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Angelina Ford

Grade: 12

Location: Fort Worth, Texas

Business Name:

Cultural District Dog Walking

Revenue: $2,000

At just 17 years old, Angelina Ford has already made a name for herself as a budding entrepreneur. A senior at Arlington Heights High School, Angelina is the founder of Cultural District Dog Walking, a dog-walking business she started less than a year ago. Despite being a full-time student, she’s managed to generate $2,000 in revenue through determination, creativity, and a love for animals. Recently, she was awarded the Formidable Fellowship, a grant recognizing young entrepreneurs who display extraordinary potential. Here’s her inspiring story.


From Classrooms to Customers: How Angelina Got Her Start


Angelina’s journey into entrepreneurship began with a conversation. Last year, she took a class with her business teacher, Mr. Tidwell, whose own entrepreneurial ventures inspired her to start a business of her own. “He explained how well he was doing with his businesses and how he was able to support his family,” Angelina recalls. “It made me realize that even if I get a job with low pay in the future, I could always create something on the side.”


The idea of dog walking came naturally to Angelina, given her love for animals and her experience walking her own dogs with her family. After some encouragement from Mr. Tidwell and a few tips on pricing and marketing, Angelina jumped into action. She didn’t overthink it—she just started. “I didn’t worry about whether it would work out or not,” she says. “I just went for it.”


Building a Business from the Ground Up


Angelina began by reaching out directly to potential clients in her community. While the process of approaching strangers was intimidating at first, she quickly developed the resilience needed to overcome rejection. “Of course, there were people who said no,” she admits. “But I knew if I wanted to get paid, I had to keep going.”


To grow her customer base, Angelina also utilizes apps like Rover, which connect dog walkers with local pet owners. However, many of her clients come through old-fashioned word of mouth and face-to-face interactions. Currently, Angelina manages a busy schedule of dog walking three times a week, balancing her growing business with her schoolwork and extracurriculars.


Lessons Learned Along the Way


Running a business has taught Angelina invaluable life skills. Chief among them is learning to manage money wisely. “A lot of kids my age spend their entire paycheck as soon as they get it,” she says. “I’ve learned to save because I know if I want to grow my business or start something new, I need to have money set aside.”


The business has also helped her become more confident, particularly in speaking to strangers and handling difficult situations. For example, Angelina has worked with rescue dogs who require extra care and patience. She’s learned to adapt and handle challenges calmly, a skill that will undoubtedly serve her well in her future ventures.


Big Dreams for the Future


While Cultural District Dog Walking is still small, Angelina has big dreams. Her immediate goal is to expand her services. She’s already brainstorming ideas like offering pet cleaning, overnight stays, and even dog runs to better serve her customers and stand out in a competitive market. She’s also considering leveraging her $1,000 Formidable Fellowship grant to invest in marketing or other areas that could help her grow her client base.


But Angelina’s entrepreneurial ambitions don’t stop at dog walking. When asked about her ultimate dream, she lights up at the idea of owning a restaurant one day. “I’d love to open a place that serves food I know is good and that I know how to make well,” she says. While she’s still undecided on the exact cuisine, lunch and dinner service are definitely on the menu.


Advice for Fellow Young Entrepreneurs


Angelina is quick to acknowledge the challenges of entrepreneurship but insists it’s worth the risk. “Starting a business is a huge step,” she says. “You might not get customers right away, and it’s easy to have doubts. But if you stay focused and keep going, you’ll figure it out.”

Her advice to other young entrepreneurs? Don’t overthink it—just start. “Most people never even take the first step,” she says. “If you do, you’re already ahead of 99% of the people out there.”


Turning Passion into Purpose


What makes Angelina’s story so remarkable is her drive to pursue her passions while still in high school. She’s a role model not only for young entrepreneurs but for anyone who dreams of building something from the ground up. With her focus, work ethic, and creative vision, it’s clear that Cultural District Dog Walking is only the beginning for Angelina Ford.


As she looks ahead, Angelina envisions a life where she can continue to innovate and create. Whether it’s growing her dog-walking business, starting a bakery, or opening her dream restaurant, one thing is certain: Angelina Ford is just getting started.


And for her, the dream is simple: “To create something I love and to make it my own.”

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