Who or what is your inspiration in business?

My inspiration comes from necessity and legacy—being a single parent forced me to build, not wait. I’m inspired by entrepreneurs who turn everyday businesses into vehicles for community impact. I’m driven by the idea that ownership can break cycles, create jobs, and model resilience for my child and others watching what’s possible.

How do you stay motivated?

I stay motivated by purpose over pressure. My children are my daily reminder that what I’m building is bigger than me. I set clear goals, celebrate small wins, and stay close to the people I serve. Even on hard days, I remember that consistency compounds—and quitting would cost more than pushing through.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would use the $25,000 to scale my furniture business into a platform for impact—investing in equipment, inventory, and marketing to increase revenue, while creating job opportunities and training pathways in my community. This funding would help formalize systems, expand reach, and turn a growing business into a sustainable engine for generational change.