Her Story
About Carolynne
Carolynne Chandler is the founder of Energy Rocks, a company in the consumer products industry that produces functional candy using natural popping crystals infused with caffeine and L-theanine. She launched the business in 2023 from her base in Taos, New Mexico, drawing on her background in nutrition and food chemistry as well as her experience as a serial entrepreneur. Her earlier career included developing video dating software in the 1990s and early 2000s, which she licensed and sold, followed by time raising her two daughters and working in commercial real estate development. Chandler is also creating software for ski resorts to provide video feedback and coaching, and she is preparing to launch fashion-forward knee sleeves on Amazon to support her primary venture. Her long-term vision includes scaling Energy Rocks to establish a facility that employs individuals with special needs and disabilities, inspired by a nonprofit model in Wisconsin. She attributes her success to her driven nature and passion for creating and learning, and she advises young women entering entrepreneurship to seek experienced mentors, maintain perseverance, and adhere to strong ethical standards.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Carolynne
01What do you attribute your success to?
I'm just pretty driven. I've always been. I've always just been sort of going out, grabbing things, probably believing that it was possible when it wasn't. And just going for it. I love it. This is so fun for me right now. I just love creating stuff and learning every day.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
First of all, you need a mentor. Find yourself a mentor, preferably someone with 10 years up on you because there's something to be said with life experience. It's not only professional advice, but someone who's going to set you in the right mental state to get through the hard times. Second, you have to have some perseverance. It's like a marriage - there's good times and bad times. You have to be very level-headed and able to deal with them in a quantitative manner, put your emotions aside. Also, stick to your own ethical standards. Always remember to fall back on your truth.
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.