Who or what is your inspiration in business?

The inspiration for Compass Makers LLC comes from my journey of recovery and giving back. I’m a participant in drug court, a student at Seattle Central Community College, and a graduate of the Invest program, where I formed my LLC. I also work with Green Lake Homeless Advocates and support community dinners. Through board games, I aim to inspire connection, hope, and second chances, just what I have been given in my life.

How do you stay motivated?

I stay motivated by my family’s support and the desire to rebuild fragile relationships, like with my dad, who’s faced multiple surgeries this year, and my brother, who’s reentered my life after years of distance. At 41, I’ve realized that losing one thing—addiction—has allowed me to gain everything. My mantra, 'It takes as much energy to dream big as to dream small,' keeps me focused, as do the goals I wrote in jail, now on my wall, reminding me of how far I

What would you do with the $25,000?

With $25,000, I’d create a professional website for Compass Makers LLC, www.compassmakers.com showcasing my four completed board games: Milestones, a Mario Kart-inspired race; Six-Player Chess; The Saints, a strategy game; and Hustle Up, inspired by my journey from homelessness to stability. This funding would help bring my therapeutic hobby, started in jail, to life as a business, creating income while sharing games that inspire connection, resilience, and hope.