Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Carden
Hi Lauren, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’ve been passionate about creativity and art from a young age, but writing has always been my first love. As a teenager, I started writing poetry, which eventually became part of my book, Greatness in it all, but it wasn’t until I turned 30 that I got serious about publishing it. Around that time, I also discovered a love for video editing, which led me to create my YouTube channel, Cardens Gardens, and upload my first video in 2019.
Living in Los Angeles during the 2020 pandemic, I took the opportunity to unplug and really focus on my creative passions. I spent that time writing, making videos, and reflecting on where I wanted my life to go. It became clear that I wanted to pursue something meaningful, so I made a bold decision: I quit my job, moved back to Ohio, and focused on publishing my book, which later received an Honorable Mention in the 2023 Writer’s Digest Self-Published Book Awards.
Over the years, I continued to share my life on YouTube, trying out different content styles, but everything changed in late 2023 when I got my first puppy. I started posting funny videos of him to document his life, and our channel just took off—from 2,000 to over 750,000 subscribers in just eight months! Wilson, my dog, has shown me that even the simple act of making someone smile can really make a difference in the world, which is exactly what I always hoped Cardens Gardens would do, make a difference.
Now, I’m focused on growing and connecting with our amazing community, and spreading as much joy and positivity as Wilson and I can, both on and offline. I’m still learning and evolving every day, and I can’t wait to see where this journey takes us next!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Overall, I’d say it’s been a fairly smooth road, but like anything, there have been challenges. The biggest struggle has been not giving up when you just don’t ‘feel like it.’ There were moments in the middle of writing my book when I was ready to throw it all away, questioning if anyone would even connect with it. Or those times when you spend hours, even days, editing a YouTube video, only for it to get 73 views. It’s those lulls between the creative sparks, when everything feels boring and monotonous, that really test you the most — but pushing through anyway has been so crucial.
Those challenges have definitely made the ‘wins’ so much more rewarding. There’s something incredibly satisfying about seeing something succeed that you almost gave up on, but didn’t.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I can’t say that I specialize in just one thing because I have so many interests, and I think Cardens Gardens reflects that. My main goal is to express myself creatively and to share love, joy, and the message of Jesus with the world. I’m known for writing poetry, making YouTube videos, and, of course, having an adorable dog named Wilson.
What I’m most proud of is my book, Greatness in it all. I poured my heart and soul into writing it, and it’s been incredibly rewarding to hear from people who connected with it on a deep level or found themselves reflecting on their own lives because of it.
As for what sets Cardens Gardens apart, I’d have to say it’s Wilson! He’s definitely become the star of the show, and I’m so grateful for the joy that he brings to my life and to others through our videos!
How do you think about luck?
It’s funny—my dad calls me “Lucky Lauren,” so I’ve always believed that I’m lucky, and maybe to some degree, I am. But over time I’ve come to realize that it’s not all just by chance; I truly believe that God has always had a plan for my life. Of course, hard work and dedication have played major roles, but I know that God’s grace has been paving the way all along. I’m just so grateful to be on this journey and for the opportunities that have come from it. I’m excited to see what comes next!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://a.co/d/61Gd6rA
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CardensGardens
- Other: https://www.redbubble.com/i/t-shirt/Good-Boy-Fan-Club-Wilson-by-CardensGardens/158975765.22W0K.XYZ
