Who or what is your inspiration in business?

At just 6, I began teaching myself to braid. One Easter morning, eager to help my mom get ready, I mistakenly turned on a new iron set to 8, not realizing that my freshly relaxed hair couldn’t handle that heat. I burned my bangs, which led me to my first extensions. By 8th grade, I was doing full heads of braided extensions and even helping teachers with their pin-ups. By 17, I became a licensed cosmetologist, turning a childhood mishap into a thriving passion for hair.

How do you stay motivated?

Being a self-employed woman in an impoverished community presents challenges, especially for a middle-aged lady feeling the weight of the world. Daily struggles can be overwhelming, but I hold to my grandma’s advice: “Grin and bear it.” This mindset helps me appreciate the beauty in small moments, like when a child client brings their kids for services. These joyful instances remind me of my purpose and reignite my determination. Embracing all that is positive and keeps my spir

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would enhance my business to a health and wellness resort to inhibiting beauty inside and out. I’ve learned that growing up in Chicago can be tough, and this transformation will not only provide beauty services but also focus on holistic wellness, fostering mental and emotional health. By creating a space that nurtures both physical appearance and inner well-being, I aim to uplift my community, offering essential resources that cater to the whole person, inside and out.