Lynnmonade

05/24/2026

Journal #3
I shifted my Instagram direction toward a more intentional focus on thought leadership — specifically for leaders and individuals experiencing overstimulation.

I believe empowered people empower people.

As I created and posted these carousels, something shifted internally as well. Reading and writing these reflections didn’t just feel like content — it felt like alignment. It boosted my own sense of clarity and grounded-ness.

My hope is that it resonates with other founders, leaders, and individuals who are constantly giving of themselves in pursuit of their vision.

I’m not nervous about the direction — I’m observant. I’m watching how people respond, and I’m open to adjusting if needed. But right now, I feel more in a space of anticipation than doubt.

The feedback — whether online or in person — is enough for me at this stage. Eventually, bookings and deeper engagement would be beautiful, but the greater goal is impact. If someone reads something and feels seen, that matters just as much.

I truly believe I’m on to something here. Nothing meaningful comes easily, so I will continue testing, refining, and listening until I reach the audience that responds most deeply.

Check out one for yourself: https://www.instagram.com/p/DX_Z7umFO1f/?hl=en&img_index=1

I am visualizing, believing, and achieving.

05/17/2026

Founders Journal #2 I originally believed that creating a third tea product would be my next step.

But after deeper conversations and reflection, I realized something important — I don’t need more product right now. I need more placement.

If my beverages aren’t in physical locations, I won’t truly understand what needs to be refined. Moving forward without real-world feedback would only mean moving backwards and increasing unnecessary cost.

My pace before was scattered. I would test ideas, then pause, then restart. There wasn’t a clear direction.

Now I’m becoming more strategic.

I understand that once a café gives my products a chance, my responsibility is to support that opportunity — by making sure customers know they are there, engaging with the community, and following through consistently. Ultimately, it’s the customers who sustain movement, and café owners respond to that demand.

A major shift came after a meaningful conversation with Jim and Sue w/Heart of the Customer over dinner. That conversation helped solidify my next step: instead of developing a third batch of tea, I will focus on placing my first two tea batches into cafés and retail spaces.

My version of an organized founder looks like this:

each social platform has a clear purpose
Facebook: Founder’s Journal
Instagram + LinkedIn: reflective thought leadership
TikTok + YouTube: experiences + behind-the-scenes

Clarity is becoming my strategy

05/16/2026

Today, we’re bringing Lynnmonade to Sammy's Avenue Eatery 🍋✨

Stop by between 4-5pm and enjoy complimentary samples of our refreshing herbal teas. Our intentional blends are crafted to inspire positivity, creativity, and connection.

Sometimes all it takes is one sip and one meaningful conversation to shift the energy of your day. We would love to see you there and share a moment with the community. 💛

05/10/2026

May's Founder's Journal
There are moments in business that don’t feel real at first.

When I received my first award, I didn’t celebrate right away. I actually went inward. I experienced imposter syndrome almost immediately. While listening to Colleen speak, my mind wasn’t on the recognition — it was on everything I felt I didn’t have yet. And for a moment, I questioned whether I even deserved to be in that room.

It didn’t fully sink in until the day of the event.

Looking back now, I realize the award represents something deeper than recognition — it represents perseverance. The reminder that persistence always wins. If we give up in moments of doubt, we’ll never see what’s waiting on the other side of it. It reminds me of the story of the man who stopped three feet from gold.

The newspaper article shifted something in me as well. It made me realize there is a lane for what I’m building — I just have to continue creating it as I go.

📎 Read the article here: https://spokesman-recorder.com/2026/04/24/lynnmonade-ashley-bolden-twin-cities-wellness/?fbclid=IwY2xjawRn6kBleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFiTHVsUHJtSThTZHVwM1Rpc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHjWQYra6jDczG4Se4Rtce8VOqrBxfKBdmzqZ1KtlWVAIekuIKRU60634LU4__aem_nq4hMs-yrfAqiOSzTKiJYg

📎 View my latest blog here: https://www.lynnmonade.com/post/the-moment-i-didn-t-feel-ready-for?fbclid=IwY2xjawRn6gdleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEekQDBxwtXFVX5BHctR0Q4LGS99apocJN0NOohXxGNG3WciFS4afqO8keV7Lk_aem_WMoSsoqMWCV6beD4yS6bTA

This entire month has reshaped how I see myself as a founder. I understand now which battles are worth my energy, and which ones are not. My time is no longer spent on unnecessary minutia. I also know when to ask for help — something I didn’t always allow myself to do before.

Lynnmonade Twin Cities wellness beverage brand built by Ashley Bolden from a backyard lemonade stand into a mental health and holistic nutrition movement.

05/07/2026

Still taking this moment in…

Lynnmonade is now officially listed in the Meet MPLS Diverse Suppliers Guide under the Caterers section. 🌿✨

As a self-funded business built through long days, public transportation, determination, and faith, this moment means more to me than words can fully explain. There were many times I had to navigate missed buses, carry supplies across the city, bring my children along, and still show up ready to serve with excellence.

To now be recognized in a space that helps connect diverse businesses with larger opportunities feels incredibly rewarding.

Every tea blend, wellness experience, juice bottle, reflection card, and conversation has been built with intention. This listing is another reminder that even small beginnings can grow into meaningful opportunities.

Thank you to everyone who has supported, shared, purchased, encouraged, or spoken Lynnmonade’s name in rooms I haven’t entered yet. We’re growing. 🌱

In support of diverse and minority-owned small businesses, we've put together a resource list of diverse suppliers who have partnered with Meet Minneapolis.

05/05/2026

Testimonial Tuesday:

Being trusted to serve over 100 guests at a grand opening—and hearing that the experience made the event even more special—means more than I can put into words.

Every blend, every setup, every detail is created with intention.

Because it’s never just about the beverage… it’s about how people feel in the moment.

Grateful for every opportunity to create that experience.

I appreciate everyone for taking the time to write these testimonials, want to leave one: https://g.page/r/CbhyyJMop8eiEAI/review

05/04/2026

I want to share something a little more real.

When I found out I won the 2026 New Business of the Year Award, I was excited… but that feeling didn’t last the way I thought it would.

A lot of thoughts started coming in—questioning if I had done enough, if I deserved it, and reflecting on everything that didn’t go as planned along the way.

This blog is me being honest about that experience. The walks, the setbacks, the quiet moments where I kept going even when I didn’t see results.

And how, over time, my perspective began to shift.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re putting in the work but not seeing it yet—this is for you.

Read the full story here:

When I was first told that I won 2026 New Business of the Year from West Broadway Business and Area Coalition, I was caught off guard.I remember sitting there, overjoyed for a moment… and then almost immediately, something else settled in.Imposter syndrome. Because the truth is—I didn’t feel l...

04/29/2026

What you think about… you multiply.

It’s easy to overlook how much our thoughts shape our day, our energy, and even our results.

Today, I’m choosing to be intentional.
What are you choosing to multiply?

04/25/2026

I’m honored to be featured in Sister Spokesman Newspaper.

This feature highlights why Lynnmonade was started and the mission behind it all—creating thoughtfully crafted beverages paired with affirmations designed to encourage, uplift, and bring more intentional moments into everyday life.

I’m grateful for the opportunity to share my story and purpose with a wider audience, and I appreciate every step that continues to grow this vision.

I also want to continuously thank West Broadway Business & Area Coalition for giving me the spotlight. Because of you all believing in me I now am able to spread my mission and purpose to a wider audience!!! Thank you for everything!
https://spokesman-recorder.com/2026/04/24/lynnmonade-ashley-bolden-twin-cities-wellness/

Lynnmonade Twin Cities wellness beverage brand built by Ashley Bolden from a backyard lemonade stand into a mental health and holistic nutrition movement.

04/22/2026

Last week at the VAN Luncheon held at MEDA, I had a moment of reflection while setting up.

Confidence didn’t show up all at once—it showed up in the small actions. In choosing to be present, to prepare, and to trust myself through the process.

It reminded me that confidence is built over time, not something we suddenly have before we begin.

If you’ve been waiting to feel more confident before taking a step, consider this your reminder: confidence is created through the step.