Connect Who or what is your inspiration in business?

My biggest inspiration was not having a traditional educational or professional background in marketing or communications; however, it has been an incredibly rewarding journey. I have successfully grown the business from a $150 monthly retainer to a seven-figure company, all while living, working, and hiring directly from my community. The Tene Nicole ecosystem also includes a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs and small business owners from similar backgrounds.

How do you stay motivated?

Becoming a mother of two by 18 instilled in me an unshakable drive to create stability, ownership, and legacy. That responsibility fueled my transition from young mom to real estate to building TENÉ NÍCOLE, proving that lack of traditional access isn’t a barrier. My journey is rooted in resilience, resourcefulness, and a commitment to creating opportunities not just for myself, but for my community, and that's what keeps me motivated.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I will reinvest the $25,000 directly into my business to strengthen infrastructure, expand capacity, and accelerate sustainable growth. In alignment with my commitment to creating access and opportunity, a portion of these funds will also support scholarships through our 501(c)(3), providing aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners from underserved communities with the resources, education, and support they need to build and scale successfully.