Connect Who or what is your inspiration in business?

I was inspired by my love of coffee and the huge coffee culture that is found in Seattle. I’m originally from New York but lived out west for 15 years. Coffee became such a huge part of my life and every time I’d come back to NY, I felt the void more and more. I said, “One day I’m going to move back and open my own fleet of these coffee shops on the east coast that will be a household name.” In 2016, the timing was right, and I did it!

How do you stay motivated?

My coffee shops are like my children. I strive to keep them healthy and beyond that, make them thrive! As an entrepreneur, I am motivated by my passion, my products and my purpose every day. It’s my vision, my company, my creation. There is never a question about motivation. Plus, where I’m headed, there is coffee! Ha! That alone is a huge motivator and beautiful thing!

What would you do with the $25,000?

ALL THAT JAVA is 100% woman-owned by me. We are celebrating 10 years in business with 4 locations. JAVA is a great brand with a huge following. I want to rapidly expand with company stores as well as franchise. It is a perfect franchise model. Franchising, to me, means being able to empower other women to have and run their own JAVA, creating happiness with our coffee and vibe in their own communities. $25,000 would enable us to get our Franchising Disclosure Document (FDD) in order to do that.