W(o)W: Beauty and Belonging with Madeline Ellis
Madeline Ellis, a daughter, a wife, a mother, a friend, a boss, an entrepreneur, an adventurer, and a hustler.
In 2008 Madeline started MIMOSA handcrafted, the name behind jewelry that “brings you home to beauty and belonging.” Madeline leads MIMOSA Handcrafted in a husband-and-wife team with her husband Dawson Ellis. Madeline was raised in Southern Louisiana surrounded by, “a ton of family who to sum them up were: too much, not enough, a little crazy but mostly raised me to know I was very loved and cared for and about, and I'm so so thankful for that.” She eventually found herself studying Landscape Architecture in college, where she discovered her best friends, love for outside, design and a desire to create experiences that brings people home to beauty and belonging.
The program she participated in during college allowed her to travel and study in Europe, Asia, Mexico, and intern in Beijing. Following graduation she was able to work and study with a fellow classmate, Dawson. Soon after graduation, the two soul mates came back home to get married and work as Landscape Architects. MIMOSA Handcrafted followed and Madeline went full time in 2012. Four years ago, Dawson joined Madeline and now they proudly work together as jewelers with a group of 11 incredible women!
Madeline and Dawson have two children who are six and eight. Madeline started MIMOSA Handcrafted a few years before having her son and went full time not too long after he was born so, it feels like they have been growing up “in different ways together.” Madeline’s children keep life interesting and they can be found making and creating with the nearest objects including, but not limited too, legos and items found in the yard. Madeline admits being a parent is hard but also “SO DANG GOOD.”
Most of us would most likely have “read more” on our New Year’s Resolution list, but Madeline has “read less” on her list. You can find her diving into a book, running, diy-ing something in her home, making anything (most likely jewelry), or working. She can’t help but work, especially on her work that “doesn’t feel like work” (shoutout to all the entrepreneurs in the room).
Madeline is passionate about mental health and encourages others to take care of their mental health. She encourages others to take care of their mental health the way they take care of their physical health. Madeline lives inspired by a Maya Angelou quote, “We are more alike my friends than we are unalike.” Madeline believes in connection, and she believes in people.
HOW DO YOU DEFINE "PURPOSE?" WHAT DOES PURPOSE MEAN TO YOU?
MADELINE:
PURPOSE IS THE REASON BEHIND WHAT YOU DO. FOR ME, PURPOSE MEANS USING MY TALENTS, RESOURCES AND LIFE EXPERIENCES IN ORDER TO PUT WORK INTO THE WORLD THAT HELPS MOVE THE NEEDLE TOWARD THE DIRECTION OF CONNECTION, GROWTH AND FLOURISHING. IT MEANS WAKING UP AND SETTING CLEAR INTENTIONS EVERY SINGLE DAY THAT ALIGN WITH AND BUILD TOWARDS MY BIGGER PURPOSE FOR THIS LIFE I'M LIVING.
To date, the most rewarding part of this journey for Madeline has been hearing how their work has been able to impact others. Looking to the future Madeline wants to “keep doing what we do.” She shares how she has to pinch herself everyday. Although the work is hard, it is rewarding. She would like to become even more intentional in her streams of work and create opportunities for experiencing joy and connection. Connection, along with growth, are two elements Madeline loves about what she does.
By staying informed, researching, seeking advice from friends or a coach and avoiding actions fueled by emotions, Madeline is able to manage her challenges. She wants you to know that you are stronger than you think. This is important to know because entrepreneurship is hard! Madeline wisely advises to “stay out of the ditches of comparison” and figure out what it is you really want to do, find the purpose in it, and focus on that. Support systems and/ or mentors are also great resources. Most of Madeline’s mentors don’t know her and they are authors or leaders in various industries, but they inspire and teach her daily. When constructing your own entrepreneurship trails Madeline admits there are not a lot of clear paths. It’s about learning when to take advice or leave advice and trust yourself.
Know when to let it go. Some things aren't meant for us but we hold on so tight they keep us from the things that are.
-Madeline Ellis
Madeline’s favorite pumps! They are comfortable and earthy but still help her dress up any outfit!
In addition to MIMOSA Handcrafted, Madeline and her husband started Mid City Makers Market with their friends, Justin Lemoine and Paul Claxton. Mid City Makers Market is a monthly market in Mid City, Baton rouge. The markets have around 60 local makers and they try to keep it fresh and fun with new makers, live music and food every month! Their goal is to create a space for experience that encourages connection and appreciation.
*Madeline highly recommends the book Joyful by Ingred Fetel. This book inspired her to paint her dining room ceiling, which was black, to a bright sunshine yellow. She shares that, “it's like a warm and glowy sun in the center of our house.”
Keep up-to-date with Madeline Ellis:
Website: MIMOSA Handcrafted
Instagram: @mimosahandcrafted
To date, Madeline’s proudest accomplishment is being able to offer free health care to her team! This accomplishment was a result of years of hard work.