We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Carol Chisolm a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Carol, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

One of my most meaning projects is publishing my book, “Breaking the Shadows: How to Embrace Your True Self and Live in the Light of God’s Glory”. It is a compelling story about my struggle with alopecia, an auto-immune disorder that results in baldness.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Carol Chisolm. I’m a singer, songwriter, and author. Singing has always been a passion of mine. I sang my first solo in my dad’s church when I was four years old. I’ve always enjoyed singing in the church choir and as a teen, I was a member of a gospel singing group called the Bell Tones. So it seemed inevitable that I would be a singer-songwriter. Not so much with writing. It kind of fell in my lap because I never enjoyed writing. My college professor encouraged me to major in English. I said absolutely not. What on earth would I do with that degree? One reason I didn’t complete my doctoraral program is because I feared writing the dissertation, so to become a published author years later is ironic.

It wasn’t until I accepted the reality that I have alopecia that Carol the singer, Carol the songwriter, and Carol the author merged and would bring me to where I am today. When God led me to write a book about my alopecia journey, He also gave me songs that helped me to heal from the years of self-hatred, shame, and fear. The songs are at the end of each chapter of my book, “Breaking the Shadows: How to Embrace Your True Self and Live in the Light of God’s Glory”. This unique characteristic of my book makes it different than other books about alopecia. As you read through each chapter, there are QR codes in the back of the book for you to scan and listen to the music on digital streaming platforms. Additionally, it’s not just a book about alopecia. It is a book of overcoming fear, embracing flaws and imperfections, and accepting that you are fearfully and wonderfully made.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

My newest single is titled, “Conquerors”, speaks of resilence. I was beaten down by alopecia feeling that I was not pretty enough, not good enough, not worthy enough because I’m bald. I have overcome the fear, self-hatred, and shame that overwhelmed me. Now I’m a fighter. I no longer hide under the cover of wigs, but I live in confidence and boldly declare that I have alopecia, but it doesn’t have me. I’m no longer fearful or shameful. I am a conqueror.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the chance to bring joy to the lives of others. To hear someone say how my song has blessed them or how something I said in my book encouraged them is worth the time, effort, tears, and money invested to create.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.carolchisolm.com
• Instagram: @carolchisolmministries
• Facebook: Carol Chisolm Ministries
• Youtube: Carol Chisolm

Image Credits
Peculiar People Photography and Inezz Photography