Connect Who or what is your inspiration in business?

My inspiration comes from the hairstylists I’ve worked beside for the past 20 years. They are highly skilled professionals whose expertise shapes the beauty industry, yet many feel left out of the modern retail conversation as products moved online and into major retailers. Watching that shift made me realize stylists don’t lack knowledge—they lack systems that allow them to participate in today’s retail economy.

How do you stay motivated?

I stay motivated by helping professionals adapt to change instead of being pushed aside by it. The beauty industry has evolved dramatically over the last two decades, and stylists deserve to evolve with it. When a stylist realizes their expertise still has value in modern retail, it reinforces that the work I’m doing isn’t just about products—it’s about restoring confidence and opportunity in an entire profession.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would use the funding to accelerate the development of tools and resources that help professional hairstylists participate in modern beauty retail. My goal is to create a platform where stylists can guide consumers toward the right products through personalized recommendations while earning income from their expertise. The industry has moved online, but professional voices have largely been left out of the conversation—and I want to change that.