Who or what is your inspiration in business?

"My greatest inspiration in business and my life came from my late parents. My mother raised me with the philosophy and in her own words: "There is no such word as can't". I owe my courage to my father, now in a Boxing Hall of Fame, who taught me that anything worth doing deserves your full heart and effort. With my horse as my companion, I developed a deep connection to nature while riding through forests and quiet countryside - scenes that continue to inspire my art today.&qu

How do you stay motivated?

"I stay motivated by the joy my art brings to others. I paint to bring happiness and smiles into peoples worlds with my silly abstract flower gardens in my 'Love Saves the Day' collection. My imaginary watercolor landscapes are created to invite people into enchanting, dreamlike places where their imagination can freely wander. My original art is also featured on greeting cards paired with uplifting messages meant to brighten one's day."

What would you do with the $25,000?

"Because my work is guided by a lifelong respect for nature and compassion for all living creatures, I would use the money to create projects that help instill a love for nature and compassion for life into the lives of others. I would also like to develop simple art programs for hospitals and nursing homes because creating art can aid healing by uplifting spirits and easing loneliness."