We had the good fortune of connecting with Ashley Haines and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ashley, every day, we about how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
The idea for Maggie’s Fresh Squeezed Lemonade was born from a deep desire to honor my best friend Maggie, who tragically passed away due to complications from COVID-19. Maggie was a dedicated frontline healthcare worker, and together we had been on a shared journey to improve our lives—becoming consumer debt-free and building a brighter future for our families. When she passed, I wanted to create something meaningful that would carry on her legacy and reflect the values we both cherished.

Launching this business has been a way to celebrate Maggie’s memory while pursuing the dreams we had envisioned. Today, I am proud to say that Maggie’s Fresh Squeezed Lemonade is not only thriving but also operating completely debt-free, staying true to the principles we believed in.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Maggie’s Fresh Squeezed Lemonade is more than just a business; it’s a heartfelt tribute to my best friend, Maggie, and a blend of passion, family, and community. We specialize in freshly made lemonade, limeade, and Arnold Palmers, offering 12+ flavors and various toppings that create a unique and joyful experience for every customer.

What sets us apart is our commitment to giving back. We host fundraisers for Beyond Celiac during celiac awareness month, donating limeade proceeds to support their mission. Giving back to our community is at the heart of what we do.

Getting here wasn’t easy. Before Maggie passed, I had started pursuing a bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, and I continued to build on that foundation even after her loss. Balancing a full-time job in supply chain at a local hospital, raising my 5-year-old son Ashton, and completing my master’s degree, I applied what I learned to grow Maggie’s Fresh Squeezed Lemonade. My background in supply chain has been instrumental in overcoming challenges and running the business efficiently.

The most important lesson I’ve learned is that people connect with authenticity. Sharing our story and pouring love into every cup of lemonade has helped us stand out.

Through Maggie’s Fresh Squeezed Lemonade, I want the world to know that even out of loss, something beautiful can grow. This business isn’t just about drinks; it’s about community, connection, and carrying forward a legacy of joy and purpose. With the support of the community we are excited to announce we are growing! We will be operating from Citron, our vintage Citroën Type H trailer so be on the lookout!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting, we’d spend the week exploring the local farmers markets, starting with a stop at Le Macaron French Pastries mobile trailer for some delicious pastries. We’d enjoy stand-up paddle boarding in Fort Lauderdale, grab lunch at Flanigan’s for some tasty seafood and wings, and visit the Bonnet House to soak in the local culture. We’d also stroll along the beach and wrap up watching the sunset from Fort Lauderdale Beach.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My shoutout goes to Maggie, my best friend and the inspiration behind Maggie’s Fresh Squeezed Lemonade. Her strength, kindness, and determination continue to motivate me every day. I also want to recognize my family—especially my son Ashton and my partner Alex—who have been my biggest supporters and have poured so much love and effort into this journey.

Additionally, I’d like to credit Dave Ramsey and his principles on financial freedom, which played a big role in shaping the foundation of this business. Finally, the Beyond Celiac organization deserves a mention for their impactful work and for giving us a cause to champion through our limeade sales. To everyone who has supported this dream, whether by buying a cup of lemonade or cheering us on, I am deeply grateful!

Website: https://sites.google.com/view/maggiesfsl

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maggiesfreshsqueezedlemonade/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hainesashley/

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