Who or what is your inspiration in business?

My inspiration is rooted in a profound desire to combat negativity through meaningful connection and community impact. While naturally introverted, I've discovered that entrepreneurship has become my bridge to forming deep, purposeful relationships. My greatest inspiration comes from collaborative innovation – working alongside driven peers who share my vision for positive change. Together, we've learned that by combining our creative energies, we not only strengthen our personal bond.

How do you stay motivated?

My motivation stems from a practice of mindfulness – staying deeply attuned to my inner compass and emotions. By maintaining awareness of my thoughts and feelings, I can strategically channel my energy into projects that align with both my values and market needs. This introspective approach helps me identify opportunities where business success and social impact can intersect meaningfully. I believe sustainable motivation comes from this alignment between personal purpose & community

What would you do with the $25,000?

The $25,000 grant would scale Villa Kitchen's mission of blending culinary excellence with social impact. We direct 40% of revenue to "A Place for Noah," supporting autistic and underprivileged youth in Houston's Kashmere Gardens. This investment will expand our kitchen operations, create local jobs, and strengthen our community programs while ensuring sustainable support for this vital third space center.