Today we’d like to introduce you to Madison Crone.
Hi Madison, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Fashion has always fascinated me, not just as clothing, but as a form of self-expression and communication. What we wear often speaks before we do, it’s how we show the world who we are, what we value, and even how we feel on the inside. As a psychology major, I’ve been deeply interested in the way fashion connects to our mental health and state of mind. The right outfit can change how we carry ourselves, boost our confidence, and influence how we interact with others. There’s something so powerful about that connection, the way clothing can stimulate creativity, help us express our identities, and create moments of connection with people who resonate with our style.
At the same time, I couldn’t ignore the darker side of the fashion industry. The rise of fast fashion has created a culture of overconsumption, waste, and environmental harm. I wanted to find a way to merge my love for fashion with my values, to create something meaningful that helps people feel good about what they’re wearing without contributing to the cycle of consumerism. That’s how the idea for my business was born—curating custom style bundles from secondhand sources.
For me, it’s about more than just putting together outfits. It’s about telling a story through clothes, helping people discover their style in a way that feels authentic, while also making a positive impact on the planet. By choosing secondhand, we’re not only reducing waste, but we’re also giving new life to pieces that still have so much to offer. My goal is to make fashion both personal and sustainable, to show that you don’t have to sacrifice individuality or creativity to be conscious of the bigger picture.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
One of the biggest struggles I’ve faced in building my business has been my own tendency toward overthinking. I’ve always been someone who wants things to be “just right,” and that led to what I’d call analysis paralysis- getting stuck in the planning phase, constantly second guessing myself, and delaying taking action because I wanted everything to be perfect. Whether it was designing my website, mapping out a business strategy, or even posting on social media for the first time, I often found myself caught in a cycle of self doubt.
Starting social media for the first time in my twenties was especially intimidating. There’s this vulnerability in putting yourself out there and being perceived, and for someone who naturally overanalyzes, that felt overwhelming at first. I had to push past the fear of judgment and the “what ifs” in my head, and instead focus on simply showing up.
What helped me was shifting my mindset toward growth, reminding myself that nothing has to be perfect right away. I learned to approach my business as an experiment: try an idea, put it into the world, and if it doesn’t work, adjust and try something new. That shift allowed me to break free from the cycle of overthinking and instead build small habits of action. Bit by bit, I started to see that progress comes from momentum, not perfection.
Navigating all of this as a first-time business owner has been both challenging and rewarding. I’ve had to accept that mistakes and failures aren’t signs to quit—they’re opportunities to learn and refine. That’s what has allowed me to grow, not only as an entrepreneur, but as a person.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Madison Avenue Thrifted Collection?
My business is an online store where I curate custom style bundles, and what makes it truly unique is the personalized experience behind each one. Clients select the type of bundle they’d like from our website and then share their Pinterest board with us, which serves as the inspiration for their pieces. From there, I take into account their measurements, preferences, and overall vision, and communicate with them throughout the process to make sure it feels seamless and fun.
What sets my brand apart is the intentionality. This isn’t just about sending out random secondhand items, it’s about curating pieces that reflect each client’s individuality while staying true to sustainable practices. Because of my background and passion for fashion, I’m able to work across a wide range of styles and decades, which means clients aren’t limited to just one “look.” Whether someone loves timeless vintage, edgy streetwear, or classic minimalism, I can build something that feels authentic to them.
I take a lot of pride in being able to merge creativity, sustainability, and psychology into this work. Fashion is such a powerful tool for self-expression and confidence, and I want my clients to feel seen in the clothing they receive. At the same time, I’m proud that my business makes a statement against fast fashion and consumerism by sourcing secondhand. Every bundle is not only tailored to the client, but also kinder to the planet.
What I want readers to know about my brand is that it’s more than just shopping- it’s about discovering your identity through style in a way that is personal, sustainable, and one of a kind. I want people to feel excited and inspired by what they wear, while also knowing they’re making a conscious choice to support a better future for fashion.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Work ethic is extremely important to me. From a young age, I’ve always been willing to put in the effort to reach my goals. When I was in elementary school, I set up a lemonade stand and would work for eight hours a day, withstanding the summer heat and learning how to handle money. That experience taught me the value of dedication and consistency, and it eventually allowed me to buy my first car on my own.
That same drive has carried into adulthood. I’ve worked at the same restaurant for over five years, saving money and pushing myself to stay disciplined and focused, even when it wasn’t easy. I truly believe that being willing to show up, put in the work, and stay consistent is what has allowed me to take the leap into building my business.
Work ethic is what pushes me past my doubts and helps me move forward, even when I don’t have all the answers yet. It’s what makes “impossible” feel possible, and it’s the foundation I’m building my business on. I know that as long as I continue to approach challenges with persistence and resilience, I can keep growing and creating something meaningful.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.madisonavenuethriftedcollection.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madisonavethrift/
Image Credits
Photography credit- Madison Crone
