Meet Lauren Carden

We recently connected with Lauren Carden and have shared our conversation below.

Lauren, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.

Finding my purpose has been a journey—definitely not something I figured out overnight. For a long time, I thought my purpose had to be something huge, like changing the world in some big, dramatic way. I wanted to leave a lasting impact on someone’s life, the way so many people have left an impact on mine. But somewhere along the way, I got caught up in a different idea of success. I started thinking my purpose was tied to climbing the corporate ladder, chasing achievements, and fitting into the traditional mold of what success looks like.

It wasn’t until I took a step back—through a lot of prayer, reflection, and even working with a life coach—that I realized that path wasn’t for me. I didn’t have all the answers right away (and still don’t), but I knew I needed to spend my time on things that seemed meaningful, things that truly mattered.

When I moved back to Ohio, it became a turning point in my life. Slowing down and stepping away from the corporate world gave me clarity. I shifted to a career path that not only makes a difference in the lives of children but also heals my inner child in ways I didn’t even realize I needed. Around the same time, I began focusing more on YouTube, published my poetry book, and began pursuing work that aligned more with my values.

Over time, I’ve come to realize that my purpose doesn’t need to be a big, grand gesture. It’s about the quiet, steady work of planting and nurturing seeds. Whether it’s through small acts of kindness, sharing joy, or creating content on YouTube that brightens someone’s day, I feel like I’m finally stepping into what God has called me to do. And for that, I am deeply grateful.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

By day, I work in content licensing, which basically means I get to listen to music, read children’s books, and play video games for a living. It’s a pretty fun job, and it also allows me to fund my personal projects like Cardens Gardens. What started as an umbrella for my creative outlets has grown into a brand that inspires others to express themselves, take risks, and embrace their unique, God-given gifts.

The real star of Cardens Gardens is my rescue dog, Wilson, who has slowly but surely taken over our YouTube channel. Together, we’ve built an incredible community of over 750,000 subscribers by sharing funny music memes, Wilson’s goofy antics, and little moments that make people smile. Lately, we’ve been focused on keeping it simple: trying to brighten someone’s day every day, even if just for a moment. What touches me most is hearing from people in our community who say Wilson has made them smile or brought them a little joy during a tough time. That connection is what makes it all feel so special.

Beyond YouTube, Cardens Gardens has grown into other creative projects, too. We’ve created fun merch like stickers and the “Wilson Fan Club” T-shirt, and we’re gearing up to launch a Cameo account where fans can request personalized videos from Wilson! I also wrote and illustrated an award-winning poetry book, Greatness in it all, which reflects on life’s many different seasons.

For me, Cardens Gardens is about so much more than just products or content. It’s a testimony of what God can do in someone’s life. I faced a lot of challenges growing up, and even now, life still throws me curveballs. But my work has become a way to process those experiences and turn them into something meaningful that inspires others to do the same.

Looking ahead, I’m excited to keep building on what we’ve started. We’re launching a memberships program for those who’ve been asking how they can support us further. Members will get access to behind-the-scenes content, and tons of other exclusive perks. Whether it’s through YouTube, poetry, Wilson, or the other creative projects we have in the works, my hope is that Cardens Gardens continues to inspire people to dream big, take small steps, and create something beautiful in their own lives.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Curiosity: I think curiosity has been one of the biggest driving forces in my life. Being interested in trying new things, learning about stuff you’ve never thought about before, and saying “yes” to opportunities, even if they’re a little out of your comfort zone. Some of my biggest passions have evolved from just being curious and giving something a shot. My advice? Stay open. You never know where that next random idea or interest might lead you.

Passion: Passion is what keeps me going, especially when things get tough. If you’re not passionate about what you’re doing, it’s really hard to stay motivated or push through challenges. I believe it’s so important to find something that you genuinely care about. Figure out what makes you excited and follow that. When you love what you’re doing, your passion gives you the fuel to keep moving forward.

Prayer: Prayer has been such a huge part of my journey and something that keeps me grounded no matter what’s happening. I pray over big decisions, small moments, and everything in between—Wilson coming into my life was no exception! It’s so easy to feel lost in a world that’s always changing, but prayer gives me clarity and reminds me to root myself in something unchanging. I strongly recommend making time for prayer and reflection. It doesn’t have to be perfect, but just taking a moment to seek clarity can make all the difference.

Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?

This year, God has been teaching me how to forgive. Forgiveness is messy and uncomfortable, but it’s been such an important lesson for me. I’ve realized it doesn’t mean forgetting or excusing what happened—it’s about remembering that we’re all human and we all make mistakes. If Christ can forgive me for my sins, I can forgive someone for the hurtful thing they said or did, even if they never apologize. Through prayer and reflection, I’ve learned that forgiveness is less about the other person and more about freeing myself to move forward with peace and joy.

I’ve also had to learn how to forgive myself. I can be so hard on myself sometimes, but this year, I’ve been working on giving myself grace and understanding that no one is perfect. What matters is that we live, learn, and grow from our mistakes.

It hasn’t been easy, but I’ve realized how much lighter life feels when you’re not carrying the weight of resentment around. Stop giving that person, place, or situation any more of your energy—it’s just not worth it! Learning to let go has made such a difference in my relationships, my work, and how I handle challenges. It’s been one of the most rewarding lessons I’ve learned this year.

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Image Credits

Michele Carden

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