Welcome to In the Garden: Coming Soon
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I'm an Unlikely Gardener
I’ve killed more plants than I can count. But with every formerly photosynthesizing dream, the garden has quietly taught me resilience, patience, and to believe in what I can’t yet see. For generations, my family has turned to the soil for wisdom, food, and lessons passed down through hands worn by time and trying again. Now, I understand why. My garden hasn't just grown fruit, vegetables, flowers, and herbs—it has grown me.
I’m Lara. I’m a wife, mom of three, and seasoned coach and entrepreneur living in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. With a background spanning personal training in NYC, magazine publishing, goal coaching, and business leadership, my life’s work is centered on helping people cultivate what matters.
My Journey
For almost twenty years, I’ve been deeply invested in the art and science of transformation. As the founder of Southern Weddings Magazine, Cultivate What Matters, author of three books, and the creator of the best-selling PowerSheets Goal Planner, I’ve helped thousands of women uncover intentional goals and live with clarity.
In 2022, my company was acquired, and I entered a season of transformation as my dad died with his hand in mine two weeks later. I’ve been on a journey to reimagine what flourishing looks like, and I never imagined what would happen next: wellness, new strength, and faith-driven transformation. I’ll tell you more of that story (one I’m still writing) along the way.
Your Journey
If you’ve found yourself standing in the middle of your life wondering, What’s next?, you’re not alone. Maybe you feel like you’ve lost your energy, strength, or a sense of who you are. Maybe you’re searching for a way to care for yourself that isn’t about restriction but renewal. Maybe you’re craving clarity, simplicity, and a deeper connection to what truly matters. Or maybe you know something needs to change, and you don’t know what or how.
Welcome to In the Garden—a place where we don’t just talk about change; we cultivate it, one small step at a time. Here, we call ourselves Gardeners because transformation is a process of planting, tending, and harvesting. It’s not about overnight fixes but small, faithful actions that add up to a flourishing life. We embrace new seasons, little by little progress, knowing that growth happens in the waiting (whether or not we can see it or feel it!), and we get our hands dirty—no perfection required.
So, fellow Gardener, let’s dig in. Your best years aren’t behind you. They’re ahead, waiting to be cultivated with care, faith, and intention.
What is In the Garden?
In the Garden is more than a newsletter; it’s a space where transformation takes root. Here, we don’t chase quick fixes—we cultivate real change, one faithful step at a time. Through personal stories, wellness insights, and faith-driven wisdom, this is your invitation to step into a new season of clarity, strength, and purpose. Whether you're rebuilding, redefining, or simply seeking a fresh start, you’re in the right place. Rooted in faith, wellness, and intentional living, In the Garden provides the tools and insights to help you cultivate what truly matters in your life.
We are Gardeners, not just readers. We plant seeds of change. We tend to what matters. We care about the soil—because what’s beneath the surface shapes what grows above. We pull the weeds of distraction and doubt. And we celebrate growth—no matter how slow, messy, or unexpected it may be.
Why Become a Gardener?
You’re ready for real, lasting change. No more quick fixes or fleeting inspiration. Here, you’ll gain practical tools and encouragement to create a life that aligns with what truly matters.
You’re tired of feeling stuck. Maybe you’re in a season of transition, wondering what’s next. In the Garden is your space to find clarity and take intentional steps forward.
You crave more than surface-level advice. We dig deep—into faith, wellness, and sustainable transformation—so you can grow with confidence and purpose.
You don’t want to do this alone. Gardeners don’t grow in isolation. Here, you’ll find a community of like-minded women who are on the journey with you, cheering you on every step of the way.
What We Believe
Growth happens in the waiting, whether or not we can see it.
Life isn’t about chasing quick fixes; it’s about cultivating lasting transformation.
The best years aren’t behind us; they are waiting to be nurtured with intention.
Faith, wellness, and small daily actions have the power to change everything.
There is beauty in every season—even the hard ones.
You are not stuck. You are being prepared for what’s next.
What In the Garden Offers
I publish occasional personal stories and an accompanying audio version for paid subscribers. The goal is to:
Inspire transformation through real-life stories of growth and renewal
Provide practical, faith-based guidance for living well in seasons of change
Offer actionable insights on wellness, strength, and functional health
Encourage deep reflection, intentional habits, and lasting change
What Makes In the Garden Different
Unlike other newsletters focused on personal development, In the Garden integrates faith, functional medicine, and sustainable health and wellness. We'll uncover the small, meaningful shifts that lead to fundamental transformation and legacy.
Why In the Garden?
Because your new season is not the end—it’s a new beginning. This season of life is an opportunity to rewrite your story, to nourish your body, mind, and soul, and to step fully into the purpose God has for you. If you’re seeking a path to greater energy and meaning, welcome! I'm glad you're here.
Greenhouse Sessions
The Greenhouse Sessions (coming soon) is an exclusive mini-podcast series for paid subscribers of In the Garden. These sessions are deep, honest conversations with people who have walked through seasons of change—whether in business, health, or life. Just like a greenhouse creates fruitful conditions for plants to grow, these sessions provide the space to nurture new dreams, process decisions, and step into what’s next with clarity and faith.
Listeners will hear from founders and friends of Lara who have made bold choices to pivot, let go, and cultivate something new. We’ll talk about the messy middle, the unexpected joys, and the wisdom gained along the way.
How to Join In the Garden
We offer three versions of this publication:
Unpaid Subscription to In the Garden
A great but limited place to start.
Access to occasional In the Garden posts.
Cost: free to subscribe
Paid Member of In the Garden
Practical, life-giving insights help you reclaim your time, energy, and focus to live a life that feels deeply aligned with what truly matters.
Every In the Garden post and full archive access.
Audio versions of select posts—perfect for listening while you're on the go, out for a walk, making dinner, or just soaking up wisdom in the margins of your day.
Exclusive access to the Greenhouse Sessions, a monthly podcast series featuring conversations with friends who have experienced new seasons—whether in business, health, or life. These sessions cover faith, wellness, and intentional living, offering wisdom and encouragement for those stepping into new chapters of life.
A welcoming space in the comments section where real connections happen, ideas bloom, and encouragement flows freely.
Cost: $8/month or $80/year
Founding Member of In the Garden: The Garden Club
For those who are ready to go all-in on cultivating a life that truly flourishes.
Everything included in the “Paid” subscription.
Twice-yearly small group coaching calls via Zoom, where we’ll dive deep into your questions, discuss practical strategies for transformation, and provide personalized guidance to grow your life well. In short, we’ll grow together.
Exclusive access to the occasional AMA Series (ask me anything).
Cost: $140/year
How to Work With Me
If you’re ready to take control of your health and time, there are several ways to work with me:
Business Coaching – I help founders take their businesses and lives to the next level. If you're ready to step into your next season with clarity and confidence, let's connect. Send me a note and tell me more.
Fitness and Wellness Coaching – As a Certified Trainer with the National Academy of Sports Medicine (CPT), my wellness coaching helps midlife women regain energy, build strength, and embrace new seasons with a fresh zest for life. Wellness Coaching and Retreats are coming soon. Interested? Send me a note to tell me what you’re looking for.
Substack Newsletter – Subscribe to In the Garden for insights on faith, wellness, and the transformative power of stepping into a new season with clarity.
How to Get Started
Getting started is simple. Here’s how you can take the next step:
Subscribe to In the Garden – Cultivate your life with practical tips, personal stories, and insights to help you prioritize faithful well-being.
Get Coached – If you’re ready for deep transformation, let's connect. Send me a note here.
Become a Paid Subscriber – Join a like-minded group of women who want to get the most out of this life! I'm excited to do this alongside you.
Join the Movement
I believe in creating a movement where women embrace strength, energy, and a renewed zest for life. Subscribe to the newsletter and website to receive full access and never miss an update.
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Be part of a community of people who share your interests. Become a Founding Member today.
Here, we don’t strive for perfection—we show up, get our hands dirty, and keep tending to what matters. We embrace the small beginnings, knowing that they lead to flourishing futures.
So, take a breath. This is your invitation to step into a new season with faith, intention, and joy.
Are you ready? Let’s dig in.