Connect Who or what is your inspiration in business?

My inspiration in business comes from the power of creativity to spark change. As an artist, I’ve seen how passion and innovation can reshape perspectives and create new opportunities. Growing up as a South Asian female, I was never told that art could be a career. I want to encourage others, especially those who might face similar doubts, that having a passion for the arts is not only valid, it’s powerful.

How do you stay motivated?

My motivation comes from art itself. It has been a healing force in my life, helping me navigate challenging times and grow as a person. Creating brings me a sense of wholeness and happiness, and that’s what drives me every day. My mom is also a huge motivator. She started a business and pursued her passion later in life, doing all the hard work from scratch on her own. Seeing how it transformed her and brought her so much joy reminds me to keep following my own passion.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would invest in advancing my artwork by incorporating more technology, including augmented reality (AR), to create immersive, interactive experiences. I’ve already started integrating AR into my work, but I want to push the boundaries even further, using cutting-edge tools to enhance the creative process. This funding would allow me to expand these projects on a larger scale and explore international opportunities, leaving a lasting impact in the art and tech industries.