You Handled That Perfectly: Choosing Your Priorities & Trusting Life's Detours with Carly Cruickshank | Episode 198

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What if living intentionally wasn't about doing more—but about getting clear on what matters most?

In this heartfelt conversation, I'm joined by Carly Cruickshank —mom, entrepreneur, designer, and co-host of You Handled That Perfectly™. Together, we explore the freedom that comes from choosing a single priority and allowing that priority to guide the decisions we make every day.

Carly shares her journey from corporate burnout to building White Space Design®, her own successful packaging design agency, after recognizing that the life she wanted to create for herself and her family required a different path. We discuss the courage it takes to walk away from what no longer aligns, the beauty of trusting life's unexpected detours, and how even the smallest decisions have the power to shape our future.

From losing everything in a devastating apartment robbery only to meet the man who would become her husband, to discovering her passion for graphic design through one simple act of curiosity, Carly's story is a powerful reminder that life often unfolds in ways we never could have planned.

In this episode, we explore:

✨ Why having one clear priority can simplify decision-making and reduce overwhelm

✨ Releasing hustle culture and redefining success on your own terms

✨ The ripple effect of small, intentional choices

✨ Trusting yourself through major life transitions

✨ Finding freedom, presence, and alignment in the everyday decisions we make

If you've been feeling stretched thin, overwhelmed by competing priorities, or searching for permission to simplify, this conversation is a gentle reminder that you don't have to do it all. You simply have to honor what matters most.

Because sometimes the most intentional life is built one choice, one priority, and one perfectly handled moment at a time.

ABOUT CARLY : 

Carly is a mom, entrepreneur, designer, and podcaster! After spending over a decade in the design industry, she launched her own design agency, White Space Design®. Her focus is on consumer product goods with a specialty in packaging, think anything you see on a store shelf! Her mission is to give your brand the space it needs to stand out on the shelf through visually compelling design.

Merging her passions: business, design, and motherhood, Carly and her childhood best friend, Kelly Avalon, co-host the podcast, You Handled That Perfectly™. This podcast is a supportive space to share stories, find guidance, and celebrate the truth that if you’re trying your best, you’re already handling things perfectly.

Carly lives in Southern California, with her husband, two kids, and a puppy. She loves traveling, a good book, things that sparkle, live music, playing piano, ballet, and spending quality time with family and friends.

CONNECT WITH CARLY : 

• Website : whitespacedesign.co & youhandledthatperfectly.com
• Instagram : @whitespacedesignagegncy + @youhandledthatperfectly

MORE FROM THIS PODCAST : 

• PURCHASE YOUR "Fall in love with yourself + your life : 2026 Planner!" 
• FREE DOWNLOADABLE GUIDE - Creating a Heart-Centered Foundation 
• Follow on INSTAGRAM
• Work 1:1 with Ashley : Book an Intentional Living Connection Call

MUSIC BY: 

• Tristen Whaley / @t_whales / [e-mail] / Spotify