27 January 2025 3 minute read
When you first meet Madyson Hayes (Class of 2027), her bold fashioned choices, vibrant style, and magnetic energy are impossible to overlook. Her presence naturally draws attention, but beyond the striking colors and statement pieces lies a journey woven with passion, determination, and an unshakable sense of purpose. From a young age, Hayes' love for fashion was undeniable. As a child, she spent hours creating outfits and crafting vision boards inspired by styles she admired, fully immersing herself in the world of self expression through clothing. "I've always loved dressing up," she says. "Fashion isn't just about clothes for me; it's about telling a story."
Even before she owned a phone, Hayes borrowed her mothers to capture her distinctive style and share it with the world. She carefully posed in her bedroom, turning it into our personal runway and posting her looks online. "I used my mom’s phone to take pictures and post them regularly. People at church and school would always compliment me and say, 'You're gonna be famous one day.'" The encouragement she received from friends, family, and even strangers solidified her belief that she was destined for greatness.
By middle school, Mady was no longer just an admirer of fashion; she was a creator. She began sketching designs with an artist's precision, bringing her ideas to life on paper. "In seventh grade, I drew my first fashion sketch and showed it to my parents," she recalls. "I was so excited and told them, 'Oh my gosh, this is what I want to do.'" Her first venture, a clothing line called ‘Mad Drip’, featured an eclectic mix of hats, joggers, socks, and even customized phone cases. However, Hayes' perfectionism led her to put the business on hold in high school, focusing instead on deepening her understanding of the industry from the inside out.
Her entrepreneurial spirit, however, wasn't confined to fashion alone. She explored various adventures, from selling decorative pens during finals to crafting slime and baking cake pops under the brand ‘Mady Pops.’ "I've always been business-minded," she says. "I loved seeing people excited about the things I made, but I knew my true passion was in fashion."
Now pursuing an art history major with a minor in photography at Spelman, Hayes is taking strategic steps toward her fashion career. Her decision to study art was intentional, inspired by our conversation with Spelman alum, Dara Douglas, who emphasized the importance of understanding, trends, textiles, and artistic influences. "She told me that knowing art history is invaluable in the fashion industry," Mady shares. "It connects everything—trends, textiles, culture."
Within the Atlanta University Center (AUC), Mady has carved out a space for herself in the creative community. Her reputation preceded her upon arriving on campus, with students immediately recognizing her distinctive style. "People would see me and say, 'That's Mady, she can dress,'" she says. It wasn’t long before she began making waves in collaborative projects and fashion shows. Unlike many of her peers, who see creative pursuits as side hustles, Mady approaches fashion as her life‘s work. She sees the opportunity to join Clark Atlanta‘s modeling agency, Thee Model Revolutionnot just as a model, but also as a stylist, using it as a stepping stone to build her connections and portfolio.
Her journey is deeply rooted in purpose as she sees fashion as a tool for advocacy and self expression, blending her love for style with her passion for social justice. "My love for God and people fuels what I do," she explains. "Fashion isn't just about clothes; it's about making people feel confident in who they are. I want to glorify God through my art and use fashion as a tool for social change."
Her vision is clear—to elevate black designers and the luxury fashion space and reclaim cultural influence. "So many luxury brands profit off Black culture without giving credit. I want to change that," she states firmly. Aiming to bridge the gap between culture and commerce, she seeks to ensure that black designers receive the recognition and opportunities they deserve.
From the unwavering support of her parents who encouraged her dreams at every turn to her relentless pursuit of opportunities in the AUC, Hayes' story is one of authenticity and resilience. "I've always been different," she reflects. "I've been through phases where people thought I was weird, but I've learned to embrace it. My journey isn’t just about fashion; it’s about staying true to who I am and making a difference." As she continues to pursue her dreams, Hayes remains an inspiring example of what it means to thrive at the intersection of creativity, purpose, and perseverance.