Connect Who or what is your inspiration in business?

My inspiration comes from my grandma who immigrated from the Philippines as a single mom with 9 kids in a 3 bedroom that got really crowded when my cousins and I were born! Growing up with limited resources taught me the value of hard work and resilience. I’m further driven by the desire to inspire others to realize they can build thriving businesses and rewrite their own success stories, no matter where they start.

How do you stay motivated?

I stay motivated by focusing on my vision: empowering people through education and mentorship in the beauty industry. Seeing my graduates grow their businesses and gain confidence truly fills my cup! Celebrating other's wins as well as my own small wins keeps me moving forward, even when things get tough. At the end of the day, I never forget my WHY. I have my two young daughters watching my every move so it's important for me to be a good role model for them both in character and mindset.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would use the $25,000 to offer scholarships to aspiring entrepreneurs who lack financial means. This funding would create more opportunities, grow our community, and ensure that high-quality education is accessible to anyone who dreams of building their own brand. My goal is to remove barriers to entry, provide the tools, mentorship and skills they need to build sustainable businesses and achieve financial freedom.