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We are proud to present our 2025 National Youth Entrepreneur of the Year...

Pilar Gravitte

CEO of Little Lemon
Lomita, CA

Pilar Gravitte, a 12-year-old entrepreneur from Lomita, California, is the 2025 National Youth Entrepreneur of the Year, recognized by Lemonade Day for her creativity, leadership, and community impact. As the founder and CEO of Little Lemon, Pilar has transformed her passion for business and giving back into a standout entrepreneurial success.

Pilar’s vibrant, Hawaiian-themed lemonade stand became a local favorite during Lemonade Day Lomita 2025. She offered a unique menu featuring fresh-squeezed lemonade, mango-pineapple lemonade with chamoy rims, sugar-free options made with agave, and fruit- and herb-infused waters. Her attention to detail—from tropical décor to music—created a memorable customer experience that set her business apart.

Her results were just as impressive as her creativity. Pilar generated $1,830 in sales and $1,600 in profit, repaid her investor in full, saved $900, and donated $390 to Erik’s Way, a charity supporting families affected by cancer. In honor of what would have been Erik’s 50th birthday, Pilar also created a meaningful customer experience by sharing cake and raising awareness for the organization.

A fourth-year participant in Lemonade Day, Pilar expanded her impact through innovative marketing and partnerships. She used Instagram to promote her stand and collaborated with South Bay Credit Union on a referral campaign that brought in new customers while rewarding her business. The initiative resulted in five new accounts and demonstrated her ability to think creatively and build community connections.

“Lemonade Day isn’t just about selling lemonade—it’s about becoming an entrepreneur, learning responsibility, and having fun,” says Pilar. “What I love most is that I get to give back to people who need help and prove to myself that I can make something amazing from my own ideas.”

Pilar plans to continue growing Little Lemon by participating in local events and festivals, reinvesting in her business, and expanding her charitable contributions. Her journey reflects the power of youth entrepreneurship and the impact young people can have when given the tools to succeed. Congratulations to Pilar!