Who or what is your inspiration in business?

At 90 years old, my maternal grandmother decided to she wanted to build a new house despite the strong possibility she wouldn't live long enough to move in. When things in my life seem impossible, I think of her determination, grit and willingness to try even when a positive outcome seems against the odds.

How do you stay motivated?

In my mid 20's reeling from the unexpected death of my mother, I made the decision to sell her engagement ring and use the money to "fund" my business. I've never allowed myself to give up even in really bad financial times because failing would mean I'd wasted one of the few things of hers I had.

What would you do with the $25,000?

entrepreneurs have a steady stream of things that need paying for and often the small stuff gets overlooked. with 25K, I'd hire an electrician to remove 30 years of haphazardly installed wiring I inherited at my factory, update my website, invest in a barcode scanner, buy a pallet jack and a really great dolly. I'd buy a few specialty sewing machines and invest in some custom woven fabric, take some technical classes at parsons and replace the floor in my store.