Young CEOs Turning Lemons into Action: CICS Prairie Students’ Inspiring Journey Captured on ABC7 Chicago

Joy and Jade Lee, sisters and two young entrepreneurs from CICS Prairie, turned their lemonade stand success into something even bigger—a book, Lemons with Love. Their inspiring journey, recently featured on ABC7 Chicago, began as a way to raise money for WNBA tickets, but it quickly became a lesson in perseverance and entrepreneurship. Their book, Lemons with Love, encourages other kids to dream big and work hard to achieve their goals. 

Their dedication didn’t go unnoticed. When WNBA team Chicago Sky heard about their mission, they surprised the girls with VIP tickets to the game, turning their efforts into an unforgettable experience. But for Joy and Jade, the true reward was the lessons they learned—ones they now share in their book. 

“We wanted to show kids that you can work for what you want and make something good out of every situation,” Joy told Jasmine Minor, ABC7 Chicago. Their journey wasn’t just about basketball but about believing in themselves and inspiring others to do the same. 

At CICS Prairie, their story has inspired classmates and teachers alike, reinforcing the power of determination, creativity, and community support. Their ability to turn a simple idea into a meaningful project reflects the leadership values instilled in the young ladies. Their book is not just a personal achievement—it’s a resource that encourages other young minds to dream big and take steps toward their goals. 

Knowing that other young entrepreneurs might need guidance, they also created the Young CEO Planning Guide for Entrepreneurship, a practical resource designed to help kids map out their business ideas.

As Joy and Jade continue to share Lemons with Love with the world, their journey reminds us that big dreams start with small steps. Whether it’s launching a business, writing a book, or setting a personal goal, anything is possible with dedication and the right support. 

Want to celebrate and support their mission? You can purchase  Lemons with Love and their planning resource, Young CEO: A Young Entrepreneurs Guided Planning Journal on Amazon and help spread their message of resilience, generosity, and believing in the power of hard work!

CICS partners with Distinctive Schools to operate CICS Prairie in Chicago’s Roseland neighborhood, along with six other tuition-free public charter schools. Together, we are committed to providing high-quality education and fostering student success. Learn more at www.ChicagoIntl.org.