Carolyn Gray is no stranger to adversity and struggle. Originally from Augusta, GA, she grew up in a projects called Underwood Homes, an area commonly referred to as “The Bottom”, during the 70’s and the 80’s. She was raised in a single-parent home after her mother divorced her alcoholic, abusive father. Her childhood was marked by sadness and isolation as she dealt with the reality of an absentee father, limited financial resources, discouragement, negative influences, a very loose-knit family and the devastation of sexual molestation… All contributing factors to her early-on battles with weight and self-esteem.
Even in the midst of these struggles, Carolyn always had dreams bigger than anyone around her could imagine or talk her out of… She has always wanted to do more, be more and see more. The question she was asked most often was, “Who do you think you are?” At the time she didn’t know how to answer that, but she knew that whatever life had to offer, she wanted it! A four-year degree? Sure, why not! A successful career in corporate America? Of course, bring it on! A handsome, loving husband and a couple of kids in the suburbs? You bet! She saw people on television with those things and more, so why not her????
Well, without firsthand examples of what she wanted to do and be television shows and books became her blueprint. This blueprint, as well as the undying belief that with God’s help you can accomplish any good thing, and a willingness to walk by faith and not by sight actually worked! Carolyn graduated from Clemson University in 1989 with a degree in Computer Information Systems. Since then her career has mainly included work in information technology and telecommunications, working for companies such as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Price Waterhouse Coopers, SAIC, MCI, Nextel and Sprint. In more recent years she added “author-preneur” (part author and part entrepreneur) to her resume. Her first book, The Black Woman’s Guide to Beautiful, Healthier Hair in 6 Weeks! was published in 1999 (a second edition was published in 2003), a line of hair care products followed, and her latest book is Secrets of a Skinny Jean Queen® A 7-Step Guide to Help You Eat & Act Like You Have Some Sense (avail. 01/10). Oh yeah, she and her handsome, loving husband live with their two sons in Northern Virginia!
Isn’t it amazing where you can start and where you can end up? Would you have guessed that this is my story? Well, it is. Even though I might have chosen a different childhood and/or family, I honestly believe if I didn’t live through the struggles I did and have that chance to find out what desperation tastes like, I would not be the woman I am today. Also, my story would probably be pretty boring, and I would not have as much encouragement and advice to offer. However, because of the struggle, I have many stories to share and millions of reasons why you should never, ever give up or let anyone talk you out of your dreams. This is one of the reasons why I jokingly call myself the queen of unsolicited advice… Because I literally have to remind myself not to give advice or input you didn’t ask for! I think one of my dreams is to be to the internet what Oprah is to talk TV. Just like Oprah, I want to help women around the world, like yourself – letting you know that you are not alone in whatever you are trying to achieve/overcome. Also, because I write and speak from a place of pain and healing, my desire is for you to experience healing in any area you may need to and for you to pinpoint the dreams you have so we can work together to achieve them.
So thanks for visiting my site. I pray that it, and the resources it provides, add value to your life. As you use the information and share it with others, I look forward to hearing from you, working with you and having you join IAFEW, the International Association for Extraordinary Women so we can make extraordinary things happen not just for ourselves, but for extraordinary women around the world as well!
Love, Peace & Extraordinary Blessings,
 
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