Meet Lanea Barnes Cuff | Proud Mom of Marlee’s Lemonade

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lanea Barnes Cuff and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi LaNea, what habits do you feel play an important role in your life?
One of the key habits that helped me succeed as Marlee’s mom and business partner is consistency. Whether it’s showing up for events, staying engaged with customers, or being present in Marlee’s entrepreneurial journey, staying consistent has made all the difference. Another habit is adaptability. We’ve had to be flexible and ready to pivot our approach, especially as we grew from a small lemonade stand to a full-fledged business. And of course, having a passion for what we do – inspiring kids and supporting Marlee’s dream – has fueled everything we’ve done. We stay committed to the bigger picture and always focus on doing things with heart.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Marlee’s Lemonade is a family operated, kid owned business that started when Marlee was just 6 years old. What sets us apart is the fact that Marlee, now 8, is at the heart of everything. She’s not just selling lemonade; she’s teaching other kids that they can be entrepreneurs too. We’re not just about the best lemonade in Arizona, we’re about inspiring young people to follow their dreams and build something of their own, no matter their age.

What excites me the most is watching Marlee’s journey unfold. From starting at a local park to now having our own storefront in downtown Phoenix, it’s been an incredible ride. We’ve faced plenty of challenges, like figuring out how to grow the business while balancing school and fun, managing the logistics of events, and learning how to scale our business but the key has been perseverance and passion. We’ve learned to embrace the hustle, and with each challenge, we’ve grown stronger as a family and business.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the power of community support. Our growth wouldn’t be possible without the encouragement from our customers, friends, and fellow small business owners. It’s a reminder that we’re all in this together, and that relationships matter more than anything.

We want the world to know that Marlee’s Lemonade is more than just a business, it is a movement for young entrepreneurs. We’re about creating opportunities for the next generation to thrive and proving that anyone, no matter their age, can make an impact.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend was visiting Phoenix for a week, I’d start by taking them to Marlee’s Lemonade in the heart of Roosevelt Row to grab some fresh, made to order lemonade. Afterward, I’d take them on a walk to see the murals that make this neighborhood one of a kind. We’d then head to Sugar Jam The Southern Kitchen for a delicious brunch, savoring their amazing food. Then, we’d swing by an Archwood Exchange Market to shop with amazing local businesses and food trucks. On Sunday morning, we’d join the Blk AZ Run Club for an energizing run/workout with the best community vibe and DJ Monty spinning great music.

For a fun filled week, we’d take in the stunning views at Camelback Mountain and Papago Park, exploring the iconic red rock formations. For some family-friendly fun, we’d visit the OdySea Aquarium, the Arizona Science Center, and the Phoenix Zoo to enjoy some hands-on learning and animal encounters.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to dedicate my shoutout to Marlee, my amazing 8 year old daughter and the heart of Marlee’s Lemonade. She is the true driving force behind everything we do. Her entrepreneurial spirit, creativity, and work ethic at such a young age never cease to amaze me. She’s not just running a lemonade business, she’s inspiring other kids, teaching them the value of hard work, and showing them that they can achieve big things no matter their age.

I also want to give a huge shoutout to the local community here in Phoenix, especially the friends and customers who have supported us from the beginning. And, of course, I’m forever grateful for our family’s unwavering encouragement and guidance. Everyone who’s part of this journey deserves recognition for helping Marlee’s dream grow into what it is today!

Website: https://www.MarleeHere.com

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Marlees-Lemonade/61550923871745/?_rdr

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MarleesLemonade

Other: We are located inside Acres Marketplace
610 E Roosevelt St, Phoenix, AZ
Wed-Sat 12-6pm Sun 12-5pm

Image Credits
@dd__visuals on instagram
DoubleDubVisuals