Meet Madison Paula | Artist | Barber & Loctician

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

Hi Madison, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My thought process in starting my own business was originally pretty skeptical. I was honestly scared like anyone else would be Wondering what I would do if I failed, thinking of all the worst thoughts you can think of when going out on a leap of faith, but the universe has a way of showing you your on the right path so even when the road started to get bumpy I always knew when I got to my destination its going to make everything well worth the drive. I also learned to enjoy the process -The good the bad and the ugly. I stopped expecting perfection & just started accepting the process for what it is, beautiful & unique. It’s your own & no one else’s so make it count & learn as much as you can because after all you are just in your blooming stage. Don’t let any negative thoughts stop you from sprouting to your full potential. My favorite quote is “when a baby is learning how to walk & falls down 50-100 times, they never think to themselves “maybe this isn’t for me” ” and neither should you !

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I would say ppl mostly know me for being a barber and loctician but I consider myself as more of an artist/entrepreneur. I really stand for mental health and more ppl having therapeutic escapes through art therapy. I’m not just doing hair I’m creating. & When I get in my zone I’m not just a stylist I find myself being a videographer a photographer, doing cross promotions,I found myself learning how to network and navigate through an industry of not just hairstylist but entertainers.

Most entrepreneurs wake up one day and decide they don’t want to work for anyone, you realize you’re your own boss, you make you own hours and your the person behind every operation and all of these functions is what builds your brand! That’s when I realized I was a walking business not just a stylist. That’s when you begin to know your worth and what you bring to the table. This is more than hair for me it’s Lifestyle. I do this because it makes me feel good making other ppl feel good so I love the therapy I get from it in return.

And no it’s not easy being an outsider in your own industry . Ppl expect you to be doing the same thing everyone else is doing opening a shop or being tied to a shop, hair shows the events the competitions etc, but I tried that and realized through trial and error that’s not really my lane, im more of a freelancer but i had to go through that and feel defeat after defeat for me to know that !
My name still ends up in rooms I haven’t even touched foot in yet and I’m grateful for that.
I’ve learned to dare to be different. Create new lanes. Don’t be afraid to bring who you are to the tables you sit at. Everyone has a position so just play your part bc if you’re busy playing someone else’s part where is the individuality and how will YOUR true qualities ever shine !?
There’s not enough Nos in the world to make me think I’m not suppose to be in certain rooms just because I didnt and don’t go about things a certain way. I picked up clippers bc it made me and other ppl happy, I followed my heart & when God has a destination with your name on it you will end up there no matter the route you take so keep trying until you hear yes and even then you still have a million more yes’s to go so never give up bc of failure bc every fail you learn more about yourself and that in itself is a win.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my friend was visiting the city I’d bring her to the lounges downtown and I would definitely have to bring her to the juicy crab, I finally tried it and it’s as good as it’s hyped up to be. I’m not big on clubs so hookah lounges and nice restaurants would be on my itinerary! It’s the A so there’s literally always something to do

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
If there’s anyone I would have give recognition to it would Hands Down be the man upstairs.There is no path I’ve ever crossed and no opportunity I’ve ever seized that didn’t have his name written all over it. From working with Geiva a well known barber from Nj, Brandi lashay another well known respected barber from Atl. Having the honor to work with barber star Marcus Harvey who’s also located in atlanta. Meeting ppl like Trey songz, ludacris, cutting Jessie T ushers hair on set for a movie to actually Styling a huge name like Dwight Howard. I’m forever grateful for every Opportunity that came my way, they were all stepping stones to get me to where I’m headed. & this is no where near the end of my success, it’s only the beginning 🖤

Instagram: Maddisontheegoat