We were lucky to catch up with Courtney A. Clardy, LMSW recently and have shared our conversation below.

Courtney A., appreciate you joining us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

My life has been a series of moments where I’ve had no choice but to step out on faith and take risks. The most recent of these moments was during the fall and winter of 2023. I wasn’t fulfilled in my career, and though I had many questions, I already knew the answer to the most important one: I had to choose myself. Anytime we put ourselves first, we are taking a major risk.

In choosing myself, I left my career as a therapist after five years and entered into a salaried position. However, I quickly found myself feeling unhappy, unheard, and unsatisfied there, which immediately led me to full-time entrepreneurship as a spiritual and mental wellness coach and consultant. This was far from my original plan. I had intended to transition from therapy into a salaried position in a different role, work that role for at least a year, and build my business as a coach and consultant on the side.

God obviously had other plans for me because the salaried position was not what I had hoped it would be. I was very disappointed to have to make that decision, but it was necessary because it brought me closer to my dreams. Now, as a full-time entrepreneur, I sometimes feel like I’m on a roller coaster, yet I feel incredibly close to accomplishing my goals and dreams.

This journey as a full-time entrepreneur is still being written. I’ve experienced many successes and losses since making the decision to focus solely on myself and my business. While my life and lifestyle has changed drastically, I am very proud of myself, and I see, so vividly, the brave and courageous Courtney that others have always seen.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) in the state of Tennessee, and for over a decade, I’ve had the honor of serving in parent education, criminal justice, mental health, and leadership roles. I am truly grateful that my journey has allowed me to provide psychotherapy services, and now, as a spiritual and mental wellness coach and consultant, I help individuals seeking personal growth and businesses aiming for improved productivity achieve their goals through expert guidance, unwavering support, and transformative empowerment.

In addition to my coaching and consulting work, I am a writer, a published author of the affirmation book “Glow Up Sis! GLOW UP”, an empowerment speaker, and the proud host of the “Two Minutes of Your Time” podcast where I guide listeners through meditation and prayer. I am also the visionary behind two exciting projects: the Endless Love Membership (originally founded in 2012) and the God is Kind Campaign. My passion lies in loving and supporting God’s people, helping them grow and improve their spiritual and mental wellness, and empowering them to become the best version of themselves while strengthening their relationship with God and their highest self.

Fun fact: I always tell people that God chose this path for me because music and writing are my first loves. I have a minor in Recording Industry because that was my original pursuit when I started college. However, very early in my college career, I knew that God had different plans for my life. I love that I have found ways to incorporate music and writing into my career as a social worker, and I am blessed to still be connected to the creative world and music industry.

Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?

Being a sponge has been incredibly beneficial in my career as a social worker, an entrepreneur, and in life overall. While I know a lot, I’ve always recognized that there is still so much more to learn, and I’ve remained open to absorbing new knowledge. My passion for learning, researching, and asking questions has been a guiding force. Life has often required me to “figure it out,” and I’m grateful that I haven’t had to do it alone, thanks to my willingness to seek help.

Though I’m still growing in some areas of asking for help, you’ll always find me expanding my wisdom and knowledge through mentorship, peers, friends, and loved ones. We become our own worst enemy when we refuse to grow and learn – we are not always right, and it is absolutely okay to be wrong.

If you could go back, would you choose the same profession, specialty, etc.?

If I could go back, I would still allow God to lead me down this path. I love pouring into people and providing them with the tools, wisdom, and knowledge they need to live healthy and productive lives. My career as a social worker and my life experiences have shaped me into being a vessel for others. Life can be extremely challenging, and many succumb to the hardships it brings. I always want to be a light in the world because sometimes it can be a really dark place.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.courtneyarlesia.com
• Instagram: @justarlesia and @courtney.arlesia
• Facebook: Endless Love Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/PoFWfk8d9q64XQy6/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtneyclardylmsw
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@CourtneyArlesia
• Other: Linktree: https://linktr.ee/courtneyarlesia

  Medium Articles: https://courtneyarlesia.medium.com/

  Endless Love Membership: https://endlesslovemembershipcommunity.mn.co/