Cara Brookins, a mother of four, found herself in dire straits after leaving her second abusive marriage. Struggling to provide a home for her family, she embarked on a bold journey. Cara decided to build her own house, despite having little money and no construction experience. She recalls, “I had no notion what that should be.” She purchased land for $20,000 and obtained a $150,000 construction loan.

Learning everything from YouTube tutorials, she and her children, ranging from two to seventeen years old, spent nine months constructing a 3,500-square-foot home. With determination, they overcame challenges and worked tirelessly. Cara’s son Drew even helped with the plans, while her daughter Jada transported water from a neighbor’s pond and mixed concrete.

In March 2009, they moved into their new home, which Cara named Inkwell Manor. She later published novels and a memoir about their journey. Reflecting on their unconventional path, she says, “If I can build an entire house, you can do anything you set your mind to.” Their story is a testament to the power of determination and unity in the face of adversity.