They say, “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade,” and few embody that spirit more powerfully than Cara Brookins. After escaping a violent marriage, Cara—a mother of five—made the bold decision to start fresh by building her own home from the ground up. She had little experience, but a fierce determination to create a safe space for her children.
In 2007, unable to afford a home big enough for her family, Cara came up with an unconventional solution: build one herself. A computer programmer by profession, she turned to YouTube tutorials and self-drawn construction plans to learn everything from plumbing to laying a foundation. With no prior experience, it was a daunting task, but she pressed on.
Cara secured a $150,000 construction loan and bought a one-acre plot of land for $20,000. Her children, ranging in age from 2 to 17, joined in the effort. Eleven-year-old Jada hauled water from a neighbor’s pond to mix concrete, while her teenage son Drew helped design the house plans. Each day after school, they worked as a team.
To assist with more technical tasks, Cara hired a part-time firefighter for $25 an hour—someone just a step ahead of them in building knowledge. The family steadily made progress and, on March 31, 2009, they moved into the completed 3,500-square-foot home, which they named “Inkwell Manor,” reflecting Cara’s dream of becoming a writer.
Looking back, Cara admits they were initially embarrassed by their circumstances. Yet, building their own home turned out to be one of the most empowering choices she ever made. “If I can build a whole house,” she said, “anyone can achieve something big.”
Her advice? Start small, stay focused, and bring others on the healing journey. The power to change your life is in your own hands.
