Lift, Hold, Shine

“This isn’t just a book—it’s a blueprint for everyone out there chasing a dream. Carolyn came from humble beginnings, but even with the odds stacked against her, she never folded and went on to build a billion-dollar business off nothing but heart and hustle. It’s a once-in-a-generation story of resilience, sacrifice, and strategy. Carolyn is living proof that no matter where you start in life, you can rise to the top and build something bigger than you ever imagined.”
—Joseph “Fat Joe” Cartagena, author of The Book of Jose, rapper, and entrepreneur

“A young woman, adopted from foster care at age two after nearly being lost in the system, survives a brush with death and sets out to solve the mystery of her origin story. She uncovers truths of everyday miracles—lessons of identity, belonging, and purpose, and the gift of bringing out beauty in everyone … Not only is it true, it gives us an actual road map to achieving our own miracle success.”
—Antwone Fisher, New York Times bestselling author of Finding Fish, screenwriter, and foster youth advocate

“The Carolyn I know didn’t shatter a glass ceiling into shards that cut on the way down. She took it apart at its core—back to sand and limestone—and, guided by thought, care, and courage, she rebuilt it as a clear, open highway forward for anyone willing to think, care, and act.”
—Béryl Lacoste Hamilton, global philanthropist and former president of the Lacoste foundation

“Lift, Hold, Shine is an inspirational journey through an amazing life that is changing the beauty world. Living into the possibility unlocked by her It’s a 10 mentality has empowered Carolyn to change her life and achieve levels of success few have, and now she’s sharing it with everyone!”
—Steve Netzley, global CEO of Edge Performance Network and founder of Havas Edge

“Having known and worked with Carolyn Aronson for nearly two decades, I’ve seen firsthand her extraordinary passion, resilience, and commitment to elevating our industry. Lift, Hold, Shine captures the same authenticity and practical wisdom that has made her such a respected leader. This book is both inspiring and actionable—a must-read for anyone looking to grow, lead, and succeed in beauty and beyond.”
—Mark Spinks, president of Beauty Systems Group LLC

“This story is bigger than beauty. It’s about resilience, identity, and what happens when passion meets vision. Knowing Carolyn makes these pages hit even harder because the strength and heart in this book is exactly who she is in real life. More than anything, it’s a reminder that success isn’t about perfection. It’s about showing up, raising the bar, and giving ourselves permission to shine.”
—Angie Martinez, Hall of Fame radio personality and New York Times bestselling author of My Voice

“Carolyn is a force of nature. Her tenacity and determination are matched only by her unrelenting resilience. Lift, Hold, Shine is a testament to the human spirit’s ability to overcome adversity, persevere with purpose, and make bold dreams reality.”
—Raymond Garcia, founder of Celebra at Penguin Random House and CEO of Major TV | Books

Carolyn Aronson is the founder, CEO, and driving force behind It’s a 10 Enterprises—one of the most successful independent, women- and Latina-owned professional haircare brands in the world.

A self-made entrepreneur, Aronson built the company from behind the chair, creating the category-defining Miracle Leave-In in 2006 and growing it into a global powerhouse sold in over 140 countries. After becoming the sole owner in 2017, Carolyn’s beauty empire now includes It’s a 10® Haircare, It’s a 10® Haircare Tools, Be a 10 Cosmetics, EX10SIONS, F.A.S.T. Haircare, CLOUD Haircare, Rewind It 10, and the upcoming launch, ARISE Haircare.

After entering foster care as an infant, she discovered her passion for hair at 18, became a stylist, and eventually opened her own salon before launching her brand. Known as a hands-on product visionary, she works directly with chemists to develop high-performance formulas that empower both professionals and consumers.

Deeply committed to philanthropy, she supports organizations that uplift women, families, and underserved communities, while also prioritizing her role as a devoted mother and champion for empowering others. Carolyn has been honored for her achievements as an inspirational founder and entrepreneur by Inc., Forbes, Entrepreneur, and more.

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