Meet Madison Neal | Fiber Artist & Plant Mom

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

Hi Madison, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I have worked in retail and coffee shops for most of my life. While I loved connecting with customers and creating fun moments for people, I struggled with a sense of purposelessness. This creeping feeling that I wasn’t doing what I was made to do. When I decided to start my own business, I knew it was going to be difficult and I knew that the success I dreamed of probably wouldn’t come quickly. But I knew that the risk of that journey was worth it because, to me, it was either struggle in that purposelessness or struggle chasing something I genuinely loved heart and soul. Everything in life is hard, but I believe we get to choose what we build for ourselves. The choice was pretty simple from there!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I create art out of fiber! Rope, cord, thread, yarn, recycled clothing. I think that in itself is super unique, but I love taking things a step further. Creating pieces that add something vital to a space – warmth, color, a personal touch, a message – is one of the best ways to say what you mean without using words.

I’m incredibly excited about the opportunity to create art with others. Art tells our stories, and when customers ask for me to create a customized piece, I feel like I’m getting to be a part of their story.

I’m not sure I’ve arrived anywhere yet. I want to keep growing and getting better each day at what I do. Getting here hasn’t been easy; there’s little sacrifices every day that no one can warn you about. You come to them on your own and you have to decide if you’re going to keep building toward the dream or give up at each hurtle. And the hardest part? Only you can decide if it’s worth it or not.

The way I overcome challenges varies. I struggle a lot with anxiety and depression, so some days can be harder than others. Sometimes it’s a pint of ice cream and taking a break for the day. Other times it can be having a talk with myself, reminding myself why I started and why I want to keep going. And sometimes it’s pushing through and just finishing the dang piece and then leaving it alone. But either way it goes that day, the one thing that always keeps me going is my relationship with Jesus Christ. The ice cream is great, don’t get me wrong. But the peace and courage and wisdom I’m needing in the face of adversity can only be found with the Lord.

I’ve learned so many lessons, oh my goodness! Some were hard to learn; I can’t do it all on my own, asking for help isn’t weak, taking a break is necessary. I think the most valuable lesson I’ve learned would have to be this: be yourself. So simple and almost redundant, but it’s easy to forget. If we will just be who we truly are and stop caring about what will sell, or what will get the most likes, we’ll end up where we wanted to be all along.

I want the world to know that you don’t have to stay in a job that you don’t enjoy just to pay bills. You weren’t born to work for something you don’t believe in just so you can afford this or that. Be brave enough to forge your own path, and never settle into the lie that this is the only way.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Oklahoma has more to offer than people think! Here’s some of my fav places and things to do!

Food;
You gotta go to Nash Bird for some hot chicken! The cayenne dry rub is unmatched, and the dill pickle ranch? Say less.

Not sure what to eat? Go to Alexander Eats in Chickasha! They’re locally owned and have a HUGE menu, everything from massive salads to flatbreads to soups to keto friendly desserts. I make day trips to Chickasha just for them!

Coffee:
I’m coffee obsessed, so this list was hard to make. But you gotta try out Stitch Cafe in OKC; the horchata latte is to die for. Get you some loaded breakfast tots while you’re sipping your caffeine fix!

The Landing Coffee Company in OKC is locally/woman owned and their menu is so fresh and creative. The signature brown sugar latte is heaven with one of their fresh-baked pastries!

Things to do:
Mixtape by Factory Obscura is an immersive art experience unlike any other. You can crawl through tiny hallways, slide down from one level to the next, all while listening to the mixtape of your favorite breakup.

If you’re in OKC on the weekend, go walk around Scissortail park on a Saturday morning for a farmers market! Local produce, handmade goods, and live music can typically be found here!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
So many people have contributed to the success of my business that I couldn’t list them all, but here’s the top two!

I definitely have to shoutout my mom, Denise King, for asking for me to send her my first business card, for always gasping in awe at every piece I create, and for encouraging me always.

And of course one of my closest friends, Mollie Defibaugh, for being my assistant at markets, laughing at all the weird stuff that happens behind the scenes, and reminding me that I can do anything.

Website: https://www.sylviecompany.com/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/sylvie.company?utm_medium=copy_link