Today we’d like to introduce you to Madeline Stackow.
Hi Madeline, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Throughout my childhood, I was constantly asking my parents if I could paint a room, alter the furniture, or re-decorate the house. Of course, I was just a kid, so the answer was usually a heartbreaking but rational “no.” But in the chaos of my household – filled with feral pets, and mismatched and dilapidated furniture – I craved a kind of sacred order in my space.
In 2007, our basement flooded and (lucky me) we had to redo my entire bedroom. Ten-year-old me eagerly chose the carpet, light fixtures, and paint colors all by myself. By 16, I was regretting some of my stylistic decisions, but my love for renovating was unchanged. From there on, I realized how much I love to transform a space. I had created my little sanctuary in this bedroom with nothing but miscellaneous items, handmade crafts, and a handful of thumbtacks. I even found some old curtains that I draped over my bed to look like a canopy. Top that off with some Christmas lights and I was convinced I had the best room in the house. Little did I know that one day I would turn all of these hobbies into a career.
I was 22 years old when I decided to make the move from North Idaho to Nashville. There was no thought process to this, I had never even visited the city but I knew that I needed to leave the small town I grew up in. I picked a random city and made the move within two weeks of applying for an apartment. I got a job working in the service industry just three days after my move. I had no connections in Nashville whatsoever but to me, that was the best part because I was looking for a fresh start.
Over time, I created connections through work and friends and started various assistant jobs with local interior designers around town. I was a part of many different home renovations ranging from staging projects to decorating short-term rental properties. Even though I was mostly doing grunt work, I was happy to be a part of such a creative environment.
Eventually, after talking to numerous patrons on a day-to-day basis at my bartending job, I was introduced to a guy who manages over fifty short-term rental properties. He was looking for an interior designer and of course, I had to weasel my way in. This is what led me to quit all of the side hustles and branch out on my own. We still work together to this day.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
This journey has been anything but smooth. Every day I’ve been faced with a new challenge, especially when trying to become established not only creatively, but as a business as well. The biggest struggle I have encountered thus far was leaping to start my own business while still working a full-time bartending job and occasionally working others’ side gigs. I was working non-stop and felt completely overwhelmed.
I was begging for any opportunity to showcase my work but also needed the income from working at the bar. I did this for a few years before fully committing my time to the business. Eventually, I started to get more design jobs, which led to more referrals. Good things take time but I believe that there are lessons to be learned with every bump in the road, and I know that it will continue to get better and better over time. We all have to start somewhere!
As you know, we’re big fans of Madeline Stackow Design. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I am the owner and founder of Madeline Stackow Design. I took great pleasure in enhancing a diverse range of spaces but ultimately discovered a unique expertise in transforming short-term rental properties. It’s so exciting to work on a rental space that isn’t booked and watch it completely turn around and be booked out for months after renovations.
I think what sets me apart from others in this field is my talent for sourcing unique items and letting the best parts of any space shine through in the design. I’ve done everything from a 640 sq. foot bungalow to an award-winning multi-level home. I believe strongly that spaces can be commercial but also have character. Personality sells!
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
The most important thing I learned from the Covid-19 crisis is that life is short and you never know what curve balls are going to be thrown your way so take risks and spend time doing what you love!
It’s never too late to change your life, and your career, or start building a foundation for your dreams. My dad said to me once “You can’t live scared!” and that has always really stuck in my brain.
Contact Info:
- Website: madelinestackowdesign.com
- Instagram: @madelinestackowdesign
Image Credits
Amanda Brewer Abode Photo and Joshua Flint
