Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Shanae Brock. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Shanae, thanks for joining us today. Do you have a hero? What have you learned from them?

Carolyn Ann Hodges is my hero. She raised five grandchildren who their parents had abandoned. She worked a full-time job, encouraged and required us to obtain an education, and taught us morals and how to be a good human being while growing up in the most challenging projects in Baltimore City. My grandmother sacrificed her entire life to ensure we had a fighting chance. Because of her unconditional love, compassion, and understanding, I am the woman I am today. Because of her sacrifices, Carolyn’s Loving Hands was created to commemorate her legacy.

Shanae, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My name is Shanae Brock, and I am the owner and Operator of Carolyn’s Loving Hands LLC (Supportive Housing). I am also Carolyn Hodges’s oldest granddaughter. I watched my grandmother struggle to make ends meat to take care of my siblings and I. She never complained; she got up every day and did what had to be done, no matter how tired or frustrated she was. In 2016 my grandmother became ill with dementia and other various health issues. I had two small children and decided to move into a bigger house so I could take care of her. We moved into a townhouse, but when she could not walk up and down steps, I worked overtime to purchase a home that would suit her needs better. In 2019 I bought a house, and my family loved it! We created so many memories until the day she took her last breath. Carolyn departed this earth on December 30, 2020, surrounded by love. That day changed my life forever, and I vowed to create a safe space for other seniors who didn’t have a family to take care of them. Carolyn’s Loving Hands LLC was born in 2020, and we offer Supportive Housing to low-income Veterans, Seniors, and cognitively impaired individuals so they can maintain their independence. We bridge the gap between assisted living and living on your own by offering a loving environment to sustain independence. Assisted Living can be expensive, causing homelessness to our most vulnerable population. Carolyn’s Loving Hands provides a safe home setting, meals, snacks, activities, and transportation to doctor’s appointments.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

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

Being a Supervisor in juvenile detention, caring for my grandmother who had dementia, taking care of a toddler and a baby, and working overtime to fund my dreams was hard. I had long nights with tears in my eyes, thinking, “I can’t do this.” I was frustrated. I was tired. I was overworked. I felt like I wasn’t spending enough time with my family. I had so many negative thoughts. I spoke to my grandmother, who gave me many affirmations and wisdom. I got on my knees and prayed. I asked god to guide me, and I listened. I stayed strong and stayed true to my dreams.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.carolynslovinghands.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolynslovinghands/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Carolyns-Loving-Hands-LLC-110833734962060
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolynslovinghandsllc/
• Other: https://voyagebaltimore.com/interview/meet-shanae-brock-of-carolyns-loving-hands-llc/