Meet Madison Stahl | Founder & Owner of Creative Cowboy

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

Hi Madison, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
Towards the end of college and throughout the pandemic, I developed a big passion for fitness and wellness. I prioritized daily movement, healthy eating and habits that made me feel my best.

When I started my business, my priorities shifted and my physical and mental health fell on the back burner.

I was not naive to think that starting a business would be easy or require minimal effort, so I was willing to make it my number one focus.

Most days I essentially worked from the time I woke up, to the time I went to bed. I handled so many different “hats” of my business that the todo list was simply never complete.

This constant “ON” led me to burnout and I eventually realized that I needed to adjust my boundaries, otherwise myself and my business would crash and fail.

One of the biggest solutions to having a healthier work-life balance was delegating tasks and hiring. I was at a point where I could no longer do it on my own anymore, especially if I wanted to have a life outside of my business.

I have also developed a different mindset that I think has drastically helped my work-life balance.

I no longer feel rushed to reach a certain point. I have so many goals and plans for my business, but that doesn’t mean they need to be achieved tomorrow.

I have also grown to realize that as an entrepreneur, the todo list will never truly be complete. So I don’t need to feel like it ALL has to be done in one day.

Not saying I have mastered a work-life balance by any means, but I have definitely made more time for my mental and physical health in the past 4-5 months than I did in the beginning of starting my business.

This is still a huge topic of conversation with my therapist and something I think many entrepreneurs struggle with.

But overall, when I am happy and healthy I am in a better place for my business and those within my life.

What should our readers know about your business?
Creative Cowboy is a social media marketing agency, helping businesses enhance their online presence with strategic, creative services.

Working with clients in all different industries, Creative Cowboy assists with showcasing brand values and voice through cohesive social media marketing strategies and eye catching content that increases brand awareness, clients and sales.

Specializing in organic social media management, content creation and strategy. We also offer paid advertising, influencer marketing, email marketing, user-generated content (UGC), consulting, and wedding content creation.

A strong social media presence for your business is no longer optional if you want to stay ahead, but it is also very time consuming. We can take social media off your hands so you can focus on what matters most — your business.

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.
Gosh, where do I begin. Atlanta has so many must try spots (especially when it comes to food). Here are some places that come to mind..

FOOD:
Cooks & Soldiers (the bikini is a must order)
Forza Storico (espresso martini + cappelletti spinaci)
Superica (spicy margarita & tacos before a night out or Braves game)
The Iberian Pig (the best tapas)
C. Ellet’s (refreshing cocktails, wedge salad, lobster roll, oysters…)

DRINKS:
Draw Bar (fancy cocktails on the rooftop before a night out)
Ladybird & Lingering Shade (walk the beltline & enjoy beautiful weather)
Barcelona Wine Bar (wine & cheese, duh)
Park Tavern (enjoy the weather & watch a game)
Grana (espresso martinis by the fire)

NIGHT OUT:
Battery (ride the bull if you are trying to get crazy)
Dark Horse (karaoke in the basement)
Smith’s Olde Bar (pool tables downstairs, DJ upstairs)
Neighbors (big patio / fun at night or during the day)
Thirty (the vibes!!)
Ormsby’s (fun games)

COFFEE / BRUNCH:
Whiskey Bird (the breakfast burrito is a must when hungover)
The Chastain (the cutest patio / take a walk at the park after)
Tuesday’s in Marietta (grab a coffee & check out the farmers market)
Le Bon Nosh (the decor + vibes are unmatched)
BRASH Coffee or East Pole (great places to catch up on some work or chat w/ a friend)
Chattahoochee Coffee (coffee by the river + take a walk on the trail)

OTHER:
Braves Game
Farmer’s Market
Walk the Beltline
Ponce City Market
Workout + Sauna at Windy Hill Athletic Club
Shopping at the Avalon

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would say a huge part of my success goes out to my parents. I truly don’t think I would be where I am today if it weren’t for their guidance and support. They are entrepreneurs as well, so they have been a great example of what it takes to build a successful business. They have shown all the hard work and dedication it takes, but also the freedom and amazing experiences that come with it. I always knew I wanted to own my own business, and they are definitely what inspired that goal.

My mom has been a tremendous help when it comes to all the accounting and legal parts of owning a business. I would honestly be so clueless if it weren’t for her guidance when it comes to those things.

To add to that, I would also say Stephanie Gilbert, the founder and instructor of the Social Superlatives program I took. It’s a year long certification course where I was able to really further my knowledge within the social media industry. Along with so many of the other amazing connections that program gave me, Danielle and Tomi to name a couple.

Lastly, I would thank the organizations and business associations I am a member of. I have met so many supportive people who are always willing to provide referrals, congratulate, make introductions, etc. I am thankful to be surrounded by so many individuals that believe in what I do and truly want to see me succeed.

Website: https://www.creativecowboyco.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creativecowboyco/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/madstahl/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/creativecowboyco

Image Credits
Olivia Ames @_livmariephotography