MAD Shoes x Vogue UK, a milestone moment worth celebrating

“Am I chasing a dream that’s too ambitious?”, “Am I crazy for launching a high-end shoe brand in these tough times?”, “Should I just give up?” These are just a few of the questions that I kept asking myself in these past months. Truthfully, the thought of walking away from it all has crossed my mind more than once.

But here’s what I’ve learned: when you feel like you’ve hit your limit, something remarkable happens - you find the inner strength to keep going and push through the doubts, the fears, and the obstacles. And that’s when the magic happens.

Looking for a sign? Just ask and you shall receive … an email

And just like that, there I was in November trying to make ends meet. Just when I thought 2023 had been challenging, 2024 stepped in and raised the bar. But then, Vogue UK reached out to ask if we’d like to be featured in their December issue, both the digital magazine and the print version. All of a sudden my perspective changed.

They wanted to feature MAD Shoes in their December issue - both the digital and print editions. It felt surreal, almost like the universe had heard my silent plea for validation.Suddenly, everything shifted. I wasn’t just surviving. I felt energized, inspired, and seen despite the self-doubt and sleepless nights that had defined this journey. It reminded me that every step, no matter how small or difficult, was leading me somewhere.

This wasn’t just about being in Vogue (though that’s an incredible milestone) - it was about the recognition of all the hard work, passion, and sacrifices that went into building the MAD brand. I wasn’t sure I would accept. All that mattered was the email itself, and the fact that Vogue UK had noticed MAD Shoes.

Celebrating progress, fueled by resilience

I’ve said this before - behind the glamour lies the grit. Being featured in Vogue UK is undoubtedly an accomplishment that many dream of. But as incredible as this recognition is, it’s also a reminder that success is rarely handed to us without a significant amount of hard work and sacrifice. It’s about the journey, the countless late nights, and the setbacks that almost made us quit.

In reality, the journey to this point hasn’t been filled with endless celebrations. Rather, it has been about pushing through the impossible. There were moments of doubt, times when it seemed like nothing was going according to plan. But it’s in these moments of struggle that we learn the most. It’s in the hardest times that we grow, not necessarily in ways we can see immediately, but in ways that build resilience and character for the future.

Lesson learned: progress comes in my forms

Looking back, every obstacle, every challenge faced, and every unexpected bump in the road has contributed to this journey. I’ve learned that progress isn’t always visible in the moment. Sometimes, it’s slow and subtle that you can only recognize it when you look back and reflect.

What matters most is the strength to keep going, the ability to rise above self-doubt, and the courage to continue even when things don’t seem to be going as planned. Because, at the end of the day, that’s what truly leads to real progress. Success is built not only on the triumphs but also on the lessons learned from moments that didn’t go as expected.

If you're just starting a new business and often feel like giving up, here are some insights to help you stay motivated and keep moving forward:

• Embrace the small wins: Celebrate every step, no matter how small. It’s all part of the journey.
• Focus on the bigger picture: Remind yourself of why you started in the first place. Keeping your vision clear will help you power through tough times.
• Accept failure as a learning tool: Every setback is a lesson in disguise. Don’t fear it; embrace it and learn from it.
• Surround yourself with the right people: Whether it’s a mentor, friend, or community, having support can make all the difference.
• Patience is key: Progress doesn’t happen overnight. Trust the process and keep moving forward, even on days when it feels like nothing’s happening.

Remember, success is a marathon, not a sprint. Don’t give up, even when it’s tough, and the results will follow.