Who or what is your inspiration in business?

My biggest inspiration is my son and the community around me. As a mother, I want him to see what it looks like to build something with integrity, creativity, and heart. I’m also inspired by the families and kids I work with every day. Watching their confidence grow through food and creativity reminds me that entrepreneurship can be about more than profit. It is about purpose, opportunity, and leaving something meaningful behind.

How do you stay motivated?

I stay motivated by remembering why I started. As a chef, mother, and entrepreneur, I want to build something that creates opportunities for others, especially the next generation. Even on the hard days, I focus on progress, not perfection. Seeing the impact of my work in the community and in the kids I teach reminds me that every step forward matters, and no matter the challenge, I should not give up

What would you do with the $25,000?

Winning $25,000 would help expand Cookin’ Kiddos into a larger creative space where children can cook, create, and build confidence through hands-on experiences. It would fund equipment, program development, and opportunities for women and educators to share their talents and mentor the next generation. My goal is to create a space where kids feel seen, supported, and inspired to dream bigger.