Ready to ditch the 9-to-5 grind and become your own boss? Kayla Schoonover and Zachery Uzlik did just that, diving headfirst into the vibrant world of customized sodas with their venture, the Dirty Soda Company. They found a sweet spot in the growing 'dirty soda' trend, where folks personalize their fizzy drinks with flavored syrups. But what started as a simple idea quickly blossomed into a full-fledged business.
Since launching last July, the Dirty Soda Company has become a local sensation, drawing in loyal customers from across western Wisconsin. Some fans are so dedicated they travel up to 45 minutes just to get their soda fix!
Initially, the couple envisioned a trailer and a storefront. However, they soon discovered the reality of entrepreneurship. "It's a lot more work than we thought it was," Schoonover admitted, describing the demanding schedule that often includes seven-day workweeks.
And this is the part most people miss... Beyond the fun of mixing drinks, there's a mountain of behind-the-scenes work. Think graphic design, social media promotion, recipe development, menu creation, event coordination, licensing, and taxes. For Kayla and Zachery, the unexpected time commitment and startup costs were the biggest surprises.
Their success story is a testament to trial and error. From perfecting recipes – Sprite and Dr. Pepper mixes are crowd-pleasers – to finding the best setup times and locations, like the Market on the River in Chippewa Falls and the Market at the 45th in New Richmond, they've learned as they've gone. They've also focused on engaging specific demographics, such as the college town in Menomonie.
But here's where it gets controversial... The long hours are worth it for them. The reward? Seeing their business flourish and customers returning for more. "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," Schoonover shared.
Looking ahead to 2026, their goals are ambitious: opening a trailer and a storefront, expanding their product line, and boosting customer engagement through giveaways and scavenger hunts. They attribute their success to strong customer support. The excitement of selling their first drink has transformed into the satisfaction of receiving positive feedback and building relationships with customers. The greatest motivator? Putting in the hard work and watching it pay off, with customers driving long distances and returning for more. "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? Do you agree that the long hours are worth it for the satisfaction of seeing your business grow? Share your thoughts in the comments!
