Leroy’s LipSmack’n Lemonade: Business Success Story Fueled by Family, Community, and Autism Advocacy

Discover the inspiring journey of Leroy’s LipSmack’n Lemonade, a Black-owned small business founded by Leroy and Sherilyn Hayward to build a brighter future for their autistic son. What started in 2012 as a simple lemonade stand during Lemonade Day Louisiana has grown into a regional brand distributed across Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Texas. Backed by TruFund Financial Services, the Haywards secured a $32,000 small business loan that helped them purchase a refrigerated truck—launching their growth into local grocery stores like Rouses and Save A Lot. Their entrepreneurial journey reflects the power of family-driven business, disability inclusion, and economic empowerment. In 2022, their hard work was recognized nationally when they won the National Urban League’s Small Business Matters Pitch Competition. With continued support from TruFund, the business is now exploring a $2 million loan to purchase commercial real estate—and they’re in talks with Walt Disney World after a recent procurement event.