Who or what is your inspiration in business?

My inspiration in business is deeply rooted in my personal journey of resilience and joy. After surviving a tragic accident that took my ten-week-old son and left me fighting for my life, I realized that life is too precious not to be lived with purpose. My late grandmother, who shared her love of baking through cherished family recipes, became my guiding light. Her sweet potato cheesecake recipe sparked my passion for baking and ultimately inspired my business, Cheesecaked.

How do you stay motivated?

I stay motivated by remembering why I started. My business, Cheesecaked, was born out of tragedy but grew into a mission to bring joy to others. Every time I see a customer smile or hear how my desserts have brightened someone’s day, it fuels me to keep going. I also find motivation in honoring my son’s memory and the resilience I’ve built through life’s challenges. Knowing that I can inspire others by turning pain into purpose.

What would you do with the $25,000?

If awarded $25,000, I would expand Cheesecaked and Sweet Whimsy by Cheesecaked by creating interactive experiences like DIY dessert workshops, scaling nationwide shipping, and developing unique merchandise like plush toys and activity books. The funds would also support marketing efforts to share our whimsical story with a broader audience. This investment would help spread joy, grow my brand into a lifestyle experience, and build a lasting legacy for my family and community.