Connect Who or what is your inspiration in business?

My handbag business is personal, born from my journey of resilience. During COVID, sewing became my escape from anxiety and turned into a passion. As a self-taught maker, every stitch reflects growth and creativity. I design stylish, meaningful bags, often upcycling materials like denim or military fabrics. Sustainability and storytelling drive my work, but my biggest inspiration is the community that supports and values handcrafted, small-batch designs.

How do you stay motivated?

I stay motivated by remembering why I started—sewing began as a way to cope with anxiety and grew into a passion. Seeing my creativity come to life in every handcrafted bag keeps me inspired. Knowing that my work connects with others and brings them joy fuels my drive. I also embrace learning, experimenting with new designs, and finding purpose in upcycling. Most of all, the support from my community reminds me that every stitch tells a story worth sharing.

What would you do with the $25,000?

With $25,000, I would invest in high-quality materials, upgrade my sewing equipment, and expand my workspace to increase production. I’d enhance branding with professional marketing and a polished website to reach more customers. Attending craft fairs or pop-up events would help grow my audience. I’d also explore hiring help or outsourcing tasks to scale efficiently while maintaining the handcrafted quality that makes my bags special. Every dollar would fuel my passion and business g