Today we’d like to introduce you to Jill McCullough.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Our story
Utah’s Own Pink Drink – Frozen Lemonade was born out of a simple yet powerful mission: to make our local Farmer’s Markets a place where everyone could feel welcome.
When we first visited the Ogden Farmer’s Market, we noticed a problem—there wasn’t an affordable option for everyone. In fact, we were even told by a vendor that if we couldn’t afford what was being sold, we simply didn’t belong there. As educators and community-driven people, we knew this mindset was unacceptable. The market should be a space for everyone to gather, enjoy, and connect—not just for those who could afford high prices.
Determined to create change, we came back the next week with borrowed tables, coolers, and a small supply of cups, ready to offer something homemade and accessible. For just $1, we served up our first batch of frozen lemonade. We sold out. And from that moment, our little pink drink began to grow.
Over the years, our recipe has evolved, but for the past 12 years, it has stayed true to what our community loves. In 2020, we took another leap—going 100% reusable by encouraging customers to bring their own cups. Once again, the community rallied behind us, proving that small efforts can lead to big change.
This year, Pink Drink has taken on an even deeper meaning. In 2024, we lost our beloved nephew and Pink Drink team member, Cameron West, in the middle of our season. In his honor, we founded the Cameron West Memorial Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to scholarships and coaching resources for those committed to personal transformation.
Every summer brings new friendships, challenges, and opportunities, and we are endlessly grateful for the incredible people we’ve met at the Ogden Farmer’s Market. Pink Drink isn’t just a frozen lemonade—it’s a symbol of community, inclusivity, and love. And we can’t wait to keep sharing it with you.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Owning a business like Utah’s Own Pink Drink has come with its fair share of challenges—and some of them have truly tested our strength and creativity. Like many others, we faced the uncertainty and disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic. We had to pivot quickly, reimagine how to serve our customers safely, and find new ways to stay afloat during a time when everything felt uncertain.
Another major obstacle was our decision to completely remove all disposable waste from our business. It was a choice rooted in our commitment to sustainability and protecting the environment, but it wasn’t easy. It meant reworking systems, retraining staff, educating customers, and taking on extra costs—all while staying true to our mission and making sure the customer experience remained top-notch.
Staffing has also had its ups and downs over the years, especially in a seasonal business like ours. We’ve learned to be resourceful, to lean on a strong core team, and to remain hands-on ourselves. There were many seasons when we operated the business with our children right by our side. And I’ll never forget the summer I worked every weekend while super pregnant with twins—managing the heat, the long hours, and the physical demands of running our business while also preparing to grow our family.
Each of these challenges has shaped who we are. They’ve made us more intentional, more resilient, and more connected to the heart of why we do what we do. Obstacles are part of the journey, but with vision, family, and community by your side, they become stepping stones instead of roadblocks.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Utah’s Own Pink Drink is a refreshing, eco-friendly frozen lemonade that’s a hit with lemonade enthusiasts and non-lemonade lovers alike throughout Northern Utah. This delicious frozen treat is not only satisfying to your taste buds but also easy on your wallet!The journey of Utah’s Own Pink Drink began in 2010 when founders Mac and Jill McCullough visited the Ogden Farmer’s Market. They saw a need for a delicious, affordable drink to quench the thirst of locals and visitors alike. Inspired, they went home and crafted the perfect frozen lemonade. Later that summer, at the Juneteenth Festival in Ogden, the community started calling it the “Pink Drink,” and the name stuck!
Since then, Utah’s Own Pink Drink has become a favorite treat at many of Utah’s beloved events, offering an affordable and refreshing option for all.
As part of our commitment to sustainability, we’ve launched our #BYOC (Bring Your Own Cup) campaign. This initiative encourages everyone to reduce plastic waste by bringing reusable cups or glasses to local events, farmer’s markets, and other gatherings. With plastic pollution becoming a serious environmental concern, Utah’s Own Pink Drink is taking the lead in minimizing waste and promoting a cleaner, healthier planet. By bringing your own cup, you’re actively helping reduce the need for single-use plastic, making a significant impact in the fight against the plastic crisis.
To make it even better, we’re keeping prices low! When you participate in the BYOC campaign, you’ll enjoy a serving of our signature frozen lemonade for just $1.25.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I definitely consider myself a risk-taker, but not in the reckless or impulsive sense. I take calculated risks—ones that are grounded in careful thought, aligned with my core values, and weighed against the impact they might have on my family, my team, and the community we serve.
For me, risk is part of growth. Every time I’ve stepped into a new venture, expanded a business, or launched a new community initiative, it came with a level of uncertainty. But I always ask myself: Does this align with my purpose? Will this contribute positively to the lives around me? And can I pursue this without compromising the things that matter most—my integrity, my time with family, and the relationships I’ve built?
One of the bigger risks I’ve taken was launching a new business during a time when the market felt uncertain and resources were tight. It would’ve been easy to play it safe, but I believed deeply in the vision. I ran the numbers, trusted the process, leaned into the support of my team, and committed fully. It was a leap—but one taken with open eyes and a steady heart.
To me, risk is not just about daring to do something new—it’s about daring to stay true to your values while doing it. That’s the kind of risk I’m always willing to take.
Pricing:
- $1.25/ 8oz Serving when you #BYOC
- $5 Medium 16oz Mason Jar Pink Drink
- $7 Large 32oz Mason Jar Pink Drink
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.utahspinkdrink.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/utahspinkdrink/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/utahspinkdrink
