Dreaming of being your own boss? Kayla Schoonover and Zachery Uzlik certainly were, and they found their path to entrepreneurship in a rather fizzy trend: the world of dirty sodas! This dynamic duo discovered that customizing sodas with flavored syrups could be a recipe for success, and they dove right in. But here's where it gets interesting...
Last July, they launched the Dirty Soda Company, and the business has been bubbling with activity ever since! They've managed to build a loyal customer base throughout western Wisconsin, with some fans even traveling up to 45 minutes just to get their soda fix.
Initially, Kayla and Zachery envisioned a trailer and a storefront. However, they soon realized that running a business is a lot more complex than it seems. They often found themselves working seven-day workweeks.
"It has its days. It's had its challenges, its ups and downs, just like any new business. It's a lot more work than we thought it was," Schoonover admitted. This highlights a common struggle for many new business owners.
Beyond the fun of selling at markets, there's a mountain of behind-the-scenes work. Think graphic design, social media promotion, recipe development, menu creation, event outreach, licensing, and taxes. For Kayla and Zachery, the startup costs and the unexpected time commitment were the biggest surprises.
Their success has been built on a strategy of trial and error, from perfecting recipes (Sprite and Dr. Pepper mixes are popular choices) to finding the best setup times and locations, like Chippewa Falls’ Market on the River and New Richmond’s Market at the 45th.
They've also focused on engaging specific demographics, such as the college town in Menomonie. And the reward? Seeing their business flourish and customers returning, despite the long hours, makes it all worthwhile.
"It's been very rewarding to see customers come back and reach out and I mean, we have repeat customers that will drive from 45 minutes away just to come see us. So I think that makes it all worth it, in my opinion," she shared.
Looking ahead to 2026, their goals include opening a trailer and a storefront, expanding their product line, and boosting customer engagement through giveaways and scavenger hunts. They credit strong customer support as a vital part of their success.
They vividly remember the initial nerves of selling their very first drink. Now, the positive feedback from customers, both about the drinks and the experience of chatting with them, is a major source of satisfaction and encouragement. The ability to put in the work and see it pay off, with customers driving long distances and returning to buy more, is the ultimate motivator.
"I think that's been super cool too, just to watch the business grow and, like he said, to be able to put in the work and then watch it pay off," she said.
What do you think? Are you surprised by the amount of work involved in starting a business? Do you think the long hours are worth it for the satisfaction of seeing your customers happy? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
