Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Courtnie N.. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Courtnie, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to go back in time and hear the story of how you came up with the name of your brand?

In 2022, I reached a turning point. I was stuck in a cycle of dissatisfaction—feeling lost in my career, relationships, and even with myself. For years, I had been trying to live in a way that pleased others, and in doing so, I lost touch with who I really was. I knew I couldn’t continue living a life that wasn’t truly mine, and the thought of staying stuck in mediocrity terrified me.

I craved answers, but more than that, I wanted to trust myself enough to find them. That’s when I turned to Tarot. I allowed myself to face the parts of me I’d been avoiding—the creative, hopeful parts, as well as the self-doubts that told me I wasn’t good enough. For the first time in years, I felt held and understood. It was like being tucked in after a long battle, and in that space, I began to rediscover peace. That feeling of being supported and nurtured is exactly what inspired the name TuckedinTarot. It became my way of nurturing and guiding myself through uncertainty, and that energy is what I bring to my work with clients.

What drew me to Tarot was the need to be heard. I realized I had surrounded myself with people who couldn’t slow down to hold space for me, and I often felt the shame of struggling. I had spent so much of my life trying to appear put together, but inside, I was drowning. I didn’t trust anyone—or myself—to pull me out. After receiving a few readings from another practitioner, I knew I could turn to Tarot for my own answers. I had been introduced to it at 10 years old, but it was only then that I fully committed to investing in this practice as a means of self-discovery and guidance.

My core values now center on helping clients reconnect with themselves and trust their inner voice. Whether I’m giving a reading or teaching a Tarot class, I always encourage clients to think for themselves: What do they truly desire? Who do they want to become? How can they trust their intuition? I often find that many clients are caught up in the pressure to “get it right,” but I challenge them to consider: right by whose standards? My goal is to help them validate their own feelings and leave our sessions feeling inspired and empowered, with a clearer understanding of their path and the confidence to take control of their own timeline.

One of my favorite parts of working with clients is during Tarot lessons, especially when they begin to slow down and ask themselves what they’re experiencing in the cards. I offer two courses that I’m especially passionate about. The first is Sensory Sorcery, where we incorporate the five senses into Tarot readings. Clients not only develop their intuitive abilities—whether clairvoyance, clairsentience, or clairaudience—but they also learn to trust what they’re seeing, hearing, feeling, and even tasting. Through this course, they begin to build their own language for interpreting the messages that come through.

The second course involves numerology, where we explore the numbers of the Major Arcana and their connection to the Minor Arcana. By examining how numbers bring out hidden meanings, we unlock deeper layers of understanding and enrich the way we read the cards.

That’s the essence of TuckedinTarot—a practice rooted in self-trust, guidance, and empowerment. Tarot for me isn’t a quick fix; it’s a supportive tool that helps people grow, trust themselves, and allow their unique light to shine. Through this practice, I found the strength to take chances on myself, and it’s my mission to help others do the same.

Courtnie, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m an intuitive tarot reader and teacher with a deep-rooted belief in the power of self-trust and intuition. My journey into tarot and metaphysical practices began at a young age, shaped by a blend of curiosity, personal experiences, and moments of spiritual discomfort. For my 10th birthday, my grandmother gifted me a Bible and informed me that I would be baptized at her church. I remember feeling deeply uncomfortable, though I couldn’t fully articulate why. On the day of the baptism, as the preacher delivered his sermon, I looked around and thought, “I don’t belong here. This isn’t right for me.” I began to pray, asking for a way out. When it came time to proceed, my aunt went to turn off the water—but the baptismal font was already empty. The baptism had to be postponed. A few weeks later, I gathered the courage to tell my grandmother that I didn’t want to go through with it. To my surprise, she simply said, “That’s okay.”

Not long after, I came across a copy of YM magazine, which included an article on tarot along with a mini deck to cut out and use. I was both curious and skeptical, but when I tested the cards by repeatedly shuffling and asking the same question, I kept pulling the same card. That was all the confirmation I needed—this was real. Around the same time, my mother introduced me to metaphysical shops, crystals, tarot cards, and intention setting. She was also the first person to give me a reading—using a simple deck of playing cards on a camping trip. That moment resonated deeply, feeling both special and familiar, like something I had always known.

As I grew older, my practice expanded. Life, as it does, brought challenges that deepened my study. I explored Hermetics, Spell Work, Tarot, and Meditation. But it was heartbreak that truly honed my practice. The grief was overwhelming, and I knew I had to sit with it, understand it, and use it to reshape my life. That pain forced me to examine my relationship with myself. If I felt so empty after losing someone I loved, how much love did I have for myself? The answer was unsettling. I realized I was the root cause of my struggles, and once I accepted that truth, I set an intention: I wanted to trust myself and be open to learning.

That declaration set off a chain reaction. Everything that no longer served me was stripped away—often faster than I could process. It was stressful and disorienting, but I knew I had to trust the process. I lost my job—a job I had long realized I didn’t want to do for the rest of my life. That was terrifying. I also began seeing friends and family in a new light, recognizing that some relationships were not safe for me, and making the difficult choice to create distance. The city I had called home my entire life began to feel claustrophobic, yet leaving felt just as overwhelming. Soon after, financial strain forced me to leave my apartment, setting me on a year-long journey through North Carolina and Tennessee. Through it all, the one constant was learning to trust myself and my intuition. Again and again, solutions arose—each one requiring me to step out of my comfort zone. And every time I did, I found myself exactly where I needed to be.

Amidst all these external challenges, I was also building confidence as a reader and teacher. Connecting with people on a level that required vulnerability was intimidating, especially while struggling with it myself. But I soon realized that my own experiences and fears allowed me to connect with others in a meaningful way. So many of us are searching for something to anchor us, something consistent and loving. My journey taught me that I could be that anchor for myself—and help others find theirs.

I’m proud of the community I’ve built—one where vulnerability is embraced, and people feel seen and heard. My online community on Meetup.com, TuckedinTarot, offers divination practices, classes, reiki sharing, meditation, and dream interpretation. This space has not only helped me connect with like-minded individuals on their own spiritual journeys but has also allowed me to forge connections with other practitioners who have helped guide me along the way. It’s been an incredible experience of mutual growth and support.

Now, I offer tarot readings, courses, and one-on-one lessons. My readings are booked by time, ranging from 15-minute to one-hour sessions, with the option of a live reading or a recorded session sent via email. My classes come in two formats: self-paced, where you receive pre-recorded lessons via email, and live sessions for more interactive learning. Currently, my Sensory Sorcery coursework is available, which blends intuition, metaphysical tools, and practical skills for those looking to deepen their spiritual practice. I also offer single-session one-on-one practice sessions, which can be booked per hour.

What sets me apart is my focus on guiding clients to trust their own intuition. I believe that tarot is not just about answering questions, but about helping people understand the deeper layers of themselves. I create a safe and supportive environment where clients can explore their own truths and take actionable steps toward self-empowerment. I’m also proud of how far I’ve come in trusting myself and sharing my experiences, knowing that they help others on their own journeys.

For potential clients, followers, and fans, I want you to know that my work is deeply rooted in authenticity and trust. My personal path has been one of growth and transformation, and I am here to help others navigate their own. I provide not only spiritual insight but also practical tools to empower people to make decisions from a place of confidence and self-awareness. My journey is a reminder that even in moments of uncertainty, trusting yourself can lead you to exactly where you need to be.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

For a long time, I believed that everything I put out into the world, especially on social media, had to be flawless. I’d overanalyze every detail: What looks aesthetically pleasing? What content should be free versus paid? How can I maintain a professional image without showing the messy parts of myself? This need for perfection held me back, making me freeze or scrap projects before I even gave them a chance. I was so focused on creating something “perfect” that I was losing sight of the real message I wanted to share.

The turning point came when I found myself in a particularly stressful situation, feeling overwhelmed and unsure of how to move forward. A close friend sat me down and said, “You’re going to have to put yourself out there. Show people who you really are, share what you know, and stop hiding behind perfectionism.” She suggested starting a podcast if I was afraid of being on camera. This advice hit me hard, and I decided to take the leap, launching Shuffling in the Shadows as my personal tarot journal.

Despite the discomfort of recording my thoughts and sharing my voice, I pushed past the urge to make everything perfect. It wasn’t about crafting flawless content anymore—it was about sharing my authentic experience. The process of creating each episode was slow at first, with my perfectionism trying to creep back in. But as I took my time, focusing on what I truly wanted to express, I began to feel more aligned with the message I was sharing. That clarity—the feeling of lifting a weight off my chest—taught me that authenticity was the key, not perfection.

Now, as I record each episode, I remind myself that my voice, my story, and my perspective are enough. The messy, imperfect moments make the message stronger. I’m learning that perfectionism only holds me back and that showing up as I am, without editing or filtering myself into oblivion, is what creates real connection with others.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

When I first started my Meetup group, my mission was clear: I wanted to create a space for people to explore spiritual growth, connect with one another, and share in the wisdom of the community. I was committed to offering support and guidance, and for a long time, I poured my heart and soul into making that happen. But as time passed, I began to realize that something was missing. Despite my best efforts, I found myself giving so much without receiving much in return. This imbalance was taking a toll on me, and I knew I had to make a difficult choice.

When I decided to introduce a fee structure for my Meetup community, it wasn’t without a significant internal struggle. As a spiritual practitioner, the deep desire to help as many people as possible was always at the forefront of my mind. I had long believed that the more I gave without expecting anything in return, the more I could truly make a difference. However, over time, I realized my time, energy, and knowledge were being depleted, and I wasn’t receiving anything back—not financially, emotionally, or energetically. This growing imbalance made me face the uncomfortable truth that my time and expertise were valuable, and that I needed to honor them.

The choice to introduce a cost for participation felt almost taboo at first, especially as a spiritual practitioner. I feared it would create a barrier between me and potential members, and I worried that charging for services would make me seem less authentic or compassionate. The fear of rejection was real, and when the numbers dropped drastically in response to the new model, I found myself questioning if I had made the right choice. It was painful to see people leave, but it also served as a much-needed wake-up call. This shift wasn’t about making money—it was about protecting my energy and ensuring that I could continue offering meaningful, high-quality experiences to those who truly valued them.

As the dust settled, the community that remained was a reflection of the change I had made. It was made up of people who were genuinely invested in their spiritual paths, committed to living authentically, and balanced in their approach to personal growth. These were individuals who didn’t just see the value in what I had to offer; they recognized their own value and were willing to invest in themselves and in the collective energy of the group. The focus shifted from merely being “helpful” to creating a space of mutual respect, growth, and shared commitment.

Over time, it became clear that this new structure wasn’t just about financial sustainability—it was a catalyst for deeper engagement and connection. The shift to a paid model served as a mutual agreement between me and the community, a way to acknowledge and support each other’s efforts. By setting this boundary, I communicated that my time, my knowledge, and my energy were worth something, and in doing so, I attracted individuals who were equally dedicated to investing in their own growth. It was a reminder that sometimes, valuing yourself more deeply can create a ripple effect that empowers those around you to do the same.

This pivot also had a profound impact on my mindset. I realized that I had to protect what was valuable to me—not just for my own well-being, but for the continued success of the community I was building. The shift helped me recognize the importance of setting boundaries, not just for my personal protection, but for the health of the group as a whole. I had to be firm in what I required in exchange for sharing my time, knowledge, and energy. By doing so, I found a new sense of confidence in the work I was doing, knowing that it wasn’t just about giving freely—it was about creating a sustainable and meaningful exchange.

Looking back, this change was a pivotal moment in my spiritual and professional journey. It was a lesson in balance and self-respect, and it’s one that continues to inform my approach to both my work and my personal life. While I still have a deep desire to help others, I now understand that I must also honor my own boundaries and value the work I do. The community’s response has been overwhelmingly positive, and I’ve seen the group grow in ways I hadn’t anticipated. By making this tough decision, I was able to build a community that’s not only supportive but also committed, and that’s something I could never have achieved without first learning to honor my own worth.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.tuckedintarot.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tuckedintarot/?hl=en
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TuckedinTarot
• Other: https://www.meetup.com/tuckedintarot/?eventOrigin=event_home_page https://open.spotify.com/show/47mHHrPHspSN4ZG4rzA2Tg?si=fcfcb6bb44e348b3