Connect Who or what is your inspiration in business?

Businesses that leave a lasting impact inspire me deeply. My journey began with a passion for product design and biomechanics, focusing on the feet as the foundation of movement. Modern shoes harm body health due to narrow toe boxes and misguided technologies like arch support, which disrupt natural mechanics. Ultra-cushioned shoes also weaken foot muscles. Like a house needs a solid foundation, so do our bodies. My mission is to design footwear to enhance natural function and lifelong health.

How do you stay motivated?

I’m focused on solving footwear industry challenges, particularly designing shoes that support natural foot function and tackling sustainability issues. Mass-produced footwear often ignores foot anatomy and individuality, causing disfunction. Moreover, traditional production harms the environment—22 billion pairs end up in landfills yearly. Additive manufacturing addresses this by enabling on-demand, waste-reducing production and customized fits through foot-scanning.

What would you do with the $25,000?

If awarded $25,000, I would move closer to production through additive manufacturing. I’d also integrate a mobile foot-scanning platform for precision fitment so sizing is no longer an issue. Additionally, develop product education to highlight how proper footwear supports movement freedom and a pain-free life.