Murfreesboro, TN – A fruit tea created by a Murfreesboro husband and wife team has been awarded a $50,000 prize at a national pitch competition. The drink, called Franklin’s Fruit Tea, is a fast-growing artisan beverage brand known for its bold Southern flavors, and was entered into a contest created by global artist, producer, entrepreneur, and cultural visionary Pharrell Williams, whose influence spans music, fashion, innovation, and philanthropy.

The live finals were held on Friday, November 14, 2025, in Miami, Florida. Out of more than 2,500 applicants, Franklin’s Fruit Tea advanced to the top six companies in the nation, earning the opportunity to take the stage and present their business before a distinguished panel of judges, investors, and national partners.

Co-founded by husband-and-wife team Mylikia and Germayle Franklin, Franklin’s Fruit Tea has grown from a local festival favorite into a regional beverage company now sold in select Kroger stores within the Nashville Division, JR’s Foodland, Compton’s Foodland, Mike’s Foodland, various convenience store locations, Dwight’s Mini Market at Middle Tennessee State University, and inside the Tennessee Tribune Marketplace at Nashville International Airport (BNA).

The national pitch competition is part of an initiative designed to advance high-potential founders and was supported by 2025 sponsors including Visa, Louis Vuitton, and Adidas, who participated in the 5th Annual Prize Competition and Demo Day.

The $50,000 award marks a major milestone for the Tennessee-based company as it accelerates production, expands cold-storage capacity, and prepares for broader retail distribution. Franklin’s Fruit Tea crafts small-batch beverages using fresh brewed tea and fruit purees, offering flavors such as Liquid Gold (Traditional), Mango Peach, Strawberry, Peach Papaya Tea, Wild Berry Tea, Strawberry Peach Lemonade, Peach Papaya Lemonade, Wild Berry Lemonade, Classic Southern Lemonade, and a Tea-and-Lemonade Half and Half.

“Winning this award is a turning point for our business,” said Co-Founder Mylikia Franklin. “It affirms the work we have done and helps us continue scaling so we can bring joy to even more communities.”

Co-Founder Germayle Franklin first created the original fruit tea recipe while he was a student-athlete at Middle Tennessee State University. What began in a college apartment kitchen and at local festivals has grown into a Tennessee favorite known for flavor, tradition, and community connection.

As demand continues to rise, Franklin’s Fruit Tea is now open to conversations with aligned investors and strategic partners who share its commitment to quality, community, and long-term expansion across the Southeast and beyond.

About Mylikia Franklin: Mylikia Franklin is a dynamic entrepreneur and community advocate who has played a pivotal role in transforming Franklin’s Fruit Tea into an award-winning regional beverage brand. As Co-Founder and CEO, she leads strategy, business development, and brand growth—helping scale the company from a single festival booth to a retail-ready product sold in select Kroger stores within the Nashville Division, with continued expansion underway.

With 20 years of entrepreneurial experience, Mylikia previously built and operated a nationwide healthcare consulting company supporting independent healthcare professionals and small businesses across the country. Her strategic and operational expertise continues to guide her approach to sustainable business development.

She is also the creator and organizer of major community events including the Annual Small Business Saturday Holiday Market and the Murfreesboro Hot Chicken Festival, both of which strengthen local business engagement and economic opportunity.

Her work has earned numerous honors, including:
• Women Nourishing the Community Award (2021)
• Rutherford County Athena Award Nominee (2022)
• Community Champion, Redstone Federal Credit Union (2023)
• Female Mogul of the Year, Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc. (2023)
• Community Impact Award for Economic Development (2025)
• FAITH Award for mass retail success

Mylikia holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and is an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and the Order of the Eastern Star (PHA). She lives in Murfreesboro with her husband, Germayle, and their four children.

About Germayle Franklin: Germayle Franklin is the Co-Founder and Master of Flavor at Franklin’s Fruit Tea, where he leads recipe innovation, production oversight, and quality standards for one of Tennessee’s fastest-growing artisan beverage brands. With a passion for creating bold, refreshing Southern flavors, Germayle crafted the original fruit tea recipe in his apartment kitchen while attending Middle Tennessee State University. What began as a homemade drink for friends, teammates, and local festival visitors has since evolved into a regional beverage line sold in select Kroger stores within the Nashville Division and expanding steadily across the Southeast.

Before launching his entrepreneurial journey, Germayle built a distinguished athletic career rooted in discipline, resilience, and leadership. At Ware County High School, he earned multiple All-State, All-Region, and All-Area honors, achievements that would later lead to his induction into the Ware County Hall of Fame in 2023. As a student-athlete at MTSU, he became a four-year starter, recorded 31 consecutive starts, and earned All-Conference recognition—performances that helped shape the work ethic and consistency he now applies to his craft as a beverage producer.

Following college, Germayle continued competing at a professional level in the Arena Football League, contributing to a 2008 Arena Cup Championship team and earning All-Arena honors in 2009. He then transitioned to coaching, where he led Ezell-Harding Christian School to the 2019 MTAC Championship, further demonstrating his ability to build, inspire, and develop high-performing teams.

Today, Germayle brings the same competitive drive and commitment to excellence to Franklin’s Fruit Tea. Under his leadership, the company has earned six consecutive People’s Choice Awards for Best Fruit Tea, received a nomination for Southern Living’s 2026 Best Southern Food Product, and continues to scale production capacity while expanding retail distribution. Dedicated to flavor, quality, and community connection, Germayle remains at the forefront of growing Franklin’s Fruit Tea into a beloved Tennessee brand with an ever-growing regional footprint.