Connect Who or what is your inspiration in business?

My biggest inspiration in business is my mother. Growing up, I watched her get up and comb the heads of four girls every day. Not once did I hear her complain. She would braid our hair and make it beautiful with so much care. Watching her take pride in that planted a seed in me. It inspired my love for hair, and now here I am…15 years in the industry, still doing what first inspired me as a little girl.

How do you stay motivated?

My motivation comes from purpose. I know that what I do is bigger than just doing hair. I’m helping people feel confident, I’m building something for my daughters to see, and I’m creating a legacy through my work. Even on the hard days, I remind myself that someone is watching my journey and learning from it.

What would you do with the $25,000?

Winning $25,000 would help me rebuild and expand a vision that once served my community well. I previously operated a successful beauty supply store for four years alongside my salon. After going through a domestic violence divorce, I lost everything I had worked for. Even through that hardship, I continued pushing forward and serving my clients. This funding would allow me to reopen my beauty supply store & salon on a larger scale. It would restore a business & create community empowerm