Who or what is your inspiration in business?

Criss Lacsina created the Pawsitive brand from a turning point in her life. After watching her family face serious health battles and experiencing deep personal loss, she began searching for something that could bring healing and purpose back into her world. Through the unconditional love of her dog Morocko, she was reminded how powerful the bond between people and pets can be. The Pawsitive brand was born as a way to transform hardship into compassion, community, and care for animals, people, a

How do you stay motivated?

What keeps me motivated is the belief that pain can become purpose. Watching my mom fight kidney failure, my sister battle cancer, and losing a loved one changed my perspective on life. In those moments, my puppy Morocko reminded me how powerful the bond between humans and animals can be. That experience drives me to build the Pawsitive brand—something rooted in compassion, resilience, and giving back to the community.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would be maximized and it would be the chance to turn survival into purpose. I would scale the Pawsitive brand, inspired by my dog Morocko and the resilience I found after losing so much. The funds would launch our first production that would support shelters and mental health programs, and build a community space where people can wash their pups and donate care. Every bottle sold would give back—proving hope can grow from even the hardest chapters. 🐾