Our story
What will Grace do when she grows up?
Legendary Lemonades did not begin as a traditional business plan. It began with a conversation.
While talking about careers and what people might become when they grow up, Legend asked a question about her sister Grace: What would Grace do when she grew up?
Legend wanted her sister to have something of her own. Something they could do together. Something that could give Grace an opportunity to participate, learn and be part of something meaningful.
The answer became lemonade.
Their first goal was simple. Sell lemonade together, have fun and help contribute toward their cheer activities. Then the community responded.
What began as a small neighborhood event soon led to invitations to churches, festivals, community celebrations, birthday parties, sports functions and more.
Eventually the family realized this little lemonade stand was becoming something much bigger. Legendary Lemonades was born.
Legend begins thinking about her sister's future and what they could build together.
The sisters begin selling lemonade as something they can participate in together.
The family attends a neighborhood event and receives an unexpectedly enthusiastic response.
Invitations begin arriving for churches, festivals and community events.
Birthday parties, sports events, seasonal events and other opportunities follow.
The family formally establishes the business and begins building a recognizable brand.
Continue growing while creating meaningful opportunities centered around inclusion.
Legend is one of the owners of Legendary Lemonades and the person whose idea helped start everything. She is thoughtful, caring and entrepreneurial — willing to think beyond traditional limitations because she wanted her sister to have a future they could build together.
Grace is one of the owners of Legendary Lemonades and an important part of the stand. Grace is autistic, non-verbal and has special needs.
At events, she helps interact with customers, enjoys passing cups, participates in routines, observes and learns how the stand operates, and uses sign language. She takes pride in seeing herself represented in the Legendary Lemonades brand.
Legendary Lemonades is family operated. The girls are supported by responsible adults at events, so preparation, coordination and operations stay professional.
Owners
Legend Thompson
Grace Thompson
Management team
Jennifer Youngblood-Thompson
India Curry
The family has seen firsthand how meaningful participation can create opportunities for learning, interaction, confidence and pride.
As Legendary Lemonades grows, the family's hope is that the business may eventually create similar opportunities for other children with special needs.
This is a business with an inclusion-centered mission — not a nonprofit, not therapy, and not a donation request. Just a lemonade company built around belonging.
