reach my end goal. My motivation comes from our customers who keep sharing it with friends and family. Word of mouth is helping to build our brand, one happy customer at a time!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment is being able to provide first-time jobs to many keen, bright, inquisitive, and hardworking students. I have always enjoyed being around youths because I reciprocate their energy and zest for life. I take pride in teaching them that their safety is the #1 job of a company, no matter how big or small. I encourage them to ask questions, understand and know their rights as an employee, and not be afraid to speak up and voice their comments and concerns to challenge me. I challenge their co-workers to problem solve and come up with new, better ways of doing things. It’s important to teach them that their views count, and I let them know in no uncertain terms that they are the heart and soul of Lighthouse Lemonade.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Being a solopreneur, you are the captain of your ship, no matter how rough the waters become. With a steady mind and hand, you have to keep things on an even keel, no matter the turbulent waters you sail through. Having a top-notch crew on board with you makes for a better sailing experience and helps to set you on course for success.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- It’s good to be a bit naïve going into business for yourself. If you knew how much of yourself you’d put into it - the long hours, endless financial challenges and problem solving, loss of free time - you might think twice about starting down the path of an entrepreneur.
- Find your groove. Stick to the things you are good at. Seek out competent professionals for their knowledge and expertise in the areas where you are lacking. Keep driving your business forward.
- Keep your eye on where you want your business to go. Put blinkers on, laser focus, and GO! As one of my favourite quotes says: “Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goal” - Henry Ford.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
There have been some motivational quotes from Eleanor Roosevelt that have gotten me through more than ten years in business:
"Never allow a person to tell you NO who also doesn't have the power to say yes."
"Do one thing every day that scares you."
"You must do the things you think you cannot do."
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.lighthouselemonade.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lighthouselemonade/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lighthouselemonade
Twitter: https://twitter.com/lhlemonade
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.