Who or what is your inspiration in business?

My inspiration for Sensory Play Café comes from my daily work as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant, supporting children and families who struggle to find inclusive spaces outside of school. Seeing parents feel overwhelmed and children excluded motivated me to create a place where all children can thrive through play, and families feel supported, connected, and empowered.

How do you stay motivated?

I stay motivated through my daily work as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant, where I see firsthand the progress children can make with the right support. At the same time, I’m reminded that many families continue to struggle once they leave school or therapy. Knowing that both children and parents need ongoing support at home drives me to keep going. My motivation comes from a deep commitment to helping families feel confident, supported, and empowered beyond the classroom.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would use the $25,000 to fund architectural drawings and pre-construction planning for Sensory Play Café. This investment will also strengthen my financial position by demonstrating available capital, helping me secure an SBA loan of $350,000. Together, these funds will allow me to move forward with building and launching the first of many inclusive Sensory Play Café locations.