In a world filled with countless beverage options, there’s a brand that has managed to stand out not just for its taste but also for the heartwarming story behind it. Hilmi’s lemonade, the brainchild of three sisters – Rana, Farah and Nour – has grown to become the most renowned lemonade brand in Lebanon.
In an exclusive interview with the Hilmi sisters, we discover how the concept came to life and what makes Hilmi’s lemonade so special.
What can you tell us about yourselves?
Rana: We are three sisters who share a deep passion for making lemonade. Our journey began with our family’s lemonade-making legacy, which dates back to 1888. We all pursued our education and earned master’s degrees from the Lebanese American University while nurturing our love for lemonade from a young age.
What inspired you to join forces and continue the family business?
Farah: Our inspiration comes from our childhood dreams and our family history in lemonade making. Lemonade has always been close to our hearts, and we wanted to create a lemonade brand that was truly unique. We aimed to take lemonade to the next level by establishing Hilmi’s House of Lemonade and even open the world’s first and only lemonade museum.
Farah Hilmi
What are some of the key accomplishments of Hilmi’s?
Nour: Our primary focus has been Hilmi’s lemonade, and we’ve poured our hearts into making it a success. Within just a few months of its launch, the brand gained significant recognition. Our dedication to delivering the best lemonade, combined with our family’s lemonade-making expertise, has set Hilmi’s apart in the industry.
What makes Hilmi’s unique?
Rana: What sets Hilmi’s apart is our unwavering commitment to providing the true taste of lemonade. Our rich history, family legacy and years of experience in lemonade making make us stand out. The love and trust of our customers worldwide have made our brand a unique and cherished brand.
Rana Hilmi
What challenges have you encountered in your career and how did you overcome them?
Farah: We faced numerous challenges, including the economic, social and political crises in Lebanon. Hyperinflation and the rise in the cost of products affected business, but our dedication to Hilmi’s and our love for lemonade kept us going throughout. We also dealt with imitators trying to duplicate Hilmi’s. However, none of them could match the taste of our lemonade. We remained resilient and true to our mission.
Who has had the greatest influence on your career?
Nour: Our grandfather, “Hilmi,” was a great role model. He was known for his hard work, honesty and generosity. Our father, Raed Hilmi, has also been a constant source of support and guidance, sharing his valuable experiences with us.
In your opinion, what are the most important skills or qualities a person should possess to succeed in your field?
Rana: Success in the food and beverage industry requires hard work, problem-solving skills, ambition, passion, adaptability and integrity. It’s a competitive field that demands talent, organization and responsibility.
What advice would you give to someone starting out in the food and beverage industry?
Farah: The food and beverage industry is challenging and competitive. Stay organized, take responsibility and be prepared for obstacles. Passion for the industry and honing your skills are crucial for success.
What makes the job rewarding?
Nour: Every day at Hilmi’s is a success story for us. We’re proud to welcome tourists from around the world; they visit Lebanon specifically for Hilmi’s. Meeting people and hearing their heartwarming stories about how Hilmi’s has impacted their lives is truly special. We cherish the memories we’ve created and look forward to the continued growth of our brand.
Nour Hilmi
You can follow Hilmi’s House of Lemonade for more.
And if you want to know why Hilmi’s is so special, check out this article!
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