Dreams come in all shapes and sizes. I'm here to tell you firsthand that all dreams can be realized if taken one step, and in this case, one sip at a time.

Everyone starts somewhere...usually with a simple idea that sparks a dream. In my experience, whether as a mother, wife, author, philanthropist or businesswoman, I've realized that the biggest and most bold ideas come from dreaming. The first step of being entrepreneurial is acknowledging that dream, then taking a risk, heading down a different path, setting goals and working to attain them. Along the way, something magical takes ahold of you and creates empowerment. What I have learned and wish to share with you is how powerful and life-changing that can be to you as an individual and ultimately your community.

Lemonade Day was sparked by a dream. Many may not know, but Lemonade Day began in our home. In my new children's book, "It All Started with a Turtle," I share this true, heartfelt story. It actually started when our daughter, Lissa asked for a turtle to add to her menagerie of pets. When her dad denied her wish, she turned her dream into a goal with the idea of running a lemonade stand in order to earn her own money to buy one. In business, life isn't always as simple as it may seem. When Lissa's lemonade sales weren't going as she had hoped, her dad shared some valuable insights that helped turn her day around. He is never one to let a teachable moment go by. What happened that special Sunday afternoon on our street in Houston led to the nationwide educational initiative known as Lemonade Day and continues to engage and empower youth around the country and beyond. Little did we know that those precious few hours between father and daughter would lead to creating and fulfilling so many others' dreams along the way.

My husband's vision of teaching youth the fundamentals of sound business, financial responsibility, entrepreneurship and social/emotional learning through a fun, interactive curriculum to children across the world continues to grow each year. And as these thousands of children set goals and achieve their own success, they are realizing their own dreams as they learn to spend, save and share money with their community.

My own lifelong dream of writing a children's book also was sparked as a result of that day. The book, which is intended to be read together by a child and a caring adult, is a metaphor of those teachable moments we so greatly cherish. It has become a vehicle to reach more children by bringing the values of Lemonade Day to life in an entertaining, relatable way. It is my hope that it reminds you, as it does me, of the importance of taking time to really invest in our children, using these silly everyday life moments to teach and experience things together. I truly believe that something as simple as reading together or setting up a lemonade stand can make a positive difference in the world for children and adults by offering endless teachable moments and that every child, regardless of socio-economic conditions, can benefit from entrepreneurial lessons.

We have a goal of reaching one million plus kids. My intention is to donate 100 percent of the book proceeds to the program to support that goal.

It all comes back to the fundamental values of Lemonade Day - have a dream, create a plan and work hard to attain your goal. We provide the support and the tools, but it takes a whole community to make it happen. That's the beauty of Lemonade Day � anyone can participate. If nothing else, you can buy a cup of lemonade from the budding entrepreneur on the street corner. It's a small price to pay to help a child realize their dream.

Lisa Holthouse is co-founder of Lemonade Day and author of "It All Started with a Turtle" (P&P Publishing, $18.95). Lemonade Day is a 14-step process that walks youth from a dream to a business plan, while teaching them the principles to start a successful company of any size. Learn more at www.LemonadeDay.org

• Read more articles by LISA HOLTHOUSE

Order Reprint