(NOTE: This article was originally published by the Shopper News.)

By: Margie Hagen, Shopper News correspondent

For Marlie Stiles, captivating and delighting young children comes naturally; appearing as different princesses and fairy tale characters, she has built a business around her dream.

As a 15-year-old high school student, Marlie thought about a part-time job, but didn’t want to work in typical teen positions like fast food or retail. She decided to follow her passion for acting and started her own business, Castles & Crowns Princess Parties. Now 17, she has created a successful career with a loyal following of kids and adults.

Like a lot of young girls, Marlie was fascinated by Disney movies; Ariel was a favorite along with other princesses. “I wanted to turn my love for characters into acting,” she says. “In middle school I studied with Jayne Morgan at the Flying Anvil (Theatre) and took dance lessons at the Angela Floyd Studios.” Currently, Marlie takes classes at Backstage Dance Company.

Read the full story here.