Ready to ditch the 9-to-5 and become your own boss? Kayla Schoonover and Zachery Uzlik did just that, diving headfirst into the vibrant world of customized sodas! They discovered the potential of the 'dirty soda' trend – the art of mixing flavored syrups into sodas to create unique and delicious concoctions. This simple concept sparked a business venture that's now thriving.
Last July, they launched the Dirty Soda Company, and the growth has been nothing short of impressive. They've cultivated a loyal customer base across western Wisconsin, with some dedicated fans traveling up to 45 minutes just to get their soda fix. Talk about dedication!
Initially, the couple envisioned a trailer and a storefront. But here's where it gets real: they quickly learned that entrepreneurship demands serious dedication. They found themselves working seven-day workweeks!
"It has its challenges, its ups and downs, just like any new business. It's a lot more work than we thought it was," Schoonover admits.
Beyond crafting tasty beverages and selling at markets, there's a mountain of behind-the-scenes tasks: graphic design, social media promotion, recipe development, menu creation, event outreach, licensing, and taxes. The startup costs and the unexpected time commitment for all these tasks were the biggest surprises.
Their success story is built on a foundation of trial and error. From perfecting recipes – Sprite and Dr. Pepper mixes are crowd-pleasers – to optimizing setup times and choosing the best locations, like Chippewa Falls’ Market on the River and New Richmond’s Market at the 45th.
They've focused on engaging specific demographics, such as the college town in Menomonie. 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... 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 said.
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 credit strong customer support as a vital part of their success.
They remember the initial nervousness of selling their very first drink. Now, the positive feedback from customers 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 greatest 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.
But here's a thought: Could the intense workload and long hours eventually lead to burnout? What do you think about the trade-offs of entrepreneurship? Share your thoughts in the comments!
