Connect Who or what is your inspiration in business?

Growing up as a Black girl in Cameroon, I saw firsthand the beauty, courage, and tenacity of African women. My entrepreneurial inspiration stems from my upbringing in a vibrant culture that valued resourcefulness and creativity. Watching women around me transform basic ideas into thriving businesses while caring for their families and communities taught me the value of determination and enthusiasm.

How do you stay motivated?

One of my most powerful motivators is the community I serve. Knowing that my work with Hop Beauty has the potential to empower others, particularly women, helps me stay motivated. Hearing feedback from customers who are more confident in utilizing my products or seeing them empathize with my brand's objective motivates me to keep going, even when the journey becomes difficult. Setting specific, attainable goals also helps me remain motivated.

What would you do with the $25,000?

With $25,000, I'd expand Hop Beauty's product development, focusing on new, high-quality formulations. I'd invest in branding, including excellent packaging and marketing materials, to boost the brand's visibility. A percentage would be allocated to social media marketing, influencer collaborations, and SEO to broaden reach. In addition, I would improve the website to provide a more seamless shopping experience and provide funding for inventory to fulfill expanding demand.