Connect Who or what is your inspiration in business?

Mama T Jams and Jellies was inspired by the women in my family who preserved fruit in their kitchens to nourish their families and stretch what they had. What began as a way to honor my grandmother’s legacy has grown into a specialty food business that brings people together around tradition, storytelling, and the simple joy of something homemade.

How do you stay motivated?

What keeps me motivated is the drive to build something meaningful that creates real impact. Every product I make represents growth, resilience, and the belief that small businesses can thrive and uplift communities. I’m fueled by seeing customers connect with my products and by the challenge of continuously pushing my business to the next level. More than anything, I’m motivated by the opportunity to turn my vision into a lasting legacy. One that I can pass on to my granddaughters

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would take this business from a small-batch operation to the next level. The funds would help expand production through access to a commercial kitchen and professional equipment so I can produce larger batches while maintaining the handcrafted quality that makes my products special. I would improve packaging, marketing, and SEOs so Mama T Jams and Jellies can reach more customers through online sales, farmers markets, pop-up events, and wholesale partnerships/retail partnerships.