Today we’d like to introduce you to Madison McKinley Isner.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Madison McKinley. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I started perchance – I’m a creator, so I am in constant need for an outlet! When I was in High school, I started making jewelry for my mom and started creating my own designs. My grandmother was also an artist so growing up she was always an inspiration to me. I always looked up to her and her designs. One of my mom’s best friends had her own clothing line and reached out to me when I was in high school to design some pieces for her look book. The pieces were not going to be sold, but they were going to be used to style her entire collection with. I would say that is when my doors first opened. When I graduated college in 2016 I moved to Wyoming for 6 months. I had the opportunity to meet with an incredible artist and explore different medians and this is where I truly got inspired to design my own line. Madison McKinley was founded a year later, in 2017. We are almost a year old and I truly cannot tell you how much I have learned since the day I started. We now sell to several small specialty boutiques and host a lot of trunk shows. I also love working with other artisans on collaborations, my most recent collaboration was with Sophie Maguire, a local Dallas Blogger. We created a line together and a portion of the proceeds were donated to Family Legacy. I love thinking of ways to be creative but also give back that is one of the things I am most passionate about.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
If there aren’t any struggles along the way then you are doing something wrong – you aren’t taking any chances. So of course we have come across many struggles. I am always learning something new each and everyday. One of the biggest struggles is truly finding who our customer is. I think that has been the biggest learn curve for me and my team. I love creating styles that are unique and bold, but at the end of the day you have to focus on creating styles that are strong, bold, but also easy to sell. Sometimes the more fashion pieces are the ones that are hardest to sell.
Madison McKinley – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Born out of a curiosity for the artisanal and handmade, Madison McKinley is an American jewelry company that embodies the spirit of wanderlust and creates one of a kind jewelry for the journey ahead. We launched in 2017 in Dallas, Texas by mother-daughter duo Madison and Karla McKinley with the goal of creating handmade, artisan pieces that are timeless, functional, and unique. I think the thing I am most proud of for the company is my team. I think it is so important to have a solid team, even though my team is small we truly have a special bond and work so well together. I think in order to have a successful company, it is key to build a solid foundation and that starts with your team. I think one thing that sets us apart is that all of our pieces are handmade in the United States. We still have a lot to learn and a lot of growing to do, but I am passionate about what I do and that is what makes my job the most fun. There is always something new to learn.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I personally define success as following your heart and doing what you love. I think there is a lot of pressure on people this day and age, but I always tell people if you have a passion go for it and you will learn along the way. I truly feel like there are so many things that I am looking out for. One thing that I think is important is to set goals as a company and for myself and to always go back to the goals you set to see how far along you have come. It is also important to set realistic goals.
Pricing:
- $75-$250
- $250 and above is our fine jewelry
Contact Info:
- Website: www.madisonmckinley.us
- Email: hello@madisonmckinley.us
- Instagram: https://www.madisonmckinley.us/instagram.com/madisonmckinleydesigns
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/madisonmckinleydesigns/
Image Credit:
@kbatemanphotography for the Spring 2019 photos
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