Penn Hills Charter School of Entrepreneurship hosts 'Shark Tank' inspired competition

Destiny Folks walked toward the judges and introduced herself and the company she founded, Rising Artists.

Folks told them why she started the business.

Her presentation was smooth and efficient — she talked about her vision like a veteran owner.

But she hasn’t been doing it that long. Folks is an eighth grader at the Penn Hills Charter School of Entrepreneurship.

“I am comfortable talking about what I know,” Folks said. “I would never have been able to start my own business or get up in front of people I don’t know to talk about it if it wasn’t for this school. I have learned so much here.”

Folks was one of five businesses and six students who showcased their companies at the sixth annual Soaring Shark Tank Pitch Competition on May 12 at Green Oaks Country Club in Verona. The pitch competition was hosted by PHCSE.

The event to have seventh and eighth graders deliver a pitch about their businesses was inspired by the ABC show “Shark Tank” with Mt. Lebanon native Mark Cuban, where budding entrepreneurs get the chance to secure business deals. Judges, called sharks, decide to invest.

Folks was selected as the first place winner. She received $2,000. The second place prize of $1,000 was awarded to Kaelyn Dixon, a seventh grader at PHCSE who owns Express Urself.

Placing third was Aleda Fecho, a seventh grader at Mary of Nazareth Catholic School in White Oak. She owns Image Apparel and received $750.

“All of these young people will be excellent leaders,” said judge Amil Cook, the director of technology at Community Forge in Wilkinsburg. “This is fantastic. They are inspiring.”

This year’s theme was “The Social Entrepreneur,” in which the young entrepreneurs had a platform to share how their business creates a positive impact in society.

Folks said her mission is to build children up by giving them a platform to learn art and sell their creations.

She works with youngsters ages 5-8, providing lessons and supplies. She developed a love of art at 8 years old when her mother, Scherrita Thomas, bought her paint and a canvas.

“The younger kids can learn from you,” Folks said. “You can make a difference in their lives.”

Wayne Jones, CEO of PHCSE, said young people are creative and this event is an opportunity to build their confidence. He quoted Cuban as saying “Sweat equity is the most valuable equity there is.”

“Entrepreneurship is the vehicle to life skills,” Jones said.

The competition is open to students across the region. Each student had five minutes to wow the five judges.

Dixon said her company gives adults a way to use environmentally healthy candles and children a way to express themselves with colors and patterns through scented lava rock bracelets.

“Mental health is so important,” Dixon said. “Sometimes you might have too much energy so this is a way to settle you and help you if you are feeling stressed.”

Fecho’s focus is to sell clothing online that features casual wear for people and pets.

LaRon Robinson, a seventh grader at LIFE Male STEAM Academy in Penn Hills, owns Young Black Lives, a clothing brand where a portion of proceeds will be donated to support the a young Black males mentoring program.

“Together we can make a difference,” Robinson said. “It’s about spreading positive messages.”

The Vintage Bros Warehouse owned by Yasir Stribling and Josiah Chalmers, seventh graders at The Neighborhood Academy in Stanton Heights, gives business owners a one-stop shop to buy bulk clothing to customize and sell.

“This is an invaluable experience,” said LIFE Male STEAM Academy teacher and STEAM coordinator Andrew Dixon. “They will be our leaders of tomorrow.”

One of those young leaders is Ryleigh Tardy, a freshman at Winchester Thurston School in Shadyside. She was the keynote speaker. She owns Kenz N’ Co., which sells backpacks, notebooks, affirmation cards and mirrors so children can start their days with positivity.

Her message was about the importance of perseverance and networking.

“You need people to help you,” Tardy said.

Past winner Aaliyah “Lili” Taylor, who owns Lyin Enterprises, LLC, was mistress of ceremonies. She wrote the book “Girl in the Shadows.”

Debra Titus, entrepreneurial education coach at PHCSE, applauded the students and said “you all inspire me.”

“I am proud of what you accomplished,” Titus said. “You have conveyed your message and with what you are doing you will make an impact.”