Life & Work with Madison Sieli

Today we’d like to introduce you to Madison Sieli.

Hi Madison, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself. 
I moved to Dallas from St. Louis about three years ago and was immediately intrigued by the vast food scene in the city compared to my hometown. There were so many different spots I was eager to try and wanted to discover in the downtown area. 

As I started dining at different restaurants with friends, I realized that there is so much more to a restaurant besides just their food and drinks. I really enjoyed experiencing the vibe, aesthetic, and story behind each business. Being new to the area, I made an effort to chat with servers, bartenders, managers, etc. to learn more about the establishment and make connections. I wanted to capture the entire experience and share it with others. So, I began posting about different spots on social media, showcasing not only the food/drinks but also my favorite aspects behind each local place. 

As I shared my experiences and recommendations on my Instagram stories, I noticed more and more people were engaging with my posts. They loved the way I showcased not just the food but the environment as well. I was surprised how many Dallasites hadn’t been to what I thought were popular spots in the area. It was truly heartwarming to see the positive response and the growing group of followers who used my recommendations and found new places to go. I also started receiving texts all the time from friends asking where to go for a birthday dinner, cocktails, date, sushi spot, best margarita, etc. 

This sparked an idea to find ways to share my knowledge of the Dallas restaurant scene. That’s when I started exploring TikTok, realizing its rising popularity and its ability to convey information in a short and engaging format. I began creating brief videos explaining different Dallas spots based on specific occasions and categories. 

My TikTok videos became a hit, attracting an even wider audience and connecting me with like-minded people. They appreciated my ability to capture the essence of a restaurant and how I categorized the best spots. It was incredible to see how many people were interested in exploring new culinary gems and trusted my recommendations. I have recently had strangers ask me in public if I’m “the girl from TikTok that posts about Dallas places” and how much they love my content, which was really awesome to hear. 

As my online presence grew, I became even more curious about the inner workings of the Dallas restaurant industry. Through my journey, I’ve been fortunate enough to receive opportunities within the Dallas community. I’ve been invited to visit restaurants, attend openings, and collaborate on special events and promotions. It’s been so fun to connect with the passionate individuals who make the Dallas dining scene so vibrant. I’m grateful for the connections and experiences that have come my way, and can’t wait to continue doing more! 

I want to inspire others to explore not only new restaurants in the Dallas area but other things as well. Different workout studios, pop-up shops, local boutiques, and appreciate all that Dallas has to offer. I am excited continue to promote, explore, and post on my social media platforms to reach as many people as I can. 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Growing a large following on social media is no easy feat, especially when trying to balance it with a full-time job. It requires dedication, consistency, and a significant amount of time and effort. After a long day at work, it can be challenging to find the energy and motivation to create content, engage with followers, and stay updated with the latest trends. Finding a balance between work responsibilities and social media efforts becomes crucial, but it can be a real challenge to allocate enough time for both. 

Building a large following on social media also requires consistency in posting content. TikTok experts state in order to grow a large following and quickly, posting 3-5 times per day is ideal. Followers expect regular updates and engagement, and consistency is key to maintaining their interest. However, when you have a demanding full-time job, it becomes difficult to consistently create and publish content. It can be a juggling act to find the right balance between work commitments and social media presence. 

Building a large following on social media also requires active engagement with your audience and networking with other influencers or industry professionals. Responding to comments, messages and participating in discussions take time and effort. As my account grows, dedicating time to engage with followers and create meaningful connections continues to be something I will work towards to ensure I am able to balance both in a healthy manner. 

Despite these challenges, many individuals successfully manage to grow a large following on social media while balancing a full-time job. It requires time management, prioritization, and a true joy for the content being created. It may take longer to achieve substantial growth, but with perseverance and dedication, it is possible to create a balanced process between work and social media success. 

Are there any books, apps, podcasts, or blogs that help you do your best?
Books; Atomic Habits 

Apps: 

Pinterest 

Canva 

CapCut 

Headspace 

TikTok 

Instagram 

Podcasts: 

Note to Self 

Mindset Mentor 

Huberman Lab 

The Morning Toast 

Skinny Confidential 

Blogs: 

Dallaseater 

Dallasites101 

Contact Info:

• Website: https://madewithmadison.my.canva.site/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madisieli/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/madison-sieli-079b7819a/
• Other: tiktok.com/@madisonnotmaddi

Image Credits
Jose Luis