Connect Who or what is your inspiration in business?

The lineage of Black women who have used fashion as both artistry & activism, from the unnamed seamstresses of the Civil Rights Movement to trailblazers like Madam C.J. Walker keeps me inspired. These women understood that fashion is not just about what we wear, it's about what we carry. Every piece I design is a reflection of how God pieces broken things back together & makes them beautiful again. I believe fashion is a ministry; a way to remind people that they are fearfully made.

How do you stay motivated?

My faith anchors me. The Bible says in Isaiah 61:3 that God will give us beauty for ashes. Daily, I remind myself that even in seasons of loss, I am still clothed in purpose. My motivation comes from knowing that my story isn't just for me — it's for every woman who has ever questioned if she could begin again. I'm not just rebuilding a business, I'm living out the testimony that what was broken can rise again. I am living proof that God's promises don't expire, but the impetus for greater

What would you do with the $25,000?

Winning $25,000 would be a divine acceleration toward the relaunch of I Am PhyNomenal. This funding would allow me to bring a new collection to life, including the Kwanzaa Advent Calendar, a fusion of culture, faith, & community. It would also help me re- build a digital platform where fashion meets activism, storytelling, & social impact. Moreover, this investment would help me build a brand that reminds people that beauty can arise & every garment carries the power to ignite power.