We’re looking forward to introducing you to Rachel Darden. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Rachel, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Lately, I’ve been getting back into crafting. I used to love arts and crafts growing up, so I decided to step away from creating on a screen or behind a camera and get back to using my hands with paint, scissors, glue, and simply create. It really is one of the simple joys I love! I recently made a floral pumpkin centerpiece and a Baltimore Ravens shirt.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Rachel Darden, Creative Director for Reagan Sanai Essentials. I’m passionate about bringing stories to life through design, branding, and strategy. As a self taught creative, I get to shape how our brand connects with families, from social media and product campaigns to community events and storytelling.
What makes my work special is that I get to stand at the crossroads of faith, creativity, and purpose, helping translate our mission into visuals and experiences that inspire. Whether it’s crafting a marketing campaign, curating events that empower people, or developing content that educates parents about natural hair care, my goal is always the same: to create with intention and impact.
Beyond my role with Reagan Sanai, I also lead projects under John Mark Productions and Chosen by Grace, where I design events and wellness experiences that encourage people to rest, reset, and grow. For me, creativity isn’t just about visuals, it’s about telling stories that matter and building spaces where people feel seen, cared for, and inspired.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
In this season, I feel God asking me to release the part of me that feels I have to prove myself through accomplishments. That part of me served its purpose, it taught me discipline, resilience, and how to push through challenges. But now, I know I don’t have to strive to be enough. My worth isn’t tied to how much I create, produce, or accomplish.
I’ve let go of that pressure and stepped into a rhythm of rest and trust, creating from a place of peace, not performance. This release is making room for me to grow authentically, lean fully on God’s timing, and embrace the joy in the journey.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me and is currently teaching me how to have joy in the journey! Sometimes, I get so caught up in the destination that I lose sight of the journey. I realized that focusing on a single destination is such an illusion that steals away from the now. I was striving for so long that I forgot that joy, love, and peace are in the present not just in a destination.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I am committed to the belief that rest, healing, and purpose can coexist. I believe that women don’t have to choose between carrying their responsibilities and tending to their souls. I try my best to include rest into every aspect of my life. I bring it into every project I pour into, whether it’s a creative campaign for Reagan Sanai, designing meaningful events through John Mark Productions, or leading Rest to Reset spaces.
No matter how long it takes, I’m committed to building spaces both physical and digital where people feel seen, restored, and reminded of their worth. It’s not just a project, it’s a calling. And I trust that in God’s timing, the seeds I plant today will blossom into something far greater than I can imagine.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
With only 10 years left, I’d stop judging myself so harshly, saying yes to things that drain me just because I feel obligated, and I’d stop putting my rest and joy at the bottom of the list.
I’d want to spend more time being present with God in nature, with the people I love. I’d focus on creating from a place of freedom, not pressure. Lastly, I’d give myself more permission to slow down, to savor the small moments, and to live fully.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Cbg115.com
- Instagram: _@rachelldarden, @cbg115, @johnmarkproductions
