Who or what is your inspiration in business?

I’m inspired by transformation. I built The Blakery after losing 100 lbs, so I know what it takes to rebuild discipline and identity from scratch. I look up to founders who turn personal stories into brands people feel. My goal isn’t just to sell cookies, it’s to build something people connect with, remember, and come back to because it stands for something bigger than the product.

How do you stay motivated?

I don’t rely on motivation, I rely on discipline. Motivation comes and goes, but discipline is what built my business. I show up every day whether I feel like it or not, because I’ve seen what happens when I don’t. Progress keeps me going, and I treat every detail like it matters, from the product to the customer experience. That consistency is what separates ideas from real businesses.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would use the $25,000 to scale The Blakery’s operations and unlock growth. Moving into a professional or ghost kitchen would increase production capacity and efficiency, allowing me to meet demand and expand nationwide. I’d also invest in high-converting ad creative and influencer partnerships to drive consistent customer acquisition. This would turn an already proven concept into a scalable, high-growth brand.