Connect Who or what is your inspiration in business?

My inspiration stems from my Mexican-American heritage and the resilient women in my family who have shown tremendous strength despite adversity. Witnessing the unbalanced dynamics of traditional gender roles inspired me to create Moon & Milk as a symbol of empowerment for women. I also draw inspiration from trailblazers like the women I name my earring pieces after. My mission is to preserve cultural heritage and use my creativity to inspire women to dream big and ignite their fire within.

How do you stay motivated?

I stay motivated by remembering my vision of empowering women through my jewelry and honoring my heritage. Seeing my customers feeling confident and brave keeps me driven. But my 11-month-old niece is the biggest source of inspiration—reminding me of my purpose and the legacy I want to build for her. Despite challenges, my passion and perseverance is incomparable. I dream of transforming Moon & Milk into a platform that supports women while celebrating cultural artistry all over the wo

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would use the funds to scale Moon & Milk by outsourcing production to Mexico and employing women artisans to meet growing demand. $14,000 would fund labor and raw materials, $2,000 for tools and training, and $9,000 for marketing to expand my reach. This investment would not only help me grow sustainably but also create job opportunities for women in underprivileged communities, aligning with my mission of empowerment and cultural preservation.