Connect Who or what is your inspiration in business?

My biggest inspiration is my son. During the pandemic, I started writing to comfort him when the world felt uncertain. That small moment turned into a journey of creating stories that help children understand their feelings and believe in themselves. I’m also inspired by my grandparents and the values they raised me with—kindness, humility, and resilience.

How do you stay motivated?

I stay motivated by remembering why I started. When a parent tells me their child felt seen or comforted by one of my books, it reminds me that stories truly matter. I also think about the younger version of myself and the kind of encouragement I needed growing up. That keeps me writing, even on the days when things feel difficult.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would use the funding to expand the reach of my children’s books and kindness initiatives. That includes providing books to schools and libraries that may not have access to social-emotional learning resources. I would also continue developing programs that encourage empathy and intentional kindness in classrooms so more children grow up feeling valued and understood.