‘Shark Tank’ Star Daymond John Makes One Teen’s Dream Come True
One young entrepreneur got the surprise of a lifetime on Saturday when Shark Tank investor and business Daymond John personally invited him to a taping of the show.
Te’Lario Watkins II, 16, from Blacklick, OH, was in the middle of an interview during the Disney Dreamers Academy when John made a surprise appearance and delivered the personal invitation. For Watkins, it was a dream come true.
Watkins was all smiles. Photo: Disney
The young entrepreneur has been running his own small business, Tiger Mushroom Farms, since he was 7 years old. The business cultivates gourmet mushrooms and sells dry mushroom products. Additionally, Watkins is the founder of a non-profit called the Garden Club Project, which addresses food insecurities in his communities.
The Disney Dreamers Academy
John was one of several celebrities who took part in the Disney Dreamers Academy at Walt Disney World. The five-day event is designed to “broaden career awareness and create opportunities for 100 Black high school students and teens from underrepresented communities across the country.” This is the 17th year the Disney Dreamers Academy has been held.
John and Watkins at the Disney Dreamers Academy. Photo: Disney
Joining John at this year’s event were Olympian Sanya Richards-Ross, Hollywood veteran actor Lance Gross, Disney actress Dara Renee, and other TV and movie stars serving as mentors and speakers.
John and Watkins together. Photo: Also Disney
All in all, it was a magical time for everyone.
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