When did you realize you wanted to be a designer?
I realized I wanted to be a creator at a very young age. Ever since I was little, being creative, artistic, and making things was something I always did for fun. My favorite movie when I was a young girl was Cinderella and I always watched the part where she made her dress for the ball on repeat. From that moment on I always knew I wanted to make something for people that they could wear and feel confident in themselves.
What is your favorite part about being a designer?
I love to create things. My favorite part about being a designer is gathering inspiration and creating ideas and watching them come to fruition.
Where do you get most of your inspirations from?
A majority of my inspirations come from the Steerhead Ranch in Wyoming. I also get a lot of my inspiration from my family, specifically from my grandmothers and my mom. A lot of my inspirations come from my travels throughout the world. I am very fortunate and have been able to travel to incredible places throughout my life. I also have a husband that travels a lot for work and luckily I get to tag along and take adventures and explore magnificent countries and cities throughout the world.
What is your #1 advice to young artists?
Never stop creating! Always go out into the world and never be afraid to fail! Collaborate with other artists and surround yourself with people who inspire you.
How do you see your brand evolving in 5 years?
I would love for my brand to expand into a lifestyle brand incorporating other items that I love and enjoy, but for right now jewelry is the perfect fit for us!
What are three pieces every woman should have in their wardrobe?
Wrangler jeans, a white t-shirt and a good pair of boots! OH… and don't forget the cowboy hat!
Who inspires you the most in fashion/art?
My grandmothers, Helen McKinley and Diana D'elia, and my mom Karla McKinley. There's simply nothing like them.
How do you manage a work/life balance?
Ha - I don't. Work/Life balance is something that is constantly evolving for me and I'm always trying to figure out the best way to handle everything. But if anything, take life day by day. Some days the balance is a lot better than others and that’s okay!
What is your biggest challenge and how do you find yourself overcoming it?
My biggest challenge is remembering to disconnect and finding time to connect with my husband and my family. I've found that setting a schedule and using my time more wisely with more purpose has helped me combat this issue. My husband and I set a time where we connect to one another and disconnect from our phones and our computers etc.
All the love,
The Madison McKinley Team