3 minute read
glo Girl: Madeline Phuong
glo GIRL
MADELINE PHUONG
Fifteen-year-old entrepreneur Madeline Phuong has built a business around two of her greatest passions: art and helping others. In a world where many teenagers spend their money on clothes and entertainment, Phuong has found a greater cause to pursue. She creates art, sells it and then donates all proceeds to non-profit pet organizations, ensuring pets can get the care they need. Her story of hard work and perseverance shows that determined women can make a difference, no matter her age.
Phuong discovered her love for painting when she was 9 years old. Her passion for animals was also ignited around the same time when they rescued her dog, Roxie. Over the past six years, she developed a plan to combine the two, and by February 2018, she had started her own business called A Second Chance. She creates original artwork and prints it on blank notecards, prints and canvas tote-bags. These are sold at farmer’s markets, artists fairs and online. All the money she makes is donated to benefit local non-profit animal organizations. She even does commissioned artwork and donates those proceeds, as well.
“These donations sponsored two vaccination clinics that benefitted 355 pets in Fort Wayne,” Phuong said. “Through this, I have been able to connect to the many people and places that make up the Fort Wayne Community. The generous show of support and kindness by local businesses and complete strangers has overwhelmed me and allowed me to continue raising funds for local pets and their families.”
One such animal organization Phuong donates to is the Humane Organization for the Prevention of Euthanasia (H.O.P.E.) for Animals. It provides low-cost spay, neuter and wellness services.
“They have helped over 100,000 pets since their establishment and share my commitment to helping local pets and their parents,” Phuong explained. “Because of this, I chose to partner with H.O.P.E. for Animals to provide free vaccinations during Memorial Day week.”
Over 200 cats and dogs were vaccinated for free at H.O.P.E this year between May 25th and 29th.
Aside from managing her own business, Phuong enjoys a variety of other activities. In addition to painting, she participates in art workshops, Speech and Debate Team, Key Club and Science and Engineering Fairs.
“I love all the activities I choose to do, so it is easy to make time for what I am passionate about,” she explained. “I have learned how to effectively manage my time and how to stay focused on what needs to get done.”
Phuong has sold over 1,400 cards and donated over $2,000 to the Allen County SPCA and $1,500 to H.O.P.E. for Animals. She knows that this is just the beginning.
“In five years, I see myself continuing to outreach to and support my community through combining my passions for art and animals,” she mused. “I hope to extend my cause through the help of all who share my passions, no matter where I am.”
You can view Phuong’s artwork and support her cause online at her Etsy store http://www.etsy.com/shop/ ASecondChanceFW. a
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