Who or what is your inspiration in business?

My inspiration comes from my community and the people I serve. I’ve always believed business should do more than make money it should create impact. Through my brand, The Gentle Glow, I’ve been able to combine creativity with service by making natural products while also giving back through clothing drives and community initiatives. Seeing how small acts of care can make someone feel seen and supported motivates me to keep growing.

How do you stay motivated?

I stay motivated by remembering my purpose and the people I hope to inspire. Building a business from the ground up takes resilience, but every event, customer interaction, and community project reminds me why I started. I also stay motivated by setting new goals, staying active in my community, and reminding myself that consistency today creates opportunities tomorrow

What would you do with the $25,000?

If awarded $25,000, I would invest it into scaling The Gentle Glow and expanding its community impact. The funding would help increase product inventory, improve packaging and branding, purchase equipment for larger production, and create pop-up experiences that highlight wellness and self-care. I would also use a portion to support community initiatives like care packages and drives that provide essential items to those in need.