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Madison, we are so appreciative of you taking the time to open up about the extremely important, albeit personal, topic of mental health. Can you talk to us about your journey and how you were able to overcome the challenges related to mental issues? For readers, please note this is not medical advice, we are not doctors, you should always consult professionals for advice and that this is merely one person sharing their story and experience.
Overcoming my mental health issues has not been a part of my story, however, learning how to battle them well has permeated this season of life. I have long struggled with anxiety, and after my son was born, I was diagnosed with Post Partum Depression. This diagnosis began to peel back the layers of a long-time struggle with intrusive thoughts.
Soon after my PPD diagnosis, I was diagnosed with OCD. I felt freedom and despair in this new information. Thought patterns and certain ways of functioning finally had an explanation. I no longer had to hide these thoughts that had taunted my mind, bringing waves of anxiety or guilt for thoughts that seemed completely out of my control with little or no trigger. I would be remiss to share this information without acknowledging the weight and burden this mental health struggle brings, but within this despair, I have found freedom and gratitude for this “thorn” in my side.
Persistence with this mental health issue has looked like being open with a select few, bringing into the light what my mind wants to keep in the dark. In the light of day within the confines of trusted friends and my husband, these thoughts, this shame, lose their power. No longer can my mind keep me captive with unwelcome thoughts.
As the time between receiving this diagnosis and the present lengthens, I can say, however meekly, I am thankful for how I have been made. Creatives are often plagued with mental health issues, and perhaps these very issues are what allow us to see the world through a different lens. Aside from a trusted community, and my faith, I have found resilience in a few other ways. Being honest with myself about my capacity to take on projects, taking intentional time to rest, and investing in time to move my body (often a workout but sometimes just a walk around my city’s downtown square) have been integral to staying on top of my mental health and not taken over by it.
Taking control of my mind is not easy, but in it, I have found the strength and willingness to put off my tough exterior for one willing to humbly sit at the feet of a savior who loves me.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I build brands and websites that transform my client’s audience from prospects into raving fans. They feel more confident and equipped to share their business with the clients and customers they *dreamed* of working with. A carefully crafted brand took their dreams and turned them into attainable goals positioning them to be the confident business owner they thought they could only dream of being.
I currently offer 3 packages, all thoughtfully crafted with every piece my clients need to utilize their brand and speak from the heart. Ranging from my start-up brand package for businesses in their first 0-3 years looking for more than a DIY brand to my premium brand and web package for businesses in their 2+ year looking to establish their authority in the marketplace and authentically foster and grow an aligned client base. Beginning with strategy we establish their target audience, competitors, and key messaging before moving into their visual identity, custom logos, fonts, colors, etc. Each package will provide every tool they need to seamlessly implement their brand!
One of my passions in life is to help everyone feel more confident in their God-given abilities and talents. Helping business owners feel empowered through stand-out branding does just that. I want business owners to shout to the rooftops about their incredible business.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
I found graphic design in my mid 20’s. It wasn’t something I went to school for or have ever had any formal training in. However, my humility, love of learning, and desire to continually improve have been instrumental in finding success as a graphic designer and business owner. All three of these qualities work and flow together. My love of learning fuels my desire to seek out mentorship and learn from those around me, which means remaining in a state of humility. If I ever feel like I’ve “arrived” or learned all there is to learn then I have lost my ability and willingness to continue growing in my craft.
If I were to give advice to folks early on in their journey I would say, “Be hungry.” It’s tempting to prove yourself in the beginning while trying to convince others, and sometimes yourself, that you do know what you’re doing. However, people I’ve encountered that are humble, curious, and willing to learn are far more successful. No matter the industry, or stage of business, we all have something to learn, and if you are hungry, you can always find people who are willing to share their unique knowledge and experiences.
How would you describe your ideal client?
My ideal client is a small business owner who was so passionate about the problem they are solving they answered the call to entrepreneurship. They are fueled by their why, and they can’t wait to share that with their audience.
Planted strongly in their local community, my ideal client takes pride in the city and population they serve, often finding opportunities to partner with and support other local businesses. Maybe they prefer the local bookstore to the immediacy of Amazon, or the coffee shop downtown to the convenience of Starbucks. They view shopping as an opportunity to give back to their community, not just to fulfill a need.
While their business is successfully growing they feel a gap between where they are and where they want to be.
They need a trusted advisor who will give them the tools to make them feel even more confident and equipped to take their business to the next level.
Someone who will sift through their hopes, dreams, and vision for their business and bring them to life through strategic messaging and custom visuals; positioning them to be the confident business owner they thought they could only dream of being.
My ideal client values a truly custom experience for their audience, moving beyond their logo and website and into custom touch points at every personal interaction. Whether through custom tissue paper in their mailers or a brick-and-mortar shop so tailored to their brand that it couldn’t belong to anyone else. They strive to build a tribe of raving fans who not only love their service or product but can’t wait to share it with people who didn’t even ask for the recommendation.
If this sounds like your story or someone you know, Found and Forged Design Co. would love to be the brand expert to craft a custom and strategic brand based on your values, and unique offering, and establishes you as an authority in your marketplace.