Who or what is your inspiration in business?

I am inspired by the beauty in our hair and the stories it carries. My faith, my ancestors, and customers who tell me our products restored their hair and confidence keep me grounded. I started Nature’s Syrup Beauty in my kitchen with plants and a purpose. Eighteen years in public service taught me that communities thrive when they are truly seen—and my work is to make sure they are.

How do you stay motivated?

I stay motivated by the women who can't afford to quit either. I was born into poverty, became a teen mom, and built this anyway. No blueprint. No investor. Just faith, plants, and purpose. Eleven years later, Nature's Syrup Beauty is on national shelves. When I feel like stopping, I remember my breakthrough is someone else's permission slip to begin.

What would you do with the $25,000?

Eleven years ago, I fell in love with my kinky hair. That led me to formulating my Hair Growth Activator Oil using ancestral wisdom. Today Nature's Syrup Beauty is on national shelves and $25,000 means we keep going; Scaling production so demand never outpaces supply; Strengthening cybersecurity to protect customers who trust us with more than their money; Hiring staff who carry the mission; Building an ambassador program rooted in community, culture, and purpose.