Who or what is your inspiration in business?

My biggest inspiration is my mother, who built her first salon from the ground up and showed me what resilience, faith, and entrepreneurship look like in real life. Growing up in that environment shaped my purpose. I’m also inspired by the women I serve every day—especially those who were never taught to embrace their natural hair. Their transformation fuels my mission to build more than a business, but a space for confidence, identity, and empowerment.

How do you stay motivated?

I stay motivated by remembering that what I’m building is bigger than me. I’ve seen firsthand how education and care can transform how someone sees themselves. Even in challenging seasons—like rebuilding after setbacks or navigating business obstacles—I stay grounded in my purpose, my faith, and the impact I’m called to make. Knowing that I’m creating opportunities and changing lives keeps me consistent and focused.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would invest the $25,000 into expanding Zeretas Studios as both a service and educational platform. This includes upgrading salon equipment, creating structured curly hair education programs, and building out hands-on workshops for clients and aspiring stylists. A portion would also go toward marketing and digital products to reach a wider audience. This investment would allow me to scale my impact, create jobs, and continue empowering my community through beauty, education, and culture.