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

Madonna, appreciate you joining us today. Alright, let’s jump into one of the most exciting parts of starting a new venture – how did you get your first client who was not a friend or family?

I was in the process of hosting the launch for my magazine titled ” Primadonna Magazine”. I was very nervous! I really didn’t have much support and for sure no money! I was working with a lot of faith and tenacity! I was extremely determined and afraid. Here’s the thing I have learned many successful people are afraid too! However they do it afraid! I strongly believe this is the catalyst towards success!

So with that being said I was planing a fabulous fashion show injunction with the magazine launch! I needed a presenting sponsor and a location to host the event. Remember I was working with very little resources!

I reached out to many small companies and received many no’s! It was like everyone was on the same page, “no, not at this time, and maybe the next one”. After receiving so many rejections I became frustrated! I believed in my brand and product! I felt the price point was reasonable and the value was absolutely there!

I would often visit a new luxury mall titled The Mall at Millenia. This mall was the first mall to offer high end brands with designers like Chanel, Gucci, Dior, YSL, Louis Vuitton and so many more! I would visit the mall often for inspiration for my fashion and beauty editorials!

And one day I noticed a brand new Mercedes Benz dealership across the street and I thought wow they were also new! Maybe they would welcome promotions and advertisement! Their official name is Mercedes Benz of South Orlando. Why not ask them! So I did some research and proceeded with a plan!

However fear and doubt began to kick in! I was going back and forth doubting myself! The messages were playing in my mind, why would they want to advertise with a start-up magazine. They will laugh at your small start up company! You see I was not in the position to print many copies and at that time, and I didn’t have a digital version of my publication either! There were a dozen of reason for them to say no! And honestly they would have been justified! However I was determined! I was convinced that this was a great fit!

So I made many calls ( My Marketing & Sales experience kicked in) and I just kept calling and calling! One day there was a really nice receptionist working and she gave me the Marketing Director’s name and extension. I called and called until I was able to get an appointment with him! He gave me the run around for months! However I was determined! Maybe he thought I would quit! I know and understand anything worth having, you will have to fight for it!

So the day of the appointment I was so nervous, and as I was sitting in the lobby I realized this place is beautiful!
So chic and modern! And all the high end vehicle portfolio which comprised of Mercedes-AMG, Mercedes-Maybach, Mercedes-EQ, and G-Class! I was surrounded by luxury! That’s when the light bulb went off!

I could host my fashion show here at the dealership! Yes Madonna! It could work! To make a long story short I revised my presentation to full page ad with location included! This was truly a branding opportunity! The manager thought it was a great idea! And the beautiful fashion models didn’t hurt either! I showed him all the exotic fashion models I casted for the runway show!

Months later, I picked up my 1st check from an international luxury brand! I was so elated and I knew I was on to something! I cried like a baby! I kept saying ” God is Good!”

“Thank you father!” This was validation for me and my vision! That win increased my confidence! I also approached Camille La Vie a women’s boutique which specialized in Prom Dresses, Bridal Gowns, and Bridesmaid Dresses. They became my second big name company to sponsor my brand! Then I proceeded to reach out to a brand new restaurant named CRAVE! They agreed to sponsor the food for the magazine launch!

The runway show was a hit! And I have been pushing along ever since! There have been many losses and many wins over the last ten years! However I am in no way near where I want to be, and I still believe in the impossible! I have seen it before and will see it again! Because I have a partner who has the whole world in his hands! And that is God! Man do I love HIM! Believe! Believe! Believe…

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?

MISSION STATEMENT:

Our mission is to impact Women and to change the way they see themselves. Our goal is to widen the perception on what is beautiful? We want to inspire and highlight Women World Leaders! We seek to provide real solutions to real problems! We are a resourceful tool that Empowers, Elevates and Educates Women.

COMPANY:

Our vision and philosophy is showcasing Substance & Style. We are driven by this principle and this is the Essence of the Brand. Through our journalistic approach and high standards, we deliver Purposeful, Powerful, Passionate content to our Readers, Viewers and Consumers. Primadonna Media celebrates Women of Every Color! We are more than Fashion & Beauty Magazine! We offer positive content which transforms women lives with Biblical principles. The result is intentional living for a successful lifestyle!

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

When I got married in 2003 all I would talk about is starting a fashion and beauty magazine for women! I was committed to helping women focus on their inner beauty, just as much as their outer appearances. I wanted to empower women with God’s words to transform a woman from a caterpillar to a beautiful butterfly!

I believe real beauty truly comes from with in! You would be amazed on how many women suffer with low self-esteem, sexual trauma, mental issues, eating disorders, physical abuse, self doubt and so much more! My goal was to offer a publication that would eradicate the lies of the evil one!

My husband and best friend saw my purpose and passion! He decided to help me launch my brand. He basically put his money where his heart was! He proceeded to give me thousands of thousands of dollars to put towards the magazine.
I made so many mistakes and it did cause many issues for my family! The learning curves can be insurmountable.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

I am an ordained Minister and I love the Lord dearly! He helped me with all my pain and lost! So, I want to pay it forward! You must understand the Lord is the CEO OF MY BRAND! My goal is to offer Empowering and Mentoring Programs that offers inspiration and leadership tools for Inspiring Spiritual Entrepreneurial Women! This is the driving force behind the Primadonna Media company!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://primadonnamagazine.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Primadonnamagazine/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/primadonnamedia
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/madonna-alexis-04364b5/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/primadonnamag

Image Credits
Primadonna Media