We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Madison Curtis Gumbert a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Madison Curtis, appreciate you joining us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

At Madison Curtis Coaching, our mission is deeply rooted in a personal journey that resonates with my own experiences and the transformative power of pageantry. Growing up, I witnessed firsthand the significant impact that confidence and self-expression can have on young girls. I remember grappling with my own insecurities and how participating in pageants helped me discover my voice, build resilience, and develop essential life skills.

This is why our focus at MCC is on providing youth development and growth for girls ages 3 and older. We believe that every young girl deserves the opportunity to cultivate her confidence, learn effective interview skills, and chase her dreams fearlessly. Our mission goes beyond just coaching; it’s about empowering these young women to recognize their potential and embrace their individuality.

The heart of our mission is to instill a spirit of service in our participants. We encourage them to understand the importance of giving back to their communities and making a positive impact. By nurturing these qualities, we are not only shaping confident leaders but also compassionate individuals who can inspire change in the world around them.

I am particularly proud to share that in just under five years, we have reached over 500 girls across the United States. This growth would not have been possible without the support of our incredible team. I have had the privilege of hiring four amazing women who share my passion for empowering young girls. Each of them brings unique strengths and perspectives to our coaching, allowing us to create a richer, more impactful experience for our participants.

Ultimately, our mission is meaningful to me because it reflects my passion for helping the next generation of women become powerful, strong, and confident leaders. I am committed to creating a supportive environment where girls can grow, learn, and thrive, ensuring that they leave our program ready to take on any challenge and make a difference in their communities. Seeing our girls blossom into self-assured young women is incredibly rewarding, and it fuels my dedication to this mission every day.

Madison Curtis, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Madison Curtis Gumbert, and I have the privilege of leading Madison Curtis Coaching (MCC), a company dedicated to empowering young girls through pageantry and personal development. My journey into this industry began when I participated in my first pageant, Arizona Cinderella, as a shy young girl who would cry at the thought of speaking to anyone. This program provided a safe and nurturing environment for me to find my voice, helping me build confidence and self-esteem. The foundational skills I learned there not only allowed me to express myself but also propelled me toward my dreams, including a career with Disney and Showtime as a teenager.

As I navigated my early career, I learned the value of discipline and a strong work ethic through my experiences, especially while working with Kids Artistic Review. At the age of 14, I had the incredible opportunity to host their show “KarTV,” where I traveled across the U.S. and put into practice all the skills I had honed in pageantry. These experiences ignited my passion for helping other young girls discover their own potential.

At MCC, we offer a comprehensive range of services focused on the personal and professional development of our girls. We are particularly proud of the resources and experience we provide, which uniquely position us to help our participants grow in various areas. What sets us apart from other coaching programs is not just our expertise, but also the strong connections and relationships we cultivate within the industry.

I am incredibly proud of the transformations we’ve witnessed in our clients. While national titles are always exciting milestones, what truly moves me are the girls who once felt too nervous to step into an interview room or who would cry when faced with questions. Seeing them evolve into confident young women who can command a room and pursue their dreams with courage is the greatest reward. Additionally, I am proud of the amazing team of women I have assembled, who are just as passionate about empowering these girls as I am. Together, we have mentored over 500 clients and helped them achieve more than 200 state and national titles since we started in 2019.

For potential clients and followers, I want you to know that MCC is more than just a coaching program; it’s a community dedicated to fostering confidence, resilience, and leadership in young girls. We are committed to creating an environment where every girl feels valued and empowered to chase her dreams. Our work is not just about winning titles; it’s about equipping the next generation with the skills they need to navigate life successfully. I invite you to join us on this journey of transformation, growth, and empowerment. Together, we can cultivate a new wave of confident and compassionate leaders.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy for growing our clientele at Madison Curtis Coaching has undoubtedly been our robust presence on social media. From the very beginning, we recognized the power of these platforms to connect with potential clients, and we have embraced them wholeheartedly.

To date, every client who has inquired about our services has come to us through social media or referrals, as we have not actively reached out to individual students or clients. We believe in empowering parents and clients to take the next step in their pageant journey on their own terms, allowing them to feel confident and comfortable in their decisions.

Social media has been invaluable for us because it not only allows us to engage directly with our clients but also provides a dynamic space for them to showcase their hard work and achievements to the pageant community. We love seeing our girls share their progress and successes, which fosters a sense of camaraderie and encouragement among participants.

While we haven’t had to invest in paid marketing, we put an immense amount of effort into developing our social media strategy. This includes crafting compelling content, sharing client success stories, and actively engaging with our audience. By doing so, we have created an authentic and relatable brand presence that resonates with our target audience.

Ultimately, our commitment to building genuine connections through social media has been the driving force behind our growth. It allows us to foster a community where girls feel supported and inspired, and it has proven to be a powerful tool for attracting new clients who are eager to join us on their pageant journey.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

One significant moment in my career that required me to pivot occurred while I was earning my degree at the University of Alabama, Roll Tide! I had always envisioned myself as a sports reporter, inspired by my early experience as a host for “KarTV” at just 14 years old. As I worked diligently towards that goal, I was simultaneously involved with the SEC Network and pursuing a master’s degree in sports business, all while serving as a social media coordinator and emceeing events across the country with Kids Artistic Review.

However, as I dedicated more time to my business, Madison Curtis Coaching (MCC), it became clear that I was spending more days on the road than at home. The demand for MCC was growing, and I reached a point where I had to make a critical decision for my own well-being. I realized I could no longer juggle multiple commitments effectively without sacrificing my passion or sanity.

With the unwavering support and encouragement of my husband, family, friends, and mentors at Kids Artistic Review, I made the bold decision to pivot and focus entirely on running MCC as my full-time career. At that moment, I was filled with a mix of nerves, excitement, and uncertainty. I never imagined that this choice would lead to the expansion of our team with incredible women who share my vision and passion.

Embracing this pivot was undoubtedly daunting. The thought of investing every penny I made, managing payroll, and being responsible for an entire business was overwhelming. Yet, I knew I was following my heart. Looking back, I can confidently say that I made the right decision. The fulfillment I derive from what we have created at MCC is too rewarding, and I cherish the connections I maintain with those who have supported me throughout this journey.

This experience taught me the importance of adaptability and trusting in one’s instincts. It reinforced my belief that sometimes, the scariest steps can lead to the most rewarding outcomes. I’m grateful every day for the path I chose and the incredible impact we’ve been able to make in the lives of so many young girls through MCC.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://madisoncurtiscoaching.com
• Instagram: @madisoncurtiscoaching
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/madisoncurtiscoaching/