Teen Entrepreneur's Dream Come True: 'Shark Tank' Visit Inspired by Disney Dreamers Academy

Teen Entrepreneur Gets 'Shark Tank' Experience Thanks to Disney Dreamers Academy

Te’Lario Watkins II, a 16-year-old aspiring entrepreneur from Ohio, had a dream come true when he was invited to visit the set of ABC's Shark Tank after participating in the Disney Dreamers Academy.

Watkins, who runs his own mushroom farm, Tiger Mushroom Farms, and started a non-profit Garden Club Project, caught the attention of Daymond John, a celebrity mentor at the academy. John was so impressed by Watkins' story that he invited him to spend an afternoon on the Shark Tank set.

Watkins was given an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour, connected with other entrepreneurs, and introduced to the show's other 'Sharks'. The highlight of the experience was learning business strategies from John, gaining entrepreneurial insights, and acquiring life lessons from one of the most well-known self-made millionaires.

"Being able to meet Daymond John again was super exciting to me," said Watkins. "I wouldn’t be here without going to DDA. To high school students: applying to DDA would be one of the greatest decisions you’ve ever made in your life."

The Disney Dreamers Academy is an annual four-day program at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. It's designed to help 100 teens from Black and underrepresented communities across America broaden their career and personal development. The program includes workshops in business, entertainment, and sciences, and students receive an all-expense-paid trip to Walt Disney World Resort.

Over the years, the Disney Dreamers Academy has inspired more than 1,700 students. Graduates have gone on to become doctors, engineers, performers, entrepreneurs, Disney Cast Members, and more.

Applications are now open for the 2025 Disney Dreamers Academy at www.DisneyDreamersAcademy.com. High school students looking to achieve their dreams can be nominated or apply themselves.

Disney Dreamers Academy is a vital part of Disney's commitment to supporting diverse communities. It encourages the next generation to think big and use what they learn to make a difference in the lives of others.