Connect Who or what is your inspiration in business?

My inspiration comes from the entrepreneurs in my family and community who built things with very little but a lot of determination. I watched people create opportunity through food, service, and hard work long before I understood the word “entrepreneurship.” That spirit drives me to build businesses that celebrate culture, create opportunity, and show that excellence can come from anywhere.

How do you stay motivated?

I stay motivated by remembering why I started: to build businesses that make people feel seen. Whether it’s a couple celebrating their culture at a wedding or guests discovering Caribbean cuisine for the first time, those moments matter. I also rely on systems and discipline from my project management background—progress doesn’t always come from inspiration; sometimes it comes from showing up and doing the work.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would invest it into scaling Taste Buds Required’s product line and visibility. That includes professional product photography and video, packaging improvements, and targeted marketing to grow online sales. The goal is to expand from catering into retail products like pikliz, epis, and hot honey—bringing Caribbean flavors to a wider audience while building a sustainable food brand.