Lori’s Original Lemonade
Wish It, Dream It, Do It – The Refreshing Taste of Success
By Eileen Jackson
Lori’s Original Lemonade Chief Believer and Founder, Lori Volk created her signature lavender-infused drink for her kids’ lemonade stand many years ago in Ojai, CA. Lori recalls the experience:
“It was the kind of day that is already hot early in the morning and doesn’t cool off until after midnight. The kids dragged the little table out to the driveway around 10am, about the time the street’s asphalt began to soften. “Mom, today we need to make a fancy lemonade,” said Lori’s son, Jer. “You know — the kind you make with that purple stuff,” he added. Jen and Jessie bobbed their heads enthusiastically.
“I looked at the vase on the kitchen counter that held a fragrant and lovely lavender bouquet, fresh from the farmer’s market. I lifted it out and set about making my lavender lemonade, an original recipe I had created on another hot summer day in the past.” Lori’s children created a sign that read “Lori’s Lavender Lemonade” and soon people were stopping to try this unusually refreshing drink.
In 2011, Lori decided to share her “fancy lemonade” with the rest of us. Fueled by mounting financial expenses from her now college-going kids and the loss of her part-time job due to budget cuts, Lori was determined to start her own business and that would be based around that same lemonade infusion made of only the best, organic ingredients.
ENTREPRENEURIAL AND INSPIRATIONAL
Lori Volk was the recipient of NAWBO Ventura County’s Business Woman Owner of the Year 2014 and Pacific Coast Business Times, Top 50 Women in Business 2015. She has over 30 years’ experience in sales and marketing and graduated from California State University Channel Islands.
Lori has been able to transform her entrepreneurial spirit, with that same drive and motivation, into many other aspects of her life. For example, even though Lori didn’t know how to swim, she was determined to become an accomplished triathlete. She hired a coach, learned to swim, and competed in several triathlons. And in November of 2012, Volk completed her first Ironman triathlon in Arizona, an exhausting 140.6-mile race. Since then, she has also trained for a 50 mile Ultra Run.
Lori wanted to know how it felt to push herself to the limit and cross the finish line. It felt empowering. So, when Lori’s Original Lemonade was up and running, her title became “Chief Believer.” Her motto, “Wish it, Dream it, Do it” is truly a testimony to the belief you can do anything you set your mind to. She continues to inspire others to follow their dreams as her aspirations have become her reality.
Most recently, Lori’s Original Lemonade‘s Organic Lavender Lemonade was awarded the esteemed BevStar 2016 “Best in Show” and the “Gold” Award in the juice category by Beverage World Magazine. This prestigious award judges on product taste, ingredients, packaging, market positioning and uniqueness.
EXPANDING THEIR HORIZONS
Since its inception, the brand has seen solid growth over the years totaling their reach to over 850 locations including Jordano’s Foodservice. “This is an exciting time in our company history,” says Lori. “It is amazing to think that we started bottling our lemonade only six short years ago and now we will be available in over 850 locations. It has been a truly humbling experience to have gone this far and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for Lori’s Original Lemonade.”
Lori’s Original Lemonade is committed to their mission “to produce unique lemonades using high quality, organic products in an environmentally responsible manner.” Lori’s offers five delightful flavors including Original Lemonade (JFS #3299), Lavender Lemonade (JFS #3302), Ginger Lemonade (JFS # 3304), Lemongrass Lite Lemonade (JFS #3303), and Wild Strawberry (JFS #3300). Jordano’s Foodservice proudly supports and stocks all five flavors.
To follow Lori and her believers, go to Instagram, Twitter, Facebook or visit Lori’s Original Lemonade online at www.lorisoriginallemonade.com.
