Daily Inspiration: Meet Yolanda Scarborough

Today we’d like to introduce you to Yolanda Scarborough.

Hi Yolanda, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I grew up poor, with a sick mother who, despite her illness, taught me about God, His power, and my ability to do anything through Him. I believed her. I worked hard, went to school, lived life, got married, and had children.

Then, at 38, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. As a mother of six, it was the worst thing that ever happened to me—but also the best. It forced me to speak up, to prioritize myself, and to confront how fleeting life really is. Since then, I’ve been living hard and with intention.

I quit my traditional job, took a leap into entrepreneurship, and the net appeared under my feet. That leap led me to create Carolyn’s Hope—a vision and a movement inspired by my mother’s legacy. Through it, I birthed Camp Dinner Table, The Sister Self Care Retreat, and Carolyn’s Kitchen—each one rooted in healing, connection, and empowerment.

It’s been a journey of faith, purpose, and freedom—and I’ve been living the dream ever since.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has definitely not been a smooth road. Entrepreneurship is not for the faint of heart. There were times when finances were shaky and sustainability felt like a distant dream. But as I step into year seven of this journey, I can say it’s been one of faith, resilience, and growth.

Believing in yourself goes a long way. But not quitting? That goes even further. Every challenge taught me something, and every setback built my strength. I’ve learned to trust the process—and myself—through it all.

I’m especially grateful for my husband, my children, and my community, who have supported me every step of the way. Their belief in me has carried me through moments when I couldn’t see the next step. They’ve been my constant reminder that I’m never doing this alone.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m the founder of Carolyn’s Hope, a healing space and business ecosystem inspired by my mother’s legacy of faith and strength. Under that umbrella, I’ve created three distinct offerings: Camp Dinner Table, which fosters connection and communication through family mealtime; The Sister Self Care Retreat, which creates intentional space for women—especially Black women—to rest, restore, and reconnect with themselves; and Carolyn’s Kitchen, where food becomes a vehicle for nourishment, storytelling, and joy.

I specialize in curating spaces where people feel seen, heard, and held. Whether it’s around a table, in a kitchen, or on a mountaintop, I’m known for creating environments that touch the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. What sets me apart is my integration of faith, healing, culture, and community into everything I do. This work is my ministry.

I’m most proud of the impact. I’ve watched families rediscover each other, women come back to themselves, and communities find new ways to connect. I’ve seen food heal people—and I’ve seen it heal me, too.

And through all of that, I finally did something just for me: I enrolled in a culinary internship through UHCHI Chicago, and I’m finishing it now. It’s a dream I’ve carried quietly for years, and I’m finally living it—not for anyone else, but for me. That in itself is healing.

Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
My advice? Start scared. Start small. Just start. Don’t wait until everything is perfect, because perfection is a moving target—and purpose doesn’t wait.

Trust your instincts. Listen to your body. Surround yourself with people who believe in your vision, even when you’re unsure of it yourself. Rest when you need to. Ask for help. And know that the dream will stretch you—but it will also grow you in ways you never imagined.

I wish I had known that slow growth is still growth. That not every door is meant to open, and that “no” doesn’t mean never—it might just mean not yet. I also wish I had been gentler with myself in the early days.

The truth is, building something meaningful will cost you something. But it will also reward you with things money can’t buy—peace, purpose, and the kind of pride that only comes from staying the course.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.camp-dinner-table.com/
• Instagram: Carolynskitchen313