When Kate Braidwood entered the Scion “Motivate” contest the last thing she had in mind was really winning.

But win she did.

Braidwood, co-owner of Wonderheads touring theater company, would ultimately win a brand-new Scion xB, $10,000 cash, and a business mentorship.

VIDEO INTERVIEW: This is a short interview with Kate and her husband (watch at 720p HD).http://youtu.be/0Uhq1j55vNs

It’s been a fun ride.

“I am so stunned and pleased by what’s happened,” said Braidwood. “When we entered the contest we had to write about our company and make a video about who we are. We sent it to Scion and were one of 50 semi-finalists that got invited to a conference in Southern California.”

Launched in October, the Motivate program drew applications from all over the country that described individuals’ variety of entrepreneurial goals and efforts around art, fashion, music and film. A panel selected 50 semi-finalists to participate in a three-day workshop last month in Santa Monica, Calif. with leading entrepreneurs covering topics such as growing sales, establishing a physical space and online development. The participants incorporated new insights learned into their Motivate entries and final winners were chosen.

Out of thousands of entries, Kate was only one of 10 talented and passionate young entrepreneurs who won. Other winners included authors, publishers, a backpack manufacturer, designers, artists and musicians.

All winners will be individually paired with a relevant business mentor for future career-building and had their choice of any Scion vehicle. The remaining semi-finalists each received a $1,000 grant and left the workshop with helpful industry knowledge that they can apply to their business moving forward.

“We’ve learned so much and winning the prize, it means the world to me and my business,” said Braidwood. “I won the Scion xB and that will make a huge difference for my company. It’s a touring theater company, and we’ll be able to tour safely and fit everything we need to in our car.”

Other winners planned to use the new vehicles as part of their marketing efforts by wrapping them with custom designs. Winners already had plans for how they would invest the prize money back into their businesses, including new equipment and increasing their online presences.

“The Motivate winners live and breathe the passion Scion hoped to find and elevate through this first-ever program for young entrepreneurs,” said Scion Vice President Doug Murtha. “These individuals’ continued success is what we wish for all of our customers, who continue to show us they relate to forging their own paths and creative expression. In its 10 years, that passion remains part of the Scion story.”

Kate co-owns her touring company with husband, Andrew Phoenix. You can learn more about their business at www.wonderheads.com

You also learn more at www.scion.com

 

 

Kate Braidwood and her husband, Andrew Phoenix show off their new Scion xB.

 

Kate lives in Portland, OR, but spends six to eight months touring the United States with her theater company.