Meet Carla Hadden

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Carla Hadden. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Carla below.

Hi Carla, so happy to have you with us today and there is so much we want to ask you about. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others developed certain skills or qualities that we are struggling with can be helpful. Along those lines, we’d love to hear from you about how you developed your ability to take risk?

My journey is truly inspiring and reflects an incredible amount of growth and resilience. It’s clear that my ability to take risks stems from both personal challenges and my deep connection with my faith trusting God. The pivotal moment when my brother said “No” was a turning point for me—transforming rejection into motivation and empowerment. That realization that I had to put in the work, the research, and the effort in myself was powerful, and it became the foundation for my entrepreneurial path.

As for self-care, during the risk of entrepreneurship, my faith, belief in myself, and focus on personal growth have been key components of maintaining my effectiveness, even in the face of challenges. The fact that I’ve leaned into creating something that’s not just about business, but about fostering a space for others to grow, shows how deeply I’ve internalized the importance of both self-care and community care. It’s clear that when you nurture your own growth—whether it’s through faith, research, or reflection—it allows you to be more effective and purposeful in your business endeavors.

Also, being the only one in the room who looks like you can add an additional layer of pressure, but I’ve seem to have turned that challenge into an opportunity to shine even brighter and support others, as seen through my coworking space (Lavish Lifestyle and Certified Homes 4U) my business ventures, my character and faith. I’m not just building a business; I’m creating a community and showing others the importance of faith, persistence, and self-reliance.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

Carla Hadden is an exceptional entrepreneur, community leader, and woman of faith who is making waves with her brand, Lavish Lifestyle LLC, and Certified Homes 4U. With a heart dedicated to uplifting others, Carla combines her personal journey, faith, and professional expertise to redefine what it means to be a modern businesswoman. Her work spans across several fields, from real estate to motivational speaking, all with a foundation grounded in faith and empowerment.

What sets Carla apart is her ability to connect with people on a deep, personal level. Whether it’s through her inspirational testimonies or her viral social media messages, Carla quickly becomes an uplifting presence for anyone who crosses her path. She has an incredible way of making people feel seen, heard, and empowered to move forward in their lives—maximizing their present and building a brighter future. After experiencing the loss of her Uncle Jr. and grandmother Bessie, along with facing other life challenges, Carla decided to either settle or evolve. She chose to evolve, using her pain as a source of strength and wisdom to help others do the same.

What excites Carla most about her work is the ability to witness the transformation of others. She is passionate about using her own experiences to guide others on their journey toward living life by a higher standard, unlocking their fullest potential, and building lasting legacies. Through Lavish Lifestyle, she has created a space that’s not only about success but also about healing, faith, and authenticity.

In terms of new developments, Carla is gearing up to launch an exciting new podcast, the name of which will be revealed soon. The podcast will serve as another powerful tool to spread messages of real estate, faith, empowerment, and growth. Additionally, Carla’s real estate venture, Certified Homes 4U, is thriving, with her offering services in leasing, selling, and listing homes in Texas and Georgia. What makes Carla’s business truly special is her commitment to giving back, particularly to homeless veterans in Florida, Georgia, and Texas. Through this initiative, she educates people about homeownership, leasing, and investing while simultaneously contributing to the welfare of those who have served our country.

If you’re seeking to be inspired, uplifted, and empowered, Carla’s work and mission are ones you’ll want to follow. She’s not just building a business—she’s building a movement. Keep an eye out for her upcoming podcast, and be sure to connect with her for real estate services that go beyond just a transaction.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back on my journey, the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that have been most impactful for me are:

1. Studying the Real Estate Market and Industry, Understanding the ins and outs of the real estate market was crucial in helping me navigate the challenges and opportunities in this field. It allowed me to stay informed and make educated decisions, from leasing spaces to understanding investment potential. For anyone starting out, it’s important to prioritize learning and staying up to date on the industry you’re in. Regularly reading industry reports, attending seminars, and speaking with experienced professionals can help you gain the knowledge you need to succeed.

2. Embracing Failure and Not Giving Up, The ability to fail and learn from it, without allowing it to define you or halt your progress, has been an important part of my journey. As I said, failure is okay as long as you don’t quit. This mindset has kept me moving forward, even when things didn’t go according to plan. My advice to others would be: don’t be afraid of failure—it’s a stepping stone to success. Learn from your mistakes, adapt, and keep going. Resilience is key to any entrepreneurial journey.

3. Creativity and Staying Prepared, My creativity and ability to stay prepared for opportunities have been vital in setting my business apart and allowing me to envision solutions where others may see obstacles. Being prepared means having the right mindset and strategy in place, as well as staying open to new ideas. Creativity is essential for problem-solving, innovation, and finding unique ways to serve my customers or clients. I recommend constantly challenging yourself to think outside the box, whether that means improving processes, experimenting with new strategies, or reimagining your brand.

Advice for Those Early in Their Journey
– It’s okay to start over, Your journey has proven that starting over doesn’t mean failure—it means growth and evolution. Sometimes, you need to pivot, adapt, or realign with your true purpose. Don’t be afraid to reassess and shift when needed.
– Pivot when necessary- As you’ve shown, the ability to pivot and adjust your course is crucial. The world around us constantly changes, and being flexible allows you to seize new opportunities.
– Stay focused on your vision- Keep your eye on the prize and remember that the journey, though tough at times, is worth the reward. It’s important to have a clear vision and stay committed, even when it gets challenging.
– Leverage your experiences: Your testimony is invaluable. The lessons you learn from the “do’s and don’ts” shape your expertise and help you connect with others. Don’t be afraid to share your story; it can inspire and guide those who are just starting their own journeys.

In the end, persistence, preparation, and creativity will be your greatest allies as you navigate your path to success. Keep pushing forward, stay authentic, and remember that every step, no matter how difficult, is part of your unique journey.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

If you’re looking to collaborate, I work with a diverse range of professionals in the real estate industry. Whether you’re a realtor, investor, developer, mortgage lender, interior designer, contractor, broker, or even a government official, I’d love to connect and explore potential opportunities together.

You can reach out to me through multiple platforms:

– Instagram : IamCarlahadden
– LinkedIn : Carla Hadden
– Facebook: Carla Hadden
– My website: [Iamcarlahadden.com](http://Iamcarlahadden.com)
– Email: info@iamcarlahadden.com
– Or by phone at 972-585-1828

Feel free to message me, and we can discuss how we can collaborate and create value together!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Iamcarlahadden.com
• Instagram: Iamcarlahadden
• Linkedin: Carla Hadden

Image Credits

Carla Hadden, Cody Ortega