Today we’d like to introduce you to Madison Hawkins.
Hi Madison, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always been creative. Growing up, I was constantly in front of the camera, using my mom’s camera to film, take photos, and just experiment. I never really thought of it as anything serious — it was just how I expressed myself. Being the youngest at work, I naturally became the one helping with social media, and by the time I was 17, people were already reaching out asking if I could manage content for their businesses.
I’m completely self-taught, and what started as a side thing slowly turned into something real. Once I realized that social media doesn’t come naturally to everyone — but it does for me — I knew it was something I could build a career around. This is my first year doing it full-time, and it’s been the most exciting and challenging decision I’ve made.
My podcast came together just as organically. I always wanted to start one but didn’t know what I wanted to talk about, so I started interviewing people I thought were cool and inspiring. Over time, those conversations turned into a female founder–focused podcast, which wasn’t planned at all but feels exactly right. The podcast has grown so much over the past year and has become my favorite creative outlet — it’s where I feel the most like myself.
Looking back, the biggest turning point hasn’t been a single moment, but learning to trust myself. From signing my first clients at 17 to fully stepping into my role as a founder and podcaster, everything I’ve built has come from betting on myself and showing up even before I felt ready. I’ve built this from scratch, and I’m excited for what’s next.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Not at all. Being the youngest person in the room was one of the hardest parts early on. I constantly felt like I had to prove myself — that I knew what I was doing and that I deserved to be there. Over time, that pressure actually pushed me to get sharper, more prepared, and more confident in my voice.
I also struggled with the lack of support in spaces where I expected guidance, especially in college. When I realized that even business professors couldn’t always answer basic questions about starting an LLC, it forced me to stop waiting for permission or validation. I had to trust myself, do the research, and make decisions on my own — which ended up being one of the most valuable skills I’ve developed as a founder.
Learning to reframe failure was another major turning point. Instead of seeing mistakes as proof that I wasn’t ready, I started seeing them as part of the process. Every misstep taught me something that made me stronger and more confident moving forward. Those experiences shaped how I show up today — trusting my instincts, backing my decisions, and leading with confidence because I’ve already proven to myself that I can figure things out.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
At the core of what I do is storytelling, and my podcast is where that really comes to life. I host a female founder–focused podcast centered on giving women a space to share their stories in a way that feels honest and unfiltered. There aren’t nearly enough spaces where women can openly talk about what it actually takes to build something — beyond the wins and highlight reels — and I wanted to help create that.
The podcast is all about real conversations. I sit down with women who are building businesses, brands, and careers and talk about the behind-the-scenes moments that don’t always get shared — the confidence, the doubt, the lessons, and everything in between. I’m known for creating a space where guests feel comfortable being themselves, which makes the conversations feel relatable and human rather than overly polished or scripted.
What I’m most proud of is how the podcast has grown beyond the microphone. Recently, I hosted my first live show, and seeing the community come together in real life was incredibly full-circle. It reminded me that the podcast isn’t just content — it’s a space people actually connect with and feel seen by.
What sets my work apart is that I’m building alongside the women I interview. I’m not positioned as an expert talking at my guests — I’m genuinely curious, learning in real time, and asking the questions I know other women are thinking but may not always feel comfortable asking. That approach has allowed the podcast to grow organically into something that feels authentic, supportive, and impactful.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
I define success as building a life and career that feel aligned. For me, it’s about doing work I genuinely care about, having creative freedom, and trusting myself to make decisions that feel right — even when they’re uncomfortable or unconventional.
Success also looks like impact. Knowing that something I created — whether it’s a podcast episode, a conversation, or a live event — made someone feel seen, inspired, or less alone matters more to me than numbers or titles. If I’m growing, learning, and staying true to my values while creating space for others to do the same, that’s success to me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://nsm1de-8w.myshopify.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madisonlhawkins/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Madisonlhawkins
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@madisonlhawkins?_t=8ptq4eemhsa&_r=1
