We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Madiana Margao. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Madiana below.

Madiana, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

The genesis of Red Sprinkle is a story deeply rooted in personal passion, shared adversity, and a commitment to empowering others. Having cultivated my skills in the fashion industry, from styling to directing visual narratives at Macy’s, my journey took an unexpected turn upon returning to DC for a lateral position with a luxury brand. Despite my qualifications, I encountered discrimination on multiple fronts, leading to wrongful termination and a daunting legal battle.

In the aftermath of this tumultuous period, I found myself at a crossroads, grappling with the uncertainty of my professional future. It was during a serendipitous moment, shared with my sister, who brought her expertise in beauty to the table, that the seeds of Red Sprinkle were sown. Both of us, unemployed at the time and residing as neighbors within the same condo community, embarked on what began as a typical bonding night, but yielded extraordinary results.

Amidst laughter and shared memories, we engaged in an activity we affectionately call the ‘Loves and Passions’ exercise. This simple yet profound activity involved categorizing our deepest passions and aspirations, each represented by a column. As we meticulously filled the pages, a remarkable alignment emerged – children, fashion, vision, and creativity stood out prominently. It was a moment of clarity, a realization that our combined passions and talents held the potential to effect meaningful change.

Growing up in the inner-city neighborhoods of DC, we intimately understood the struggles faced by young women like ourselves – a scarcity of resources, opportunities, and recognition. Red Sprinkle, born from this shared epiphany, became more than just a business endeavor; it became a vehicle for social impact and empowerment.

Our vision for Red Sprinkle was grounded in the belief that we could rewrite the narrative, providing tangible opportunities for young women who looked like us to thrive in industries traditionally inaccessible to them. By marrying our creative acumen with a profound sense of purpose, we aimed to disrupt the status quo and pave the way for a more inclusive, equitable future.

The logic behind our venture was twofold – firstly, we identified a glaring gap in the market, a lack of representation and opportunity for marginalized communities within the fashion and beauty industries. Secondly, we recognized the transformative power of our shared vision, a vision fueled by a deep-seated desire to effect positive change in our community.

Red Sprinkle isn’t just a business; it’s a testament to resilience, collaboration, and the unwavering belief that through passion and purpose, anything is possible. As we continue on this journey, we remain steadfast in our commitment to amplifying diverse voices, fostering creativity, and empowering the next generation of trailblazers.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

In the vibrant tapestry of the fashion and entertainment industries, Red Sprinkle Fashion Bootcamp stands as a beacon of empowerment and opportunity for aspiring youth. Our journey is one marked by passion, innovation, and a relentless commitment to nurturing talent and fostering pathways to success.

Founded on the belief that exposure and hands-on experience are paramount in shaping the future of fashion, Red Sprinkle embarked on its mission in 2012. Partnering with the esteemed non-profit organization, Mary’s Center, we launched a transformative six-week program aimed at introducing young individuals to the multifaceted world of fashion and entertainment.

Our approach was immersive and collaborative, as participants had the privilege of working alongside prominent creative professionals, including the renowned celebrity stylist Adrin “Seven” Washington. Supported by major brands like OPI, NYX Cosmetics, and Minx Nails, our youth gained invaluable insights and skills across various disciplines, from hair and makeup to photography and fashion design.

The culmination of our inaugural program resulted in the production of a one-hour special, “Not Your Ordinary Fashion Camp,” which aired on NBC News, catapulting Red Sprinkle into the spotlight and solidifying our reputation as innovators in youth fashion education.

Since then, our journey has been defined by growth and evolution. We have expanded our reach beyond traditional programming, securing contracts with educational institutions, government agencies, community-based organizations, and major non-profits. By relieving the financial burden from youth and families and placing it on these agencies, we ensure accessibility and inclusivity, making our programs available to all aspiring fashion enthusiasts, regardless of their socioeconomic background.

At the heart of Red Sprinkle is our unwavering dedication to fostering talent and inspiring the next generation of fashion innovators. Our curriculum spans a diverse array of skills, from hair and makeup to fashion design and entrepreneurship, providing participants with the tools they need to thrive in a competitive industry.

In addition to our hands-on programs, I am proud to have authored “30 Days of Style: DIY & Crafts,” a book that not only offers 30 captivating projects with potential monetization but also serves as a testament to my personal journey as an entrepreneur. Its acceptance into the Library of Congress catalog in 2019 stands as a proud achievement, symbolizing the impact of our work beyond the realms of our programs.

What sets Red Sprinkle apart is our holistic approach to fashion education. We believe in empowering our youth not only with technical skills but also with the confidence and resilience needed to navigate the complexities of the industry. Our success stories, such as an aspiring fashion model who credited Red Sprinkle with providing the training and support necessary to thrive in New York City, are a testament to the transformative power of our programs.

To potential clients, followers, and fans, I want you to know that Red Sprinkle Fashion Bootcamp is more than just a program—it’s a community, a support system, and a launchpad for dreams. Whether you’re a budding fashionista looking to explore your passion or an organization seeking innovative youth programming, we invite you to join us on our journey of creativity, empowerment, and endless possibilities.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

Embarking on the journey of entrepreneurship with Red Sprinkle Fashion Bootcamp was a remarkable odyssey, one that defied traditional notions of startup capital and instead thrived on grassroots ingenuity and collaboration. Our story is a testament to the power of resourcefulness, community support, and the unwavering dedication to our mission.
Unlike many startups that grapple with the daunting task of securing initial capital, Red Sprinkle was born from a unique confluence of circumstances that required no financial investment upfront. The genesis of our venture can be traced back to a serendipitous alignment of pre-existing resources and a shared vision for empowering youth in the realm of fashion and entertainment.

The very name “Red Sprinkle” had its roots in my sister Rebecca’s brief foray into the online boutique scene. Though her venture ultimately closed its doors due to timing and market dynamics, the business credentials and licensures remained active, providing us with a ready-made foundation upon which to build our aspirations.

With the support of a talented friend who believed in our vision, we were able to leverage his expertise in web development, branding, and marketing without incurring any financial costs. Through a mutually beneficial arrangement based on referrals, he crafted our website, logo, and branding materials, infusing our identity with a distinctive flair that continues to resonate with our audience to this day. It’s a testament to the enduring power of collaboration that he remains an integral collaborator; contributing his talents and passion to our shared mission.

Our initial partnerships were forged through direct solicitation, a testament to our proactive approach and unwavering commitment to our cause. With all materials generously donated by supporters and donors, including operational costs covered by our first official contract following a news feature, Red Sprinkle emerged as a testament to the boundless potential of grassroots initiatives.

In essence, our journey was not fueled by conventional startup capital, but by a wealth of intangible assets: creativity, passion, community support, and a relentless drive to make a difference. As we continue to chart our course in the dynamic landscape of fashion education, we remain deeply rooted in the principles of collaboration, resourcefulness, and empowerment that have defined our journey from the very beginning.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

A lesson I had to unlearn was the pervasive habit of living either in the past or the future, neglecting the richness of the present moment. Initially, this revelation came to me as a necessity rather than a choice. As our operations expanded, I confronted a formidable adversary within myself: imposter syndrome. It was a persistent barrier that threatened to overshadow my every endeavor.

Recognizing the urgency of addressing this internal conflict, I embarked on a journey of self-discovery and healing. Therapy became my sanctuary, where I not only confronted my insecurities but also unearthed invaluable insights from the teachings of Stoicism. Through the fusion of theoretical understanding and experiential therapy, I gradually integrated mindfulness into the fabric of my daily existence.

One of the most profound transformations occurred in my approach to establishing boundaries. With newfound clarity and resilience, I delineated healthy boundaries within both my professional domain and personal sphere. This shift enabled me to preserve a delicate equilibrium between my commitments to serving our youth and clients and nurturing my familial bonds.

Central to this equilibrium was my unwavering commitment to maintaining a healthy work-life balance. By prioritizing self-care and mindfulness, I safeguarded against the insidious specter of burnout. Consequently, I could wholeheartedly invest myself in my familial responsibilities while fulfilling my professional obligations with renewed vigor and authenticity.

In essence, the journey of unlearning and relearning was not merely a process of shedding old habits but a profound metamorphosis of the self. Through resilience, introspection, and the guiding light of Stoic principles, I emerged not as a victim of my circumstances but as a master of my destiny, anchored firmly in the present moment.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.redsprinkle.com
• Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/instagram
• Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/redsprinkle
• Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/redsprinkle
• Other: The Sprinkle Collection: https://redsprinkle.bigcartel.com–Introducing the Sprinkle Collection by Red Sprinkle: a vibrant athleisure line designed and produced by our youth participants. Each piece blends style and functionality, reflecting their creativity and passion. 100% of profits directly benefit the youth, empowering them with opportunities for growth and education. Wear with pride, knowing you’re supporting the leaders of tomorrow.