Conversations with Ada Madison

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ada Madison.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I was born a creative. I think I’ve had a paint brush in my hands from the earliest of childhood memories. There are very few modalities and mediums that I haven’t created in.

I currently work full time in several very diverse and creative arena’s. As a visual artist, I paint! “Anything that doesn’t move gets painted” has always been the motto at my home. Most of my paintings and sculptural work is large scale and known for a bold and whimsical juxtaposition of color. My work will light up any space. I paint traditional canvases and also some very untraditional canvases as well. Leather has been a passion of mine for years. I’ve painted Mercedes Benz interiors, high end Italian leather furniture, hundreds of handbags, wallets, a leather jewelry collection and countless pairs of shoes and boots. You could say I obsessed on leather!

I have also translated my art to humans. Yes, you heard that correctly, humans. I’ve developed an Art Principle technique and set of rules and guidelines for people that will rock anyones world. It brings out the very best in you while diminishing the little imperfections we all have. I have designed for the affluent and the girl door and had award winning results. I owned upscale salons and spas’s in Naples Fl and Milwaukee WI for over three decades. I sold all locations.

I began writing a few years ago and am thrilled with the new dimension of art form writing has brought into my world. My first book, Suddenly; my journey form terror to there miraculous, is a gut wrenching true story of ~ Mwah, me.
How did a highly successful entrepreneur become homeless and running for her life?… more on that later.
Suddenly has found its way into the hands of women from all over the world. I am overjoyed at the hope it has flooded into the lives of those people, (men and women) who have read it. It’s a powerful story of hope that will leave you on the edge of your seat cheering. Promise.

My second book Beautifully Broken is an interactive journey to inner soul healing. It too has touched many lives.
I recently published a work I’m very proud of and excited for what it will do. Beyond the Veil is a large scale, full color hardback coffee table style book. It’s an art book, a book of prayer and devotions with journaling space on every page. It’s a gorgeous book.

Annie Bananie is a children’s book collection. There currently are two books published with another three set to launch spring/summer of 2022. Annie Bananie is a teddy bear puppy (my dog for real) with a story to tell. 90% of all the dogs, cats and other animals and the people in the series are friends and neighbors from near my home in Heathrow, FL. It’s a whimsical, colorful and hilariously funny series to see and read. Writing and illustrating in the children’s arena you could say is a new obsession of mine!

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
The road I’ve traveled has had many twists and turns I never could have predicted. After decades as a highly successful artist and business owner I was victim to an extremely serious crime. So much so that it almost took my life.

I now live with a fifty year order of protection that exceeds the US borders. I was given a new name, a new birth certificate and even a new social security number.

For decades I owned highly successful high end Salons, Spa’s and Gift Art galleries in Naples, FL and Milwaukee, WI. As a single mom my life was very full and joy-filled.

I met and married a man who swept me off my feet. Soon afterwards I made the decision to sell my home and business with much prompting from my new husband and his desire to “care for me”. A couple of years into a storybook marriage I found paperwork that revealed he was not who he said he was. In fact, he had been defrauding me and had plans to take my life. He walked in moments after I discovered this paperwork. Violence erupted and I was held hostage in my own home. A few days later, I was able to escape and literally run. I learned that the twenty dollars I had in my purse was all the money I had left to my name! I was homeless and lived in terror for over 2 years, running state to state for safety.

During the time of homelessness and running my art was no longer a casual weekend endeavor but rather took front seat and began to support me. I created and sold everywhere I ran. The glam of a high end salon life was now kitchens in peoples homes. I’d cut hair and sell art to keep myself above water.

My first book is titled Suddenly; my journey from terror to the miraculous and it is a detailed account of my story. It has been critically acclaimed and has been in the hands of women all over the world. It brings me the greatest joy to know that my ugly chapter has been able to help so many women!

It has been a few years since I’ve been able to reemerge and start a new life. I now have 5 books published including 2 children’s books – the Annie Bananie series. There are 3 more Annie Bananie books set to be launched spring/summer 2022. My art and writing continue to be a vital component to who I am. I now work as the Creative Director and Senior Master Stylist for Aveda Xspreshun in Sandford, Fl. Life is beautiful. I wouldn’t trade a second of my journey for where it has brought me to today.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My art is known for its playful use of vibrant color. My love of God permeates everything I create. I’ve been blessed to have found a broad pallet for my creations as an artist, illustrator, author, and designer. I have designed homes, condos, and people! My life’s work has spanned many mediums. When I’m not writing or painting I work as a Senior Master Stylist and Creative Director for Xspreshun Aveda. I also work with the elementary kids at Church on the Living Edge in Longwood in the new Creative Arts for Kids program.

Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
There was a time in my life that getting through the night was a risk. Taking the next step felt utterly impossible. Through this time I have learned to look up. I keep my eyes on my creator knowing He’s got this. I’ve walked through the unimaginable and am here to tell you- don’t stop. One step at a time, keep on stepping. The only way to insure failure is to stop. Simply put: I know that God knows the when, the where, the why and the how. I show up. I do my part even when it feels risky or I’m afraid, I do my part. Then I let go trusting that He will do the rest. He has never let me down.

Contact Info:

• Email: ada@adamadison.com
• Website: www.AdaMadison.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adamadisonart/ &. https://www.instagram.com/adamadisonhair/ &. https://www.instagram.com/anniebananiekids/
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/adamadison
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiEXMb6FqSISwbQvxr5FhvA
• Other: https://xspreshun.com