Today we’d like to introduce you to Artresha Williams.
Artresha , we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
For years, I made My lemonade sweet tea for my kids, family gatherings, and friends’ special events. People always told me “You need to be selling this!” But I just laughed it off, not thinking twice about it. One night my daughter wanted me to show her how I made “My Lemonade Sweet Tea”, she wanted to sale it instead of the “tradition lemonade” because she was planning of having a lemonade stand. After hours of crafting and sharing this technique with my daughter, I realized at that moment, I wasn’t just making tea…I was creating an experience. Something that could bring people together, spark joy, and remind them of the simple “Good Old Days”. That’s how SunnKiss LLC was born, with my daughter as my inspiration and my family’s traditions as my foundation, I set out to create something unique.
A Twisted Lemonade Sweet Tea that’s refreshing, full of personality, and unapologetically homemade.
SunnKiss started as more than just a drink, it was a piece of my heart, a reflection of my roots, and a vision I couldn’t keep ignoring. Growing up in a family with deep Southern and Creole traditions, I learned early on that food and drink weren’t just about flavor; they were about love, connection, and heritage. One of those traditions was brewing tea in the sun, letting nature itself infuse the tea, sweetness and depth of flavors, that you just can’t get from a store (well not yet).
I worked tirelessly to perfect my recipes, focusing on fresh ingredients, real lemons, and a brewing process that keeps every sip true to its roots. It hasn’t been easy at all. I thought I would just make it and sell it. That was so far from the truth, starting a business from scratch means long nights, learning curves and more than a few setbacks. But each challenge pushed me to level up my vision. I invested in branding, secured my trademark, built a recognizable logo, and committed to presenting SunnKiss as a premium, one-of-a-kind hand-crafted thirst quencher. (This is what sets us apart from other “Aarnold Palmers”) Today, SunnKiss has grown from a kitchen favorite to a recognized local brand with a loyal following. We’ve launched signature flavors like Blackberry Twilight, Strawberry Sunset, Peachie King, TropicKiss, and the Golden Kiss (The OG started it all). We’re out at vendor events, making waves on social media, and getting ready for magazine features lol. Every cup carries my story, my passion, and my promise to deliver quality with every sip. AND We’re just getting started. This is more than a drink or tea, they’re tasting and feeling the kiss from the sun.
-SunnKiss
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Smooth road?! Absolutely not! It’s been a road full of lessons, challenges, and growth. Starting SunnKiss from scratch meant wearing every hat…CEO, marketer, sales rep, delivery driver, and product developer (all at once). In the early days, one of my biggest struggles was being and staying consistent (Consistency is the Key to everything). I knew I had an amazing product, but I had to learn how to package it so the world could see it the way I did. To be premium, unique, and worth remembering. That meant investing in a trademark, creating a logo I could protect, and making sure every cup, pouch, and flyer carried the same professional look. Another hurdle was getting exposure. I didn’t have a big budget for marketing, so I relied on vendor events, social media, and word-of-mouth to get SunnKiss in front of people (The power of word of mouth is a wonderful thing). Every event meant setting up early, breaking down late, and talking to customers one by one. It was exhausting but an accomplished kind of exhausting. We quickly built a loyal following. I also faced challenges with production and supply—keeping up with orders while maintaining the quality I refuse to compromise on. Because SunnKiss is made fresh every time all the time. I’ve had to be strategic about inventory, ingredients, and timing. Every obstacle has made me sharper, more creative, and more determined. SunnKiss isn’t just surviving, it’s growing. And those struggles are the reason I can now look back and say, “I built this from the ground up, and it’s only going higher from here.”
As you know, we’re big fans of SunnKiss LLC. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
One of the things I’m most proud of is that SunnKiss, again has stayed true to its (our) roots. Every flavor, every batch, every sip is still and will always be made with the same care, fresh ingredients, and Southern tradition that started in my kitchen. I didn’t water it down, literally or figuratively (lol it’s a real sweet tea, pun defiantly intended) to fit into a trend. SunnKiss is unapologetically authentic. I’m also proud of the brand I’ve built from the ground up. From securing my trademark to creating professional packaging and visuals, I’ve worked hard to make SunnKiss look as premium as it tastes. And to see it in people’s hands, at vendor events, in photos, and now in a magazine, is proof that the work has been worth it.
What I want readers to know is that SunnKiss is more than a drink, it’s an experience. It’s the feeling of summer in a cup, the nostalgia of family cookouts, and the joy of sharing something you love with others. When you sip SunnKiss, you’re not just tasting lemonade sweet tea, you’re tasting a piece of my story, my culture, and my dream. And this is only the beginning. I have plans to grow SunnKiss into a household name, introduce more seasonal flavors (Look out for our Fall and Winter flavors) and even expand into baked goods. Yes, we have a Lemonade Sweet Tea Pound Cake.
I want people to see that no matter where you start (even if it’s just with one jug of tea) you can build something amazing if you stay consistent and put in the work. There’s No plan Bs. Only Plan A moving Forward.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
I’m committed to SunnKiss and the future that’s to come, with that here’s some books that has really shift how I look at business and understanding how I want my business to work for my legacy.
Million Dollar Habits by Rachel Rodgers
Dummies Guide to Starting Your Own Business
The Black Girl’s Guide to Financial Freedom by Paris Wood
I absolutely love The Diary of a CEO. It’s a great podcast
Pricing:
- Smalls pouches are $5
- large pouches $10
- gallons $35
- Beaucoup 4 gallon $125
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sunnkiss.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunnkiss247
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/16WQhPsjaM/
