Who or what is your inspiration in business?

My inspiration comes from my own experience growing up deaf and the constant small barriers hearing aid users face every day. Something as simple as wearing a hat caused feedback and frustration for years. Instead of accepting it, I decided to solve it. I’m inspired by people who turn lived experiences into solutions that help others, and that’s exactly what SolaceShield is about.

How do you stay motivated?

I stay motivated by the people who reach out saying SolaceShield solved a problem they’ve dealt with for years. Hearing aid users often adapt to barriers that others never notice. Knowing that a simple idea can restore comfort, confidence, and independence keeps me going. Every message from a parent, patient, or audiologist reminds me why this work matters.

What would you do with the $25,000?

The $25,000 would help accelerate manufacturing, expand product sizes and designs, and place SolaceShield into audiology clinics so patients can try them directly. It would also support outreach and education so more hearing aid users know a solution exists. My goal is for SolaceShield to become a standard accessory included with hearing aids, improving comfort and accessibility for users everywhere.