Connect Who or what is your inspiration in business?

Despite surviving domestic violence & the subsequent trauma, my mother persisted in helping my grandfather grow his business until eventually taking it over & running the whole thing by herself. Even with limited time, she was kind & generous with her clients, the members of the community, & with me. She gave her energy & resources without hesitation & I often saw her insurance agency as a halfway house and her role as more of a social worker than insurance agent.

How do you stay motivated?

There has been no greater motivator than my daughter. Once I realized that no Prince Charming was waiting to rescue us, buy us a beautiful home and guarantee a life of financial security and ease, I went to work building my business. My own life and the choices I make will light the way for my daughter to believe in herself and earn what she deserves: love, respect, and success.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I will use the funds to partner with One Safe Place, a domestic violence resource center for women & children in San Diego. I will offer the victims of domestic violence free & discounted medical aesthetics services to help them regain their confidence as they move forward with the next chapter of their life. I know first hand the powerful feeling of being confident in how you look & the direct impact that has on what you allow into your life.