Connect Who or what is your inspiration in business?

My journey from childhood to adulthood was shaped by two powerful forces. My grandmother seemed to possess a cure for every ailment, from a simple cold to a stubborn rash with her almost magical remedies. Little did I know this gift would pass down to me. On the other hand, my mother, an office manager, instilled in me an entirely different kind of knowledge by navigating the complexities of the business world. I learned valuable lessons in organization, communication, and problem-solving.

How do you stay motivated?

I find joy in connecting with the natural world and sharing its healing gifts through my herbal tea blends. However, running a business can get overwhelming, leading to burnout. Honestly, the stories and reviews from my customers, sharing how my products have genuinely helped them find relief, improved their well-being, or connected them back to nature keeps me going and makes all the hard work worthwhile. Their experiences are the ultimate validation of why I do what I do.

What would you do with the $25,000?

These funds would be invested to bolster inventory, upgrade essential equipment, and launch much-anticipated events. My goal this year is to host herbal tea making workshops for the Long Beach community. These workshops would not only provide a valuable service to the community, sharing knowledge about herbalism, but also act as a platform for brand engagement and customer loyalty. This financial support would help bring these workshops to fruition for a successful launch.