Connect Who or what is your inspiration in business?

I’m inspired by what is passed down and what we choose to carry forward. My Ukrainian roots taught me resilience and the importance of preserving knowledge. My work in Japanese language education taught me the value of cross-cultural exchange. In business, I’m inspired by people who build bridges between worlds and create spaces where others can learn, reflect, and belong.

How do you stay motivated?

I stay motivated by the people I serve and the systems I’m building. Whether I’m teaching students, reading for someone at a table, or developing new tools, I see how this work impacts real lives. I don’t rely on constant inspiration. I rely on commitment, curiosity, and the responsibility I feel to carry forward what I’ve been given. Try my app!

What would you do with the $25,000?

A multi-use teahouse is my goal. I would also invest in building out the next phase of Klynk as a publishing and education platform. This includes developing my tea-based learning tools, tarot deck, and language-learning board game, as well as expanding my digital platform to share these resources more widely. I would also support the nonprofit Japanese language program I teach with, helping make cultural education more accessible to students who may not otherwise have that opportunity.