What inspired you to start your own business?

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.

Honestly it was AI.  That's the reason I decided to give it another shot. I have done this before for four years and got burnt out.  Now, knowing the thing handling most of the office work is not going to steal(it technically does!)  or just be negligent. I decided to give it another shot.  I really enjoy being able to serve clients and treat them as an equal human being and not as a check. 

I was a Registered Nurse and was burning out due to Admin and Coworker cattiness. Hospital ERs are bad for this. I had to get out or be one of those Jaded RNs you see so much in the hospital. I just didn't want to be like that so I started a service business.  I could be outside and still help people which truly makes me happy!

I started JUUCE 209 because I’ve seen what a dead phone can cost people in real life - not just convenience. As a dialysis technician, I’ve watched patients and families panic in waiting rooms when their phones die: missing rides home, important calls from doctors, or check-ins with loved ones. (Not to mention they tend to want to plug into outlets and power strips they aren't supposed to. 😩) And as a working parent and gig worker, I’ve felt that same stress firsthand when low battery nearly kept me from finishing jobs or handling emergencies.

In California's Central Valley, reliable public charging options are *extremely* limited, and bigger charging companies often overlook cities like Modesto. So I'm building JUUCE 209 to change that - bringing self-serve charging kiosks into the venues and community spaces people already use. My mission is simple: keep people charged, connected, and safe, while helping local businesses increase guest satisfaction, reduce liability, smooth operations, and earn passive revenue.

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.

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. 🚀🔨💇‍♀️💅⚡👨‍🍳

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. 

Thank you so much for your encouragement—it truly means a lot.

My vision has never been about building success for just one company. I want to build something that creates opportunities for the entire skilled trades community.

If Skilled Trades Genius succeeds, I want everyone in the Jobber community to know that we’ll find ways to help each other grow, get discovered, and open more doors together. There is enough opportunity for all of us, and I believe real success is measured by how many people you bring with you.

No one gets left behind. Let’s keep supporting one another, celebrating each other’s wins, and proving what this community is capable of. We’re just getting started. 🚀💙

Thank you! I truly want success for everyone in the Jobber community. As we continue to grow, we’ll find ways to help each other get discovered and create more opportunities together. No one gets left behind.