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

Hi Madeleine, the decisions we make often shape our story in profound ways. What was one of the most difficult decisions you’ve had to make?
The most difficult decision I have ever had to make, was a decision that was thrusted upon me, to end my seven-year career as a wedding designer, and start my own business. When I was almost eight (8) months pregnant and as a result of the pandemic, I could not attend weddings or events that I helped design/create.

With no salary to get me through the final months of my pregnancy, starting my own business was not only the most difficult decision I ever had to make, it was nearly an impossible one. Anyone that has ever had a child knows that pregnancy, birth, and babies are three insane expenses. As a person that was living month to month and suddenly had her income taken from her, I had to make a choice. Do I go and get some other 9-5 and potentially live a bit tighter than before? Or do I try to do something out of the box, something that at first may be tough but can help give me quality of life and a better future for my family? It took 3 weeks (which with pregnancy brain feels like 3 years) to pick myself back up, with the help of my husband, and realize that my fear of failure wasn’t going to stop me, but push me to work harder and dream bigger.
Then and there, La Madeleine was born.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

For seven years, I designed and planned weddings. Aren’t you tired of seeing the same old white wedding with the same old white cake? Yeah, so was I. That is why my goal as a wedding designer was to always make sure that the wedding was just as unique as the couple who was getting married. I didn’t want someone to go to a wedding and say that it was a nice wedding, I wanted them to say that the wedding truly personified the couple, it spoke of their love, it spoke of their story.

In La Madeleine, I look to do the same. It isn’t the same old gift in a wood box or crate. It is a gift with a purpose, it is a gift with a personality. It never disappoints and is always memorable. It makes a statement. That is the goal! Each of our gifts is unique and of the utmost quality. We also make customized gifts for clients who would like to add their own personal touch. We have a permanent collection but we also have limited edition gifts, this exclusivity is what sets us apart from other vendors.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Coconut Grove is just about the best there is in Miami. A little morning walk through some of our favorite parks, Alice or Kennedy, even Peacock. Walk out to the pier and enjoy some fresh air looking out at the sailboats. Head over to Sadelle’s for brunch, walk through Cocowalk and Main, head over to our neighborhood book store, then go to Amal’s for lunch. If we are feeling fun, we can head over to the rooftop. If we are feeling classy, we can head over to Mr. C’s and watch the sunset.

 

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

There are two people who are the reason for my success: my husband and my son. My husband, Andres, gave me the support and mentorship needed to create and direct my business. Having had lots of successful businesses under his belt, he helped guide me through the rough waters of starting up a business, I truly would’ve been lost without him.

My son is the reason I created my own business, I wanted to be home to watch him grow and learn. I wanted to be a part of the special moments: first smile, first laugh, first word, first crawl, first step, all of it. I couldn’t ask for anything more. If I have a rough day of work, just one “mama” from my son can make me forget everything.

Website: https://lamadeleinedesigns.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/lamadeleinedesigns

Image Credits
All photos are taken by La Madeleine Designs

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