Today we’d like to introduce you to Madison Nolan.
Hi Madison, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I was born in Arkansas and raised on Country music; but I was also raised in church and fell in love with worship music. I’m a singer/songwriter/worship leader in Franklin, TN. My dad’s job had us moving all around the country, and we ended up in Tennessee almost 8 years ago now. I’ve been pursuing music, but I have SO many interests! I love clothes, but more importantly, I love affordable clothes. Can I get an amen? When the pandemic hit, I was furloughed from my job at The Country Music Hall of Fame and of course, furloughed from all of the gigs I was playing in Nashville. I had always planned to *eventually* open a clothing store, because I had already been thrifting and selling clothes on the popular app, Poshmark for several years at that point. When I found myself sitting at home, I decided 2020 was the year I was going to make that dream into a reality.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I don’t think there is ever a smooth road, but I wouldn’t say there have been a ton of struggles either. There have been little speed bumps and roadblocks along the way, but it’s what you do with those that really make you or break you! Being in the music industry is tough. There’s no way around that. It’s disappointing, it’s frustrating, it’s exciting, it’s rewarding, it’s exhausting, etc. I could go on and on! You just have to keep going and find what you’re the best at. Maybe it’s not performing, maybe it’s not country music, maybe it doesn’t look like what everyone else is doing. I’m still trying to find my lane and just sticking with it!
As far as my small business, there have definitely been some hiccups. When you’re the owner, marketing, social media, inventory, and order fulfillment departments all in one, it can be challenging for sure! I think everyone says the pandemic has made owning a small business more difficult – I say the exact opposite! More people than ever are buying online. The catch is that people are choosing bigger companies over small businesses for shopping because it’s cheaper and faster. I can’t say I blame them! The most difficult part has been finding my target audience and figuring out what they want to see!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
As It Seams really specializes in modest, modern, affordable clothing. Living here in the Nashville area, I want to support local businesses more than anything, but sometimes it’s a struggle when you’re in your 20’s, you have a tight budget, and you can get a similar item on Amazon for $10 that a boutique is selling for $80. I wanted to find a happy medium. I’ve found great quality clothes that are affordable and you can feel good about supporting small businesses again.
With music, I really just want to be real. I love leading worship, I love writing, and I love classic country music. I feel like it’s so difficult to find what sets you apart when you’re in a city where literally almost everyone is trying to do the same thing you are. I really try to focus on what I want to achieve and not compare myself to others and where they’re at in their journey.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
I touched on this before, but I think the most important lesson I’ve learned is to stay in my lane and do what I’m called to do. We all are here for different reasons and purposes and it’s not fair to measure your success with somebody else’s. I’ve learned I have to do what I’m called to do and not compare myself to others and their progress. You definitely can look at others and see what they’re doing right and make adjustments and get advice from people that know better than you, but you have to stay in your lane and be proud of that.
Contact Info:
- Email: hello@shopasitseams.com
- Website: As It Seams Clothing co
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shopasitseams
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shopasitseams
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5hCTFBO7odqKmT6Pg3zaEu?si=KyJHFirAS-OMXCyxGxtwmA
Image Credits:
Tatted Cat Photography
Madison Nolan
Rachel Sinclair
