Courtney Gardner-Prince

I attribute my success to perseverance and staying connected to my purpose. Over the years, I've started several businesses, including VIP Weddings and Events and a few other ventures. Many of them were successful, but I often found myself moving on to the next idea before giving them the opportunity to fully mature. Sometimes I would lose interest, sell the business, or dissolve it altogether.

One experience that has always stayed with me happened after I closed my wedding business. Shortly afterward, I received a call from Wedding Wire inviting me to be featured. It was a reminder that sometimes opportunities arrive just after we've convinced ourselves to quit. Had I held on a little longer, the outcome may have been very different.

That lesson has shaped the way I approach The Art of Ascending. Founded in 2016, it is the longest I've ever remained committed to a business because it is deeply connected to my purpose and the impact I want to make in the world. When challenges arise, I remind myself why I started.

My advice to others is simple: keep going. If you truly believe in what you're building, don't give up too soon. Success often comes to those who stay committed long enough to see their vision through. Sometimes the breakthrough is much closer than it appears.

One of the best pieces of career advice I've ever received was to stop waiting until I felt completely ready and trust that I could figure things out along the way. I remember reading Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg early in my professional journey, and one idea that stayed with me was that opportunities often come before we feel fully prepared for them.

That advice challenged me to raise my hand for leadership roles, start businesses, speak in rooms that stretched me, and pursue opportunities that felt bigger than my comfort zone. Looking back, many of the most meaningful accomplishments in my career happened because I was willing to step forward before I had everything figured out.

I've learned that growth rarely happens when we feel completely ready. It happens when we're willing to trust our experience, continue learning, and take the next step anyway.

My advice to young women is to become an authority in your field. Never stop learning. Read, study, ask questions, seek mentorship, and take advantage of opportunities to gain experience. Volunteer when you can, be willing to do the work, and don't be afraid to put yourself in rooms that challenge and inspire you.

Just as importantly, learn to advocate for yourself. Introduce yourself. Share your ideas. Build relationships. Too often, young women underestimate the value of their voice and assume they need more experience, more credentials, or more permission before they can contribute. The truth is that your perspective matters.

Be your own biggest cheerleader. Believe in your abilities, trust your instincts, and don't be afraid to take up space. Confidence grows through action, not perfection.

You are exactly who you believe yourself to be. The moment you begin to see yourself as capable, worthy, and valuable is the moment others will begin to see it too.

One of the biggest challenges in my field right now is helping children and families stay connected in a world that is increasingly disconnected. We have more access to information, technology, and resources than ever before, yet many young people are struggling with anxiety, emotional regulation, loneliness, identity, and meaningful connection.

At the same time, many parents, educators, and helping professionals are doing the best they can while navigating their own stress, responsibilities, and changing expectations. There is often a gap between what we know children need and our ability to consistently provide it.

The opportunity lies in shifting our focus from simply managing behaviors to strengthening relationships. When we invest in connection, communication, emotional wellness, and understanding, we create environments where children and families can thrive. I believe there is also a growing recognition that mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being are interconnected, which creates exciting opportunities for more holistic approaches to supporting individuals and families.

As professionals, we have an opportunity to equip parents, educators, and caregivers with practical tools that strengthen relationships, build resilience, and help young people reach their full potential.

What I find most rewarding is knowing that I have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others. Sometimes that means helping create lasting change, and other times it simply means planting a seed. I may not always be present to see the final outcome, but each day I have the privilege of encouraging, supporting, and inspiring the people I encounter—whether through my professional work, my business, or everyday interactions. Knowing that I may have helped someone see themselves differently, take a step forward, or recognize their potential is one of the greatest blessings and gifts of my life.

Equally important to me is being a mother. I am blessed to have three amazing sons, ages 16, 12, and 6, who bring so much joy and purpose to my life. No matter how busy life becomes, my favorite role will always be Mom. I cherish the fact that my children still enjoy spending time with me and that we are constantly creating memories and going on adventures together. Those moments are priceless, and they remind me every day of what truly matters.