Meet the Maker
The journey of Vee Select Lemonade begins with roots deep in resilience, love for family, and a passion for real ingredients. Here’s how it all began.
From War to Opportunity
As a first-generation Liberian refugee, I came to the U.S. after my family escaped the civil war back home. We arrived with nothing but hope and a desire to rebuild. That journey planted the seed for everything I do today — especially my dream of building something lasting for my family.
A Legacy Begins
When I learned I had a child on the way, everything shifted. I wanted time freedom, something my child could grow into, and a business that meant something. That’s when I chose lemonade — a product I could make with real ingredients, real love, and a real purpose.
Why Lemonade
Most “healthy” drinks taste bland. I wanted to change that. My mission was simple — make a natural beverage that tastes amazing without compromising wellness. Real lemon juice. Real vanilla bean. Plant-based sugar. Mineral-rich water. A premium lemonade for people who care about what they consume.
CEO in Training
From day one, my daughter was with me — washing lemons, restocking fridges, setting up booths. She’s not just growing up around the business — she’s growing into it. That’s the heart of Vee Select: family, hands-on learning, and generational impact.
The Breakthrough
A friend helped me get into my first retail store, and then COVID hit. I lost my job, had no safety net — just a dream. So I loaded up my truck and hit six Hy-Vee locations. Four said yes. The others came around after I stayed on them. That moment changed everything.
Scaling Up
From a kitchen hustle to over 30 retail locations, we’ve stayed focused on quality, health, and bold flavor. Each bottle is small-batch, handcrafted, and made with intention. That’s what makes Vee Select different — we never chase scale at the cost of soul.
Rebranding with Purpose
We started as Vanlice Lemonade — now we are Vee Select, a name that reflects who we are: intentional, premium, and rooted in selectivity. We don’t just want to be everywhere — we want to be in the right places, with the right people, making a real difference.
The Vision Forward
This brand is my tribute — to my parents’ sacrifice, to my children’s future, and to every person who dares to dream without knowing how. You don’t have to have it all figured out. Just start. The world will meet you halfway.