Connect Who or what is your inspiration in business?

My five children are my greatest inspiration in business. At 22, I immigrated to the USA and put my law career on hold to raise them. During this time, I started my first online business with just a small gift fund from my parents. Without marketing experience or a big budget, I worked hard, reinvesting every dollar earned. Eventually, my small business was featured on QVC. Realizing other small business owners faced similar struggles, I became a certified marketer and now I help them succeed.

How do you stay motivated?

What keeps me motivated is seeing the spark of hope in business owners’ eyes when we tackle their marketing challenges together. I love hosting free workshops and helping clients find solutions—it’s so rewarding. In 2024, I got the chance to present with SCORE National to about 2,000 business owners, as well as at local events with chambers of commerce. The amazing feedback I received from thousands of small business owners reminded me why I do this, even when things get tough.

What would you do with the $25,000?

With a $25,000 investment, I will contribute to nonprofit organizations in Kazakhstan that support orphaned children. I will also broaden my reach to support more small business owners. I plan to build an online community where entrepreneurs can connect with skilled U.S.-based marketing freelancers, giving them access to affordable, high-quality expertise to grow their businesses without overspending. I also intend to write a book focused on digital marketing strategies for small businesses.