We were lucky to catch up with Carol Wilson recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Carol , appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?
Resilience—the ability to adapt and thrive through challenges—is a quality I deeply value, and I attribute mine to two key sources: my mother and my unwavering positive outlook.
My mother, a single parent of seven, was the epitome of resilience. She made countless sacrifices, always with a spirit of grace and determination. At 71, she fulfilled a lifelong dream of earning her degree—a powerful reminder that resilience knows no age limit. Her enduring faith and strength inspired me profoundly and continued to guide me daily.
Our move from Panama to the United States when I was 16 marked one of the most challenging yet transformative times in my life. Adapting to a new culture, language, and environment was difficult, but I approached it with gratitude and excitement. I focused on the opportunity to reunite with family and embraced the challenges ahead. At the same time, I started studying the Bible, which provided me with a strong foundation of faith and purpose.
By 18, I graduated from high school. At 19, I was married, and by 21, I had become a mother. My first child, a baby girl, arrived in 1984, followed by my son in 1987. While I wouldn’t necessarily recommend getting married so young I was overjoyed with my babies. I have no regrets. Those were some of the happiest times of my life, and motherhood gave me immense joy and purpose.
Adjusting to life in America was not easy, but my inner resilience and faith helped me build a fulfilling life for myself and my children. Through prayer and perseverance, I found ways to balance my challenges with gratitude and a strong sense of hope.
My mother’s example deeply influenced how I manage adversity. Like her, I strive to approach life’s difficulties with purpose and resolve. That said, I am not always calm at the moment. I can be fiery, highly excitable, and internally stressed, often worrying about everything and everyone when challenges arise. However, once the intensity of the situation passes, a sense of peace and clarity takes over. I remind myself, “As long as no one is hurt, everything will be okay.” This perspective helps me regain my footing and ensure I can support those around me effectively.
Today, prayer remains a cornerstone of my resilience. Turning to God for guidance has sustained me through countless moments, shaping my outlook and decisions. Inspired by my mother, I strive to model resilience for my children. Watching them grow into strong, adaptable individuals fills me with pride, and I hope to continue encouraging them to face life’s challenges with grace and determination.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am Carol Wilson, the founder of Caji Unlimited. I started this business with a vision to empower women through innovative jewelry design masterpieces. Caji Unlimited was born out of my passion for creating original designs to beautify the world and celebrate individuality.
What excites me most about Caji Unlimited is how each piece we create tells a story. Our designs are not just accessories; they are statements of confidence, creativity, and empowerment. It is incredibly rewarding to see how our work resonates with women, helping them express their unique personalities and shine in every moment.
We are thrilled to announce Caji’s masterpiece luxury upcoming collections. Special events, and collaborations are TBD. This new chapter reflects our continued dedication to innovation and connecting with our amazing community. At Caji Unlimited, we believe every woman deserves to feel extraordinary, and we are here to make that vision a reality.
I am someone who thrives on finding beauty and resilience in every phase of life. Growing up in Panama, my family’s strength and tenacity became the bedrock of my own drive. Moving to the U.S. at 16 was a defining moment. Adapting to a new culture taught me to approach every challenge with gratitude and openness. Faith has been my guiding light, giving me strength through motherhood, marriage, and now entrepreneurship.
In building Caji Unlimited, I am driven not only by the artistry of jewelry but by the magic it creates in people’s lives. To me, each piece I design is not just an object; it is a moment of connection, confidence, and joy. That is what keeps me going—knowing that my work can uplift and empower others.
Creativity is a vital part of who I am, yet so is discipline. I balance my life with self-care, spiritual reflection, and the values passed down from generations of hardworking family members who believed in creating something enduring. My mission is to build a legacy, something meaningful that speaks to beauty, resilience, and connection. It is a reflection of my journey and my joy to share that with the world.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey?
Reflecting on my journey with Caji Unlimited, three key qualities have shaped my path: creativity, resilience, and connection.
Creativity is the heartbeat of my work. It’s not just about designing jewelry but creating meaningful pieces that empower women and reflect beauty in the world. I keep my creativity alive through daily discipline, self-care, and faith, seeing it as a gift from God and a promise to myself to bring something positive into the world.
Resilience has been equally important. Starting a business isn’t easy, and there were times when challenges seemed overwhelming. But each obstacle taught me to adapt, persevere, and keep moving forward toward my vision.
Lastly, connection has been transformative. Listening to others’ needs, sharing stories, and building genuine relationships with my customers and community have inspired me and shaped my brand. Seeing women shine with confidence when they wear my designs reminds me why I started this journey.
What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey?
My advice is to nurture creativity by staying curious and disciplined, embrace resilience by reframing challenges as opportunities, and prioritize building authentic connections. Success is a steady climb, fueled by hard work, faith, and a clear purpose. As Robin Sharma writes in The Everyday Hero Manifesto, our work isn’t about the hours spent but the magic and impact we deliver. Stay true to your vision, trust your unique gifts, and remember your work has the power to transform lives.
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
My mother made countless sacrifices for me always with a positive spirit of grace and determination. She gave me a great faith foundation and her enduring strength has inspired me profoundly and continues to guide me daily. Our move from Panama to the United States when I was 16 was transformative. Adapting to a new culture, language, and environment was difficult, but my mother helped me embrace the challenges. My mother helped me develop gratitude and a strong sense of hope. That strength continues to motivate me and fuel my creativity.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://cajiunlimited.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cajiunlimited/
- Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/carolinecw
Image Credits
Carol Wilson
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