Community Corner
New Trier Student Turns Entrepreneur for Animal Shelters
Shelby Golden has started her own businesses to benefit animal shelters.
Shelby Golden has always had a love for animals — and she decided to help ones in shelters by starting her own business.
Hearts to Paws sells leashes — which Golden designed herself — and dog treats. She sells both online and at community events, including Wilmette Summerfest.
"I started this businesses last year," she explained. "I've always had a love of animals. ... I wanted to find a way to help animals, so a part of the proceeds go to animal shelters."
Part of Golden's profits go toward the Heartland Animal Shelter in Northbrook, and she's currently looking into also donating to the Anti-Cruelty Society and PAWs.
Golden, a rising senior at New Trier High School, said that balancing work with starting her own business hasn't been difficult.
"It's actually not as hard as I thought it would be," she said. "I really believe in this. ... Supporting animal shelters makes me feel like I can give back."
Animal adoption has a soft spot in Golden's heart, as she herself was adopted from China at a young age.
"I'm adopted from China," she said. "And I wanted these animals to have the same chance that I did."
Golden's products are also available online here.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.