Connect Who or what is your inspiration in business?

My inspiration in business comes from the trailblazers who have paved the way for people like me to dream big and break barriers. It’s not just the famous entrepreneurs, but my family—especially my uncle, who was one of the first Black men to own a Subway franchise in downtown Chicago. His journey showed me that anything is possible with resilience and determination. He instilled in me the value of hard work, leadership, and making a difference in the community.

How do you stay motivated?

In business, rejection is inevitable, but I’ve learned to embrace it. The "no’s" are just stepping stones to the "yes’s." I stay motivated by shifting my mindset to see every setback as an opportunity to improve and grow. I focus on the wins—no matter how small—and remind myself that each "yes" can be transformative. I keep my eyes on the bigger picture and trust that every challenge is part of the journey toward success.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would invest it into scaling Sylver Lining Media Group’s community-focused initiatives. This funding would allow us to expand our production capacity, increase job opportunities for underrepresented voices in media, and create impactful content that drives positive change. I would also allocate part of it to mentorship programs that empower aspiring creators from marginalized communities, ensuring the next generation of entrepreneurs has the tools & resources to succeed.