Carol grew up with a family that instilled in her a strong work ethic as her parents worked long hours in retail and in gas stations. Carol learned that work is a part of life and requires dedication and responsibility. She became a mother in high school, and took a break from school but parenthood ignited a new flame for Carol. “After I had kids, exploring with them and teaching them, I just learned to enjoy learning a lot more.” Seeing the world through the eyes of her children showed her a path forward. Carol developed strong communications skills working at call centers and through a stint studying broadcasting. Data entry taught her attention to detail and efficiency. Being a mother meant managing schedules, budgets, and personalities.

And yet, when she got her associates degree in Veterinary Science, she had a hard time finding a job that fit her family obligations and made her feel valued. She felt overlooked on the job for not having a bachelor’s degree.  Always an amateur artist, she realized she had the skills to develop products that she could sell. She started her own business where she found the fulfillment and freedom that she had been looking for. Carol worked at trade shows for five years, but when the pandemic hit, the shows were suspended and she did not have the resources to move her business online. Carol has been without work for the past two years but she looks forward to rebuilding her business and selling her art in the future.