We had the good fortune of connecting with Courtney Washington and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Courtney, what habits do you feel play an important role in your life?
There was a time in my life when I found myself constantly saying, “Nothing ever works out for me.” It wasn’t just a passing thought—it was a recurring theme every time I hit a wall. The truth is, I wanted to succeed. I had ideas. I had dreams. But I had no clue how to bridge the gap between constant failure and real freedom.

At 25 years old, I reached the end of an era—or honestly, the end of myself. I looked around at all the broken pieces of my life and thought: There’s got to be more than this.

And then, clear as day, one word dropped into my spirit: Systems.
Immediately, I pictured a factory with alarms blaring and a red light flashing—something had gone wrong, and the whole operation was thrown off.

That was my life.
It wasn’t lack of talent. It wasn’t lack of ideas.
It was lack of systems.

The whole world runs on systems. So why didn’t I?
My life was chaotic, unpredictable, and running on vibes when what I really needed was structure—the kind of structure that only solid systems could give me.

And if you’re wondering what a “system” actually is:
It’s a set of principles or procedures according to which something is done; an organized framework or method.

From that moment on, I got to work. I started creating systems for everything. My kids had a morning method they followed. I developed a system for how I showed up to work. I even created a rotating structure for my self-care—days for showers, lash appointments, nail maintenance, banking, emails, content creation—you name it.

Everything had a method.
Everything had a flow.
And for the first time, I had accountability.

Those small systems stacked up over time and became the backbone of my success. It wasn’t magic. It wasn’t luck. It was method. And that made all the difference.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As a creative, I carry a unique blend of faith, strategy, and storytelling that sets me apart. I’m not just here to create—I’m here to build with wisdom. Everything I do, whether it’s designing a course, leading a ministry, teaching a class, or launching a new system, is rooted in my relationship with God and a deep desire to help others move from confusion to clarity, from pain to purpose, and from stuck to soaring.

What sets me apart is the way I fuse biblical wisdom with practical systems. I believe creativity isn’t just about what you make—it’s about how you live. I’ve built frameworks, courses, games, and communities that serve women and Kingdom-minded creatives, helping them tap into their calling while organizing their lives with structure and grace. I’m most proud of the fact that everything I do points back to healing, identity, and legacy.

But getting here wasn’t easy. I know what it feels like to feel like nothing ever works out. I hit walls, questioned my purpose, and watched good ideas fall apart from lack of direction. The turning point for me came at 25, when I heard the word “Systems” and realized my dreams weren’t the problem—my structure was. That revelation shifted everything. I began organizing my life with intention, creating systems for my home, my business, and my spiritual growth. That’s when things began to change—not overnight, but steadily.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is this: Consistency will take you where talent alone cannot. You can have the gift, but without order, it will never fully bloom. I’ve also learned the power of community, the importance of rest, and that surrender is often the first step to success.

If there’s one thing I want the world to know about me, it’s that I am committed to building spaces, strategies, and stories that reflect God’s heart and unlock real transformation—for real people, living real lives.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were visiting for the week, you already know I’d be pulling out all the stops to make it unforgettable! I don’t drink, so our fun would be rooted in great food, meaningful moments, and heart-level connection—with a little adventure and intentional rest.

Day 1: Welcome & Wind Down
We’d kick things off with a relaxing evening at Grandscape. It’s one of my favorite spots to walk, talk, people-watch, and enjoy the lights and atmosphere. We’d explore the area, laugh until our cheeks hurt, and maybe catch a view from the Ferris wheel just to start the week on a high note.

Day 2: A Taste of Uptown
We’d make our way to Moxies Dallas Uptown Restaurant for a delicious dinner in a stylish atmosphere. It’s modern, cozy, and perfect for a girls’ night out. We’d savor every bite, take cute photos, and chat about everything from life to legacy.

Day 3: Let’s Play
Mini-golf anyone? We’d head to Puttery, where every course is its own creative experience. Whether we’re sinking hole-in-ones or totally missing the mark, we’d be doing it with full-on laughter, encouragement, and a little playful competition.

Day 4: Immersive Experience
Time to elevate the senses at Cosm, an immersive venue where you don’t just watch a show—you feel like you’re inside it. Whether it’s a breathtaking nature visual, an epic sports event, or something futuristic, it’s a moment that sticks with you.

Day 5: Worship & Wind Down
We’d take time to recenter at my home church, RIG: DFW. There’s nothing like the presence of God to restore, recharge, and bring fresh clarity. Afterward, we’d enjoy a slow, peaceful evening—journaling, talking, or simply resting in the stillness.

Day 6: Brunch & Goodbye (for now)
We’d close the trip with a beautiful farewell brunch at 360 Brunch House. The food is top-tier, the atmosphere thoughtfully designed. It’s the kind of place where conversations linger, and gratitude takes the lead. We’d reflect on the week, give thanks, and part ways refreshed and full—spirit, soul, and body.

Because to me, the best time isn’t just about the places—it’s about the presence, peace, and purpose wrapped into every moment we share.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First and foremost, I want to dedicate this shoutout to God—Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior. Every day, I anchor myself in His Word, and it’s through His wisdom and guidance that I navigate life. He instructs me, leads me, and sustains me in all things.

Next, I want to honor my husband. He’s been a constant source of encouragement, a steady shoulder to lean on, and truly the backbone of every endeavor I’ve pursued. His support means more than words can express, and I’m so grateful to walk this journey with him by my side.

Website: https://www.arisedaughtersacademy.com

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