The Cover Story

WHO: Te'Lario Watkins II

WHERE: In the basement of his Blacklick home

WHEN: March 28, 2016

THE BACKSTORY: This 8-year-old entrepreneur started growing cat grass and basil for a Cub Scout project. Soon, his gardening interest grew to include mushrooms and a full-fledged business idea sprouted. Today, T (as his mom calls him) and his parents, Te'Lario and LaVanya, operate Tiger Mushroom Farms from their home. The family grows primarily organically grown shiitake 'shrooms and sells them at a half-dozen farmers markets around central Ohio. They're hoping to move to a warehouse space and expand their venture to include shiitake ice cream, lotion and candy