Connect Who or what is your inspiration in business?

My inspiration derived from my great uncle (who as a black man) owned two parking garages in high-rise buildings across the street from each other; in downtown Manhattan, NY. My grand father helped with the logistics and the organization of how the cars should be parked and kept. One was book smart & the other was street smart. They used each other’s talents to turn it into a family business…a legacy.

How do you stay motivated?

I stay motivated by who and what I have come from. I use the analogy - “Wooden bowl, Silver spoon”, as a reminder of what it means to have and not have. The struggles I have endured in the corporate sector and being an overachiever leaves me with little choice other than entrepreneurship; now allowing my creativity and skill-set work for me. Striving toward generational wealth and what my grandparents have instilled in my life, drives me in my day to day, as I give thanks to my anc

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would use $25,000 to help develop my idea incorporating the sneaker world to the AuraJanelle branded culinary experience using art, food and beverage. This would be collaborated with major sneaker brand like Nike. This would lead me to gain a major contract and franchise, as well as raise KPI’s & sales for the sneaker brand through my innovative marketing techniques that is inclusive of everyone & all ages. I would also use part of the proceeds to help donate where I volunteer in