The Entrepreneurship course teaches Duncanville ISD students how to become young business owners.

“I think I’m very optimistic just meeting other people and promoting my brand. Not so much as sales,” said Layla Hamilton.

DUNCANVILLE, Texas. Some Duncanville High School students have first-hand experience in starting a business and becoming young entrepreneurs.

On a cold Saturday in Dallas, a group of teenagers could be seen setting tables at the Dallas Farmers’ Market and luring crowds of people to check out various items for sale.

“Hi, would you like to buy something to keep warm today?” one student asked a couple of visitors.

The students knew that they had to create their own outlet and stand out from other competitors.

“We have cupcakes with chocolate, red velvet, pumpkin spice, strawberries and fruit pebbles,” another student told a group of people passing by.

For many of these students, this is their first chance to start their own business.

“I think I’m very optimistic just meeting other people and promoting my brand. Not as much as sales. But just let people know what my brand is,” said Leila Hamilton.

The teens are in an entrepreneurship class at Duncanville High School. Brian Duncan is their teacher.

“Are you OK. Keep up the good work,” Duncan told the teenagers as he watched his students and gave them directions and advice.

The students said that Mr. Duncan was not only their teacher. They described him as their mentor in business.

“Look, you’re doing better than you think. Fine. You are all competing here with all these adults,” Duncan told the students.

The vision to prepare for the Farmers Market vendors’ fair started in their class. A simple homework turned into an opportunity to fulfill some of the students’ dreams.

“I want them to see themselves as business owners because we so often teach our children to be better employees. But why not teach them how to be bosses,” Duncan said.

As their teacher and mentor, Duncan leads the class through everything from writing a formal business plan to presenting an elevator.

“This is just one business. I want to have several,” student Fre Dior said.

The ultimate goal for most is to start their own business.

“It drastically changes the rules of the game. Usually schools don’t even think about doing very hands-on entrepreneurship classes. So it gives you more experience,” Alia Carter explained.

“So when you get into things like college and you major in business or management, you already have that kind of business mindset…so when you go out there, it gets a little easier.”

The class and its strategy have been running for two years now. Community supporters and sponsors provide some assistance to students. They help with marketing and branding.

Young entrepreneurs produce and sell products such as desserts, bespoke jewelry, clothing, hair care products, beauty products and more.

“I think I could do it more often,” said April Gutierrez.

They watch their dreams play out.

“I’m proud of you all. For coming today. You all make me happy,” Duncan told his students.

As the teacher watched from afar, he said that the class and students made him proud.

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texasstandard.news contributed to this report.

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