Connect Who or what is your inspiration in business?

I’m inspired by the gap between cosmetology school and real-world success. Too many talented stylists graduate without confidence, direction, or access to opportunity—and I’ve lived that myself. I’m also inspired by entrepreneurs like Madam C.J. Walker who built ecosystems, not just businesses. That’s what I’m creating with Big Brush Energy: education, tools like the ProBelt, and opportunities like BBE Mobile to support stylists at every stage of their journey

How do you stay motivated?

I stay motivated by purpose. I’m not just building a business, I’m building access and opportunity for stylists who feel overlooked or underprepared. On hard days, I remind myself why I started and who I’m doing this for. Discipline keeps me consistent, even when motivation fades. And as a mother, building a better future for my son pushes me to keep going, growing, and showing up at a higher level every day.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would invest in scaling Big Brush Energy as a full ecosystem. This includes expanding hands-on education into more schools, producing digital training, and building out student blowout kits. I would also develop the ProBelt for working stylists and grow BBE Mobile to create flexible, on-site service opportunities. This funding would help bridge the gap between education and employment. Creating real income pathways and confidence for stylists nationwide.