When life gives you lemons, make a fortune

Hi there, and welcome back to b. Building from business.com . This is the highlight reel of the b. Newsletter — your digest of bite-sized news, thought and brand leadership, and entertainment. For the full-length version of the b., sign up here to get the full edition in your inbox two times a week.

In this issue, we’re squeezing the sweet and sour out of side hustles with adult lemonade stands, un-cringing our social media presence, and boosting psychological safety in teams. We’ll also lace up with Hoka to explore their meteoric rise, place our bets on the booming world of women’s sports, and dive into SEO genius with “Thai Food Near Me.” Plus, ever wondered how 50,000 sq. ft. of candy fits into downtown LA?

As always, our meme of the week will bring some much-needed laughs. Let’s dive in!

Side hustles can be sweet. They can be sour. And then there’s adult lemonade stands.

Recently, the Washington Post reported on 20- and 30-somethings who’ve squeezed success out of the classic childhood business model. When life gave them lemons (student debt, layoffs, high interest rates), they actually made lemonade … with elevated ingredients such as hibiscus and lychee. Setting up shop at a food or music festival can generate sales of $1,000 to $10,000 per day.

But don’t worry — these small businesses aren’t taking away from even tinier entrepreneurs. “We’re not stomping on the kids’ lemonade stands,” a 23-year-old citrus slinger told the Post.

Got a few extra tubs of Crystal Light yourself? Read our guide on How to Run a Successful One-Person Business .

How to Un-Cringe Your Social Media Presence

Brands have been trying too hard to sound like relatable Gen Z influencers, leading to “corporate cringe.” Forced quirkiness and snarky humor might go viral, but is it really effective? Learn how to stay authentic and build genuine connections with your audience without jumping on cringe-worthy trends. Read more here.

The Organizational Psychologist’s Couch: How to Foster Psychological Safety in Teams

Psychological safety is key for fostering open communication, innovation, and trust within teams. Creating an environment where employees can share ideas without fear of judgment boosts engagement and problem-solving. Want to empower your team and improve workplace culture? Discover actionable steps here.

Origin Story: How Hoka Outran the Elite Sneaker Competition

Hoka’s bold designs and oversized soles have taken the sneaker world by storm, with $1.8 billion in sales last year. But the brand’s roots go back to the French Alps, where it was originally created for mountain running. Curious how Hoka went from niche footwear to global sensation? Find out more here.

Women’s Sports Are Bigger Than Ever — and So Are the Bets

With the rise of stars like Caitlin Clark and Simone Biles, women's sports are drawing unprecedented attention and revenue. The WNBA’s viewership has tripled, and ad dollars are soaring as sports gambling companies seize this momentum. Want to see how women’s sports are reshaping the ad and gambling industries? Click here to find out more.

Mind Blown Marketing: How Restaurant “Thai Food Near Me” Won Google Maps

Thai Food Near Me in NYC skyrocketed to fame thanks to a brilliant SEO-driven name. The simple, searchable title has made it a top hit for hungry locals, but success also comes from quality food and savvy delivery partnerships. Want to learn how naming and SEO strategy can transform a business? Read the full story here.

Strange Business: Jack’s Candy – 50,000 Sq. Feet of Sugar in Downtown LA

In the heart of health-conscious Los Angeles lies Jack’s Candy, a 50,000 sq. ft. warehouse stocked with every sweet imaginable. From nostalgic treats to bulk-sized bags, this sugar empire is an unexpected success in LA's fitness-focused culture. Curious about the store that breaks all expectations? Check it out here.

We Meme Business

Written by Dan Ketchum, Lauren Vino, Elizabeth Barton, and Tess Barker.