Life figuratively gave Jess Echavarria lemons, so she literally made lemonade. It worked.

Cindy Peterson
·2 min read
Jessica Echavarria opened a mobile lemonade stand, which runs out of a trailer and tent. She sets up at festivals throughout Lake and surrounding counties.
Jessica Echavarria opened a mobile lemonade stand, which runs out of a trailer and tent. She sets up at festivals throughout Lake and surrounding counties.

Jessica Echavarria was at the lowest point of her life in 2020. She was laid off from her job and life seemed hopeless.

“It was honestly the sourest point of my life,” Echavarria said. “But I feel like lemonade is a metaphor. It’s sour, but it can be made into something sweet and fresh. Honestly, lemonade gave me so much joy.”

Making lemonade allowed Echavarria to channel her creative side, and sharing it with others made her passionate about doing it full time. She said she is grateful for the amount of support from her family and community.

“Lemonade has a way of bringing people together and puts a smile on their face,” Echavarria said.

Jessica Echavarria offers her lemonade services at many weddings and corporate events.
Jessica Echavarria offers her lemonade services at many weddings and corporate events.

Echavarria opened a mobile lemonade stand, which runs out of a trailer and tent. She sets up at festivals throughout Lake and surrounding counties. She also stays busy with private events like weddings and corporate gatherings.

Echavarria is originally from the Dominican Republic. Her parents moved to the United States when she was 2 years old.

“Back in the Dominican Republic, there are lots of fresh juice stands, all made with the actual fruit, and no artificial stuff,” Echavarria said. “That’s what I wanted to create. I made everything from my own syrup out of cane sugar, to fruit purees. Nothing with artificial junk.”

Jessica Echavarria opened a mobile lemonade stand, which she runs out of a trailer and tent. She sets up at festivals throughout Lake and surrounding counties.
Jessica Echavarria opened a mobile lemonade stand, which she runs out of a trailer and tent. She sets up at festivals throughout Lake and surrounding counties.

Looking back, Echavarria can see how God led her to a life full of more joy than ever before — all through lemonade. She has since expanded into mocktails, like the mojito, a limonada limeade, strawberry lemonade and strawberry mint. They are all natural, fresh squeezed and hand shaked.

“At the end of the day, I believe through the sourest times, life can be sweet,” Echavarria said. “It’s not just about selling beverages. It’s about spreading happiness, and bringing a sense of togetherness.”

Find out where Jess’s Lemonade will be next at https://www.facebook.com/Jessslemonade.

This article originally appeared on Ocala Star-Banner: Life gave her lemons. So Jessica Echavarria made lemonade. For real.