We had the good fortune of connecting with Madalyn Bond and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Madalyn, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My background and degree is in costume history, emphasizing on theatre and film. I was drawn to character work, putting intention and emotion behind their choice in clothing gives an audience insight into who this character is. As a self-proclaimed sensi (sensitive person), I burnt out of the industry after a few years. It began to feel like I was chasing money instead of art which didn’t feel authentic for me. This made me settle into the comfort of a 9-5 in the tech-industry like a true millennial. I’d describe this era as nothing less than soul-sucking. Through extensive self-reflection, therapy, and working through an Ikigai work book, I realized the cross-roads of what makes me fulfilled lies between two truths: seeing people for their authentic selves, and fashion. This realization culminated one day on my lunch break. I could no longer sit back and work a job that felt like I was taking from society rather than giving. I quit after my lunch break and haven’t looked back.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Gone Mad’s ethos is empathy. A sort of “fashion-therapy”. I was endlessly searching for a career that could energetically feed the world through the lens of a fashion-girlie. Surely there was something out there that let me combine my gifts of understanding clothing and how to find it with helping others feel seen and realize their authentic selves. There wasn’t. So I created my little corner of the world that leads with love, community, and feeling good about the clothes you’re walking around in.

Client’s show up in all stages of their personal journey. Humans who never got to explore their personal style and don’t know how to start, or gender-queer folk who are ready to dive into their truest self. I’ve been given the privilege of hearing their stories, meeting them where they are at, and giving them the tools to feel badass walking into the world every day.

The process looks different for each client because every story is different and should be treated as such. No matter our journey together, I constantly return to the feeling that this is my purpose, and with good intention, comes good work. I’ve learned a lot of lessons along the way, and will continue to learn with each client, but I’ve found that when I put the right energy into my work, I attract clients who want to see me succeed just as much as I want them to.

Another central element of Gone Mad is an emphasis on sustainability. You won’t see fast fashion brands on any of my decks, but I am no stranger to a resale shop or estate sale to source high-quality pieces that transcend time. We’ve got one earth. She’s cute, she’s giving, and I feel a sense of responsibility to take care of her.

Once I made the leap, the flow just sort of came to me. Figuring out my process was difficult but I kept returning to the feeling that this was my purpose and my best hope at putting something positive into the world. That reminded me that as long as my intentions are good, my work would be too. I’ve learned a lot throughout this journey and definitely made some mistakes, but I’ve found that when I put the right energy into my work, I attract clients who want to see me succeed just as much as I want them to.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
We’d start by taking a trip to the Huntington Gardens. As a member, not to brag, I try to escape into their nature sanctuaries as much as possible. Something I feel no one should miss, is my attempt at belting Alanis Morrisette at Brass Monkey or R Bar…karaoke is so important. After a long weekend I like to hop around the Korean Spa for a nice reset before starting the week. Of course every third Saturday of the month I’ll be laughing with my friends at Big Deck Energy at Kombu Sushi in Silverlake!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My loving and supportive parents, for teaching me Independence at an early age through witnessing them start their own business. Also a shoutout to my best friend and roommate, Maddrey, who has been a sounding board and support system for every single step of building Gone Mad. Magoos4Lyfe.

Website: https://www.gonemadvintage.com

Instagram: GoneMad_Vintage

Image Credits
Savannah K Barry

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