Erin Polk, a 17-year-old entrepreneur, has made her childhood dream a reality by opening her coffee shop, Erin's Cup, located at 1212 West 111th St. in Morgan Park, Chicago. The De La Salle Institute honour roll student with a passion for coffee that started at the tender age of two has successfully transformed her vision into a thriving business within 15 years.

While her age restricts her presence at the coffee shop daily, she collaborates with her partner, Khale Hunter, who manages the shop during the school week, allowing Polk to take the reins on the weekends.

"She wanted a cup of coffee at a coffee house," said Heidi Polk, Erin's mother, reminiscing about Erin's persistent love for coffee as a child. "We'll get Erin a cup, we'll get Erin a cup. And there is how 'Erin's Cup'."

Despite being open for only a month, Erin's Cup has already cultivated a loyal customer base.

"If you come here, we'll know you by name. Everybody is very close-knit; it's like family right here," she said.

Among the regulars are prominent figures such as Ald. Ronnie Mosley and Yuanita Hampton have their go-to drinks at Erin's Cup. Mosley recommends the macchiato, lemonade refresher, and chai tea, while Hampton prefers the hazelnut coffee. Erin's favourite is the drink of the month — a peppermint mocha.

"Here we have a budding young entrepreneur. This is what our community has cultivated, prayed for, and worked for," Mosley said. "I'm telling you as soon as you take that first step forward, it's going to be so rewarding."