We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Madelyn Bass a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Madelyn, appreciate you joining us today. Going back to the beginning – how did you come up with the idea in the first place?

2011 when I woke up with pain in my back and chest. Shortly after the ambulance had taken me to the emergency room, I was completely paralyzed from the neck down. I had so many thoughts running through my head as a single mother would. I couldn’t answer any questions or confirm with even a nod or a blink. I was treated for a stroke, but that was not the problem. The next day I was sent to Tyler, Texas Trauma Center where I spent 23 days learning to walk, talk and dress/feed myself. This may sound simple or easy enough. It was so frustrating. I was telling my feet and hands to move but they would not. I would try to speak and my mouth would move but the words were coming out slowly and I could hear myself and could not recognize my own voice. Fast forward 2 years, it was hard getting assistance, because I was not diagnosed. Doctors labeled me with Unknown Nerve and Seizure Disorder. Every time I had a seizure it would partially paralyze me again. Not fun at all. Of course, I lost my jobs and my children were having to take care of me. I was in college but that would have to wait. As time wen on I needed to share what I was going though so I could sort through my own feelings. I found myself in front of my computer researching ways to help people who were in my situation or similar stories. I wanted to create a space where others could learn and heal from their situations. This was 1 of the hardest things I had to deal with in my life. So instead of sitting around feeling sorry for myself, I began to think of ways I could keep my mind strong and positive.

Madelyn, 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?

I had been looking forward to beginning a NEW Life for myself. My children were growing into their own. My daughter was in nursing school, my son engaged to be married and I was preparing for my next phase in my life. I was excited about finally growing up myself. Mama was back in school, working and living her best life, preparing for her 50’s. The first thing was Jan 2011 my health was giving me pause. I was hurt on my part-time job and my job was giving me a hard time. I don’t believe I could have prepared for what 2011 had waiting for me. One I returned from the hospital I made a decision to be helpful in my own recovery and be a inspiration to others to push to your NEXT Season. God will not give you more that you can handle. I had to believe that otherwise I would have gone soooo crazy! I lost my jobs, I had no idea how I was going to survive, my daughter was in college and I was the bread winner of the family. I had to depend on my children to take care of me at the age of 43 years young.

So, I started an online Blog Radio Show. I started with encouragement, that soon turned into coaching and sharing my journey. It was my outlet. I began getting requests from others to be featured on my show to share their book, plays, and music. This was not generating any income for me… So, I published my own novel, “Tarnished Dreams” A Story for Women. It launched March 2014 and I began to be the one asked to be featured on their radio show for inspiration. Fast-forward again to 2018 after several denials and 32 doctors later, I was finally given disability assistance. I was referred to a specialist by my local doctor at the Women’s Clinic. This specialist is now my Neurologist, Dr. George Kariampuzha MD. who found that I had Concussion syndrome and I had 35% of nerve damage on my left side. There are other nerve disorders, migraines and arthritis makes for a painful life. But I have learned to manage my life with my family support. My desire to become the help for others who are struggling with sudden illness at a young age and finding your place in the world you have been thrown into suddenly, I started my So Real With Madelyn Cause Organization. This has been a long 12 years, but I share my story to encourage others to push through and if you are still able to do something, be GREAT at it and be sure to help someone else along the way. This takes your mind off your own situation that has no solution.

I’ve taught myself many things over the years. Graphics designing, Website building, Podcasting and Online Facilitating, Mobile Marketing and Branding and a Published Author. I never thought that one would become part of my journey. So Real With Madelyn has become my brand and there are many elements to it. Our moto is “Creating greater lifestyles. Changing our Status by Raising our Standards.” I introduce a solution the a problem to those who connect with us on and offline. New Entrepreneurs looking to get their start without breaking their budget can get their start with those who have been guest on my Radio show or those I interact with on social media. There is always a way to help someone in words or in deed.

Have you ever had to pivot?

In July of 2011 I decided to start my business journey as an Entrepreneur offering business services and technology. November 5, 2011 I had to pivot my Life, Career and Business due to the fact that I was no longer dependable because of my illness.

I was a praise dancer, singer and I survived single motherhood! I had a good life, though to some it may have not been so attractive. Truth is I beat the odds. I come from the typical story of a black single mom, struggles, bad relationships and low income. I worked too hard and too many hours. It was worth every second because my children are AMAZING! I finished College with Marketing and Administrative degree. Small business certification and Entrepreneurship Certification completed in 2020. Of course the Pandemic created a wall for many of us, but for a disabled 53 year old woman with a compromised immune system and seizures that create partial paralysis I was no good to no one. So I found my sanity in my Show.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

I began my journey on social media by accident. I only followed directions, watched many videos and participated in a million podcast trainings. (really only about 100 or so!) As I interviewed others on my show I learned from them and followed their actions. Some of my guest were big names such as Cocoa Brown, Tony and Trisha Grant, Bunny DeBarge, Michael Etheridge, Bobby Jones, Juanita Wynn and many more! It was exciting to hear their story. My following suffered with the pandemic because with the world depending on social media to see and support those stars the little people got lost in the shuffle. Staying necessary is the most important advice I can share with those who are beginning their journey. Create your YouTube and Online presence Bright and full of solutions to your audience problems.

Another great way to build your social media presence is take advantage of the LIVE’s (FB, Instagram etc.) This allows your audience to see you in your natural state! Have fun! Coaches find your classroom….ZOOM, TicTok, SnapChat, FB rooms/groups. You get the picture! Have give-a-ways and freebies. This will attract individuals to your space.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://SoRealWithMadelyn.com
• Instagram: https://SoRealWithMadelyn
• Facebook: https://Facebook.com/MadelynBass
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/madelyn-bass-861b4156
• Twitter: https://Twitter.com/MadelynBass
• Youtube: https://YouTube.com/MadelynBass
• Other: https://BlogTalkRadio.com/SoRealWithMadelyn