Cara Brookins made the courageous decision to leave an abusive marriage and create a new life for her children. With no prior construction experience and limited resources, she decided to build a home herself, relying on online tutorials and determination. In 2007, she purchased a one-acre plot for $20,000 and secured a $150,000 loan to begin construction.
As a mother of five and a computer programmer, Cara enlisted the help of her children, who ranged in age from 2 to 17. Her son Drew assisted with the plans, while 11-year-old Jada carried water to mix concrete for the foundation. They worked together after school, and for more complex tasks, Cara hired a firefighter with construction expertise.
By March 2009, their 3,500-square-foot home, named Inkwell Manor, was completed. Although Cara didn’t initially view the project as a personal triumph, she later realized how much she had grown through the experience. Her journey is a powerful example of resilience, taking small steps toward big dreams, and drawing strength from the support of loved ones.
