From One MJ To Another (III)

What was the process to do social media/get to where you are?

“I, for the longest time, thought I was going to stay in Dallas and just do photography, and I was not really close minded, I just thought I knew exactly what I would be doing. It’s just funny how we have a certain time limit that we think we can go to and get past that, and then God’s like “oh, you’re actually gonna go to Nashville!”

The plan was to stay in Dallas and do a small photography business. Social media was just the thing that I love to do and it has provided a lot of cool experiences. It is a lot but social media is something that I love to do and I do partnerships with it, but I honestly just love to have it as my outlet to share things, such as parts of my life and what I’m thinking. It was just fun for me but it gave me great experiences. God showed me that I’m going to do social media and share this with people, and encourage people, and photography is going to take you to Nashville, and you’re going to work. It’s just crazy how things happen and it is always outside of what you think is gonna happen.”

What do you think women need more of?

“Backbone. To be taken seriously. Respect from others.

I actually thought about this the other day. I was talking to a friend, she's an artist here in Nashville, and she said “this industry is just simply run by men.” I think it's 80% male dominant, I could be wrong on that exact number, but if a girl is an artist or, you know, management or whatever it is, they’re not taken as seriously. In the times that I've been in the music industry or been at a shoot where it’s a lot of people, there was always someone who would try to use the work as an excuse to talk or take me out and not take me seriously. I'm a professional.

I think since moving here, I've grown into that backbone a lot because in Dallas, I was too nice, and that can sometimes lead to people taking advantage of you. I think women are oftentimes seen as weak, or less than, or not as capable, and a lot of times it's the complete opposite. If I could tell women anything it's that you can have that backbone and the right people will appreciate it, and you'll be glad that you cut that backbone. If you're not going to respect your boundaries or your business then who will?  

Boundaries and backbone, it's all you need. 

I honestly would rather have the opportunity because I made it here, than get it from [ulterior motives]. I’m not saying everyone's like that because that one album cover shoot, they respect me, so I would work with them again. That's how real connections, and successful businesses are built.”

The album shoot mentioned here was also mentioned in pt. 1 where she worked with Jordan Rager and his manager Andrew. Mady proves that, like Dolly said, you can be a diamond in a rhinestone world. You can find the real and ethically good people, even through the shady and evil. 

Personal mission statement?

“Let’s be real. Realness draws people to the Lord. It’s hard to share your life publicly when you’re still growing in your faith. Like going through a breakup, then trying to cope, then making the wrong decisions, then depression, then a social media break, then the ups and downs. There are phases of life where you’re trying to figure it out, and it’s hard when other people are watching. No one’s perfect. People value realness and that’s when you can really show the grace of the Lord in your life. That really leads people to the Lord when you can be really real about your experiences. That’s just a common theme in my life, where if I can just be honest and transparent, I think more people relate to that than trying to be the perfect Christian, because there is no such thing. 

There are times in my life where I have gotten off track and when I come back to the Lord. His grace is just so good. It makes me want to spend more time with Him versus me feeling like I have to be perfect all the time, so I guess realness draws people to the Lord.” 

Mady said that if she were to ever start a podcast, it would be called "Let's Be Real". Fast forward less than a month later and she turned that idea into action, and now she has one of the most relatable podcasts for people wanting to grow in both their faith and their brand. 

We then continued the conversation on this topic and she said something that goes through my mind whenever I have doubts on who I am around or what I am doing, which I have had a lot more recently. She simply said “God will honor you focusing on you.” How powerful is that? If you step away from conforming to this world to focus on what is really important in your life, God will honor and value that. 

This whole conversation with Mady Fischelli was so mind opening and inspiring. Her testimony and her journey is such a special one that I believe we can all take something from. Major thank you to her for being willing to sit and talk with me. And thank you to everyone who has been reading this series! It is greatly appreciated.

Get in touch:

Instagram: @madyfischelli & @bymadyjade

Youtube: Mady Jade Fischelli

Podcast: Let's Be Real

Website: madyjade.com