Connect Who or what is your inspiration in business?

When I was a child, my parents drove us across the country from Chicago to California, and we also took trips to Mississippi to visit family. Along the way, we stopped at souvenir shops in many different states. My sister Theresa could always find souvenirs with her name on them — but I never could find mine. When we got back home, I decided I would make my own name products. At just 11 years old, I started putting my name on everything.

How do you stay motivated?

I know I am walking in my gifts, and through those gifts I have been able to help thousands of people bring their ideas to life when they otherwise might not have had the opportunity. Every morning I wake up looking forward to building a legacy for my family and teaching others the skills that changed my life. Some days are difficult, and sometimes it feels like I am going backwards, but something always appears to remind me that I have a purpose and that I am exactly where I am supposed to be.

What would you do with the $25,000?

With $25,000, I would create jobs and start a youth training program to teach embroidery and printing. I would purchase a DTF printing machine so we can bring more of our printing in-house and reduce outsourcing costs. I would also invest $5,000 into social media marketing to grow our business, reach more customers, and create more opportunities in our community.