Connect Who or what is your inspiration in business?

My grandmother had her own small business that I was always in awe of her growing up. It was a little shack convenient store named "Mamay's Store". She kept working her store up until she was in her 90s just to survive and support herself. I will always keep her and my mom as my main inspirations in business. My mother taught me everything she learned from her mother. My heart, mind and business intuition have been heavily inspired by growing up in a matriarchy.

How do you stay motivated?

I remind myself of the strong women that came before me and what we all have survived that has allowed me the opportunity to own and run my own business. I remind myself of my goal of wanting to create community through my business. What I dream about isn't just a simple bookshop cafe, its a safe space for teens, lgbtqia+, and women to shop and support each other.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would invest it into creating a proper website, marketing, and pop-up shop expenses to continue to grow my small business. My goal of having my own brick&mortar location becomes more achievable. Growing my business will allow me to help my community more through donations and supporting organizations such as the SSAIC who do amazing work for survivors of sexual assault such as myself. This opportunity would change my life in ways I can't fit in 500 words or less.