Connect Who or what is your inspiration in business?

I’m inspired by my late mother who couldn’t work due to health reasons. She sold jewelry, Avon and baked goods to make ends meet. We didn’t have much, but we survived. As I grew to better understand how my childhood was negatively impacted by financial hardship, lack of financial literacy and the feeling of inferiority; I decided survival wasn’t enough for me. I want to thrive in a way my mother unfortunately did not, and I want my kids to never lack what they deserve.

How do you stay motivated?

Life experience has taught me that nothing can stay too good or too bad for too long. Acknowledging those ups and downs of life as part of the process has helped me stay motivated. I have seen things get better for myself by staying the course and being as consistent as possible in achieving my goals. I’m motivated by God waking me up every day. It means I have his permission, and more importantly his encouragement to keep going.

What would you do with the $25,000?

If I was awarded $25k, I would invest heavily in my business to expand it. I make three-wick scented candles and sell them but there are so many ideas I have which I can’t act on due to financial limitation. I want to expand the capability for my family and my city. That investment would help me accelerate the plan of making Treasure Nook Candles synonymous with Rochester, NY like Kodak once was.