Carolyn L. Chambers was born into a world where air conditioning was a luxury, and social interactions were confined to local newspapers and church bulletins. Raised as the middle child with brothers on either side, Carolyn embraced a tomboy spirit, spending her days playing ball and swinging on vines by the creek. Her rough and tumble childhood shaped her into a resilient young woman, but as she began to blossom, her father sat her down and told her she could no longer play hard with the boys. When she asked him why, his simple answer became the power boat that would propel her through the giant slalom course that would become her life: “Because You’re a Girl.”

Carolyn’s journey from the playful fields of Tennessee to the various arenas of her professional and personal life is a tale of reinvention and relentless pursuit of excellence. Despite the setbacks and societal prejudices she encountered, Carolyn’s exceptional work ethic and “I’ll show them!” attitude fueled her to achieve remarkable feats across diverse fields.

Carolyn’s professional journey began humbly, earning $1.00 per hour at Dairy Queen. From there, she served tables at Cracker Barrel and worked shifts at a factory. Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to buy and sell horses and operate a state-licensed puppy business. Carolyn’s versatility and determination saw her succeeding in various roles, including selling $11.5 million in diamonds over ten years and winning numerous trophies in rodeo-style equestrian speed events.

Throughout her life, Carolyn faced and overcame significant challenges, including the loss of two of her sons. Her ability to wear many hats—mother, father, and drill sergeant—while raising her boys alone with just a G.E.D. speaks volumes about her strength and tenacity. Carolyn’s story is one of overcoming societal constraints, personal tragedies, and professional hurdles, making her memoir a powerful source of inspiration for anyone looking to rise above their circumstances and achieve their dreams.