What inspired you to start your own business?

That's a great question! I can remember when I was 6 years old, I went to the store got some candy and set up a table across the street from my aunt's house. I've always been interested in how businesses operated. In the early part of my job history, I was placed in leadership or supportive positions to help with problems solving and finding better work flows that were cost effective. From thoese experiences, I went to college got a BA degree in business with a concentration in accounting and taxation. After years in management and operations role, I decided it was my turn!  I was tired of the limitations in income and time. I witnessed the freedom of business owners to make decisions and a desire grew into wanting the same. 

What inspired me was seeing incredibly talented professionals post amazing work on social media every day—HVAC technicians, electricians, plumbers, welders, carpenters, mechanics, painters, roofers, nail technicians, hairstylists, barbers, estheticians, landscapers, chefs, bakers, and so many more. They spend countless hours perfecting their craft, yet most of their posts only get likes and comments instead of real career opportunities.

I kept asking myself: Why are skilled professionals showcasing their talents on platforms that weren’t built to help them get discovered?

That’s why I’m building Skilled Trades Genius—a platform designed specifically for skilled professionals. Instead of relying on an algorithm and hoping the right person sees your work, your videos, photos, certifications, and portfolio are showcased where employers, contractors, recruiters, staffing agencies, and clients are actively searching for talent.

Imagine posting your latest project and, instead of just getting views, receiving job offers, interview requests, contract opportunities, apprenticeships, or even new clients. Your skills become your résumé, allowing people to see what you can actually do—not just read about it.

Every skilled profession deserves a platform built with them in mind. My mission is to help talented people get discovered, create more opportunities, and connect the right professionals with the right opportunities. I believe it’s time our skilled workforce had a platform that works for them—not just another social media app. 🚀🔨💇‍♀️💅⚡👨‍🍳

I hated the business model of every other pest control company in my area. The show up, put down some bait stations or blindly spray, then they point out why the pest issue happened. Sometimes the other companies don't even look for the cause of the problem at all, they just treat for the pest at hand. They don't do the hard work, which is solving those issues. They leave it to the homeowner to find someone else to seal the holes, remove their garbage, caulk the gaps...They just walk away basically solving nothing at all.

I started my company to give people what they need and take the headache away from them! I am fully capable and happy doing hard work, and I refused to do that for someone else. If I was going to build something that actually made a difference, I wasn't going to be doing it for someone else and just make a salary. I wanted my name behind it and to build something that is my own.

My business started with a simple goal—to build something of my own while making people smile. I began with basic detailing jobs, working hard to earn every customer one car at a time. Every vehicle I clean is another step toward my dream.

What keeps me going isn't just building a business. I also spend time visiting children in hospitals dressed as superheroes to bring them a little joy during some of the hardest days of their lives. My dream is to grow my business enough that I can do even more for my community.

This grant would help me invest in better equipment, grow my business, and create a bigger impact. Thank you to everyone who's supporting small businesses and believing in entrepreneurs like me.