We recently connected with Madison Grissom and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Madison thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.
Madison’s Journey: Embracing Risks and Growth
My name is Madison Grissom, and I’m 25 years old, born and raised in the District of Columbia area. My story is one of taking risks and embracing growth, starting from my early modeling days.
The Beginning: SYEP Program
I began modeling when I was 15, through the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP). This experience ignited my passion for the industry and gave me a taste of what could be possible.
The Big Move: New York City
The most significant risk I took came when I was 18. Fresh out of high school, my mom, who has always been my biggest supporter, told me to pack my bags one summer day. The next day, I was moving to New York City to pursue my modeling dreams more seriously. It was a sudden change, and I wasn’t fully mature enough to understand the enormity of the decision. I knew my goals but was reluctant to leave behind the memories and people I grew up with.
The Struggles and Persistence
Moving to NYC was a whirlwind. I traveled back and forth to D.C. for casting gigs, facing numerous rejections. Despite hearing “no” repeatedly, I refused to give up. I kept putting myself out there, believing in my worth and potential for greatness. It was a challenging period, but I learned the importance of resilience and persistence.
Self-Improvement and Growth
During this time, I realized that to succeed in the outer world, I needed to work on my inner self. I focused on building my confidence, continuing my education, and developing leadership and motivation skills. I often reminded myself, “I have to be the person I needed in my own life.” This mindset helped me grow beyond my comfort zone.
Embracing Risks Daily
I continue to take risks every day by choosing better for myself and my future. I trust in God to show me my assignments and learn from them for the better. Taking risks is not just about big moves but also about making small, daily decisions that push me towards growth and self-improvement.
Reflection
Looking back, moving to New York City and pursuing modeling full-time was one of the most significant risks I’ve taken. It opened my eyes to the world and taught me invaluable lessons about resilience, self-worth, and the importance of stepping out of my comfort zone. My journey is a testament to the power of taking risks and believing in oneself, and I’m grateful for every step along the way.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
One of the most significant lessons I had to unlearn was the mindset of just surviving and accepting the bare minimum. Here’s the backstory:
Growing up, I was always taught to be practical and to make do with what I had. This mindset was rooted in ensuring stability and avoiding unnecessary risks. It was a way of thinking that emphasized caution and settling for what was readily available, rather than striving for more.
When I moved to New York City at 18 to pursue my modeling career, I carried this mindset with me. The city was overwhelming, and the modeling industry was fiercely competitive. Rejections were frequent, and it was easy to fall into the trap of just getting by. I found myself accepting gigs that didn’t fulfill me just to pay the bills and maintain a semblance of stability.
As I continued to navigate my modeling career and started my wig business, I realized that merely surviving wasn’t enough. I wanted more than just to get by; I wanted to thrive and pursue my passions wholeheartedly. This realization was a slow and sometimes painful process. I had to confront my fears and insecurities, and most importantly, I had to have faith in myself and my dreams.
I learned to redefine what success meant to me. It wasn’t just about financial stability or ticking off conventional milestones. It was about pursuing my passion, even if it meant taking risks and facing uncertainties. I started focusing on the bigger picture—embracing the path God designed for me and believing that I deserved more than the bare minimum.
Starting my wig business, “BLUE,” was a significant step in this journey. It required a lot of time, effort, and faith. Balancing this with my modeling career and maintaining my lifestyle was challenging. However, it also taught me the importance of investing in my dreams and not settling for less.
Today, I’m still living and learning. I’ve embraced the idea that my passion is the ultimate goal, regardless of the challenges I face. I’ve unlearned the mindset of survival and replaced it with one of growth, faith, and relentless pursuit of my dreams. This shift has been transformative, allowing me to step out on faith and strive for the extraordinary.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
I worked in various industries, from food service and restaurant hosting to being a shampoo assistant, working in nonprofits, and serving as a concierge. Being a people person, communication was a strong suit of mine, and I thrived in these roles. However, the primary goal behind all these jobs was to fund my modeling career.
Despite my drive and passion for these jobs, I realized that juggling multiple roles was hindering my ability to fully commit to modeling. The demands of the modeling industry required me to be more available for gigs and opportunities. This realization led me to make a significant pivot in my life and career.
I decided to step out of the traditional work field to be more available for modeling gigs and to explore new opportunities. This decision was both exciting and daunting, as it meant leaving behind the security of steady income from multiple jobs. However, I knew it was necessary to pursue my dreams more fully.
In search of new avenues, I started participating in paid programs for entrepreneurs in the D.C. area. These programs provided valuable resources and support, helping me develop the skills needed to start my own business. I began taking sewing classes to learn how to operate a sewing machine.
During this time, my great aunt revealed that sewing was in our family’s blood. She had been sewing since she was young, and this revelation made using the sewing machine come naturally to me. It was as if a hidden talent had been unlocked, and I fell in love with the idea of creating ready-to-go wigs.
Inspired by my newfound passion and natural talent, I founded “BLUE” (Bomb, Luxury, Unique, Effortless), a wig business catering to the dynamic needs of “Backstage Girls.” My business focuses on empowering women with high-quality, ready-to-go wigs that embody sophistication and ease.
Balancing my modeling career with running a business was challenging, but it was also incredibly fulfilling. I had to learn to manage my time effectively and prioritize my commitments. This pivot allowed me to explore new creative avenues and expand my horizons beyond modeling.
Pivoting from working multiple jobs to focusing on modeling and entrepreneurship was a transformative moment in my life. It taught me the importance of being adaptable and open to new opportunities. Today, I continue to grow and thrive, balancing my modeling career with running a successful business.
This pivotal moment in my journey reinforced the importance of embracing change and pursuing my passions. By stepping out of my comfort zone and following my true path, I discovered new talents, built a successful business, and found a deeper sense of fulfillment in my career and life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ln.ki/madisong?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaZKh9U-h0dOIPKdqdxh40rJLN-KDZvFJHlV6yyk1jGxH-w1irgkDGkg8vk_aem_9CWoklB4cYmOSDv2CMnS8Q
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C8zwEJpx40D/?igsh=MWh4YXJveWJiMWJjbQ==