We were lucky to catch up with Madison Weisenseel recently and have shared our conversation below.

Madison, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’ve love to hear an interesting investment story – what was one of the best or worst investments you’ve made? (Note, these responses are only intended as entertainment and shouldn’t be construed as investment advice)

The best investment I have made is in myself and my business, and purely an investment of time.

When I started my business I was not a mother, and had no plans to be one anytime in the near future. I was fully prepared to dedicate any available time I had to my creative venture. However, things can change quickly, and a year into forming my own business, I was now forming a human as well. I knew that both were what I wanted, but I was unsure how I was going to be able to manage both aspects of my life.

I considered falling back on my business, focusing all of my attention on my daughter. I was scared about the time commitment that both required. She, of course, if the number one priority, but could I really sacrifice something that I enjoyed so much? The short answer was no.

So I dug in. I invested time in my daughter first, and any free moment I had otherwise was dedicated to growing Mad Sun Studio. Naps, lunch breaks, after bedtime, when she visited family, any free moment I could. I was tired, but I knew that the investment would not only pay off for the business, but also her. By simply investing my time, I was able to grow my clientele, learn new creative processes, learn knew digital programs and professional trades. My business is finally reputable, respected, and sought after, and I am finally in a place where I know that it was worth it.

Madison, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

In terms of my company today, and what I do, I am entirely self-taught in the trade. However, I came from a history in the arts. I was raised in a creative household, and my interests have always been tied to the arts. When I was in high school my focus was photography, and I won multiple awards for photographic manipulation. In college it took me a while to find my purpose. I started in music, moved to business, and landed back in the arts. I begun as a painting/drawing major, then changed to 3-D, and finally graduated with a degree in Art Education.

Post college I did not use my degree. I stayed in the restaurant industry for the money, but it eventually led me to small scale private events. From restaurants, I moved into larger scale event management: weddings, corporate functions, fundraisers, galas, and more. I eventually landed as the event manager of a fine art museum. While I was in an environment perfectly for my background and passion, I had surprisingly little to do with the actual art or education of the museum itself. Instead, I was contracting clients, working on timelines, and executing events.

We work with various vendors in this field, and one day a client had asked if I knew someone who was available for a calligraphy/creative project. I had trouble finding a reliable resource, so I thought, why not offer to do it myself? One client turned into two, that turned into 10, that turned into 40. All on accident. I never knew this is what I would be doing today, but I am so happy that I am.

I originally only offered custom and hand-written signage. But now I offer a multitude of services, including nib & ink calligraphy, custom artwork, digital imagery, invitations, printable items, and more. I focus on the client, never over-booking myself so that I can allow that space for one-on-one connection with my people. My reviews are outstanding, my designs are personal, and my clients always return.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding part of being a creative is the opportunity to face new challenges. I truly believe that if I do not know how to do it, have not done it before, or do not have the processes, I can always figure it out. If I don’t, that is okay too, but at least I know what I am truly capable of. I will always be a “yes” person for those clients that trust me with their projects, because it pushes me to learn more along the way as well.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

Support local. Support small. Support women. Don’t look at people who offer the same services as you as competition, and instead as family, and resources. Support other local businesses when you require a portion of what you do to be outsourced. Build relationships, and work collaboratively. This will build a solid foundation for your company in years to come.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://madsunstudio.wixsite.com/home
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madsunstudio
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/madsunstudio
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mweisenseel/

Image Credits
Du Castell Photography Our Ampersand Photo Someplace Wild Madison Avenue Photography Hannah Morgan Photography Michael Rizza Photography Andrea Marie Photos