Madison Hamilton, a junior marketing and entrepreneurship double major, is the owner of Stitched by Madison. What started as a small high school side hustle has grown into a thriving sorority apparel brand that reflects Madison’s creativity, entrepreneurial drive and commitment to community, offering customizable sweatshirts, hats, pins and more.
What is the story of your company? How did it start?
When I was in high school, I impulsively bought an embroidery machine to make a little extra money. I sold custom sweatshirts to my friends but never saw myself doing it longterm. Since coming to Samford, it has completely transformed into a full-time sorority apparel business. I started selling sweatshirts to girls in my sorority, and after a few months, I began taking it seriously. I launched my website and started running my small business completely out of my dorm room. Since then, I’ve grown a lot. I’m licensed for 11 different sororities and work with a production company, which helps me produce more products. I now have an office at home in Nashville, which has been very helpful, but when I’m at Samford, I still run everything out of my dorm.
Why did you want to join Samford Startup?
I joined the Samford Startup program because I wanted guidance and mentorship on how to take my business to the next level. I had been doing everything on my own for so long and wanted to be around people who know exactly what it’s like to be a student business owner and can offer advice. Samford Startup not only gives its members opportunities but also a unique community. The space on the first floor of Cooney Hall is a huge resource wherewe can get work done and talk through ideas.
How has the Samford Startup program supported your business?
Dr. Mazzei has gone above and beyond to support my business.. We always have him as a resource, and even over the summer, he kept in touch. This program has made me more confident when reaching out for partnerships and collaborations. Being around other people who are building businesses keeps me inspired and motivated. There are people further along than me in their business journey who I can learn from, and there are also people I can pour into. It’s such a great group.
What has been the most challenging part of launching your business? How did you overcome this?
My biggest challenge by far was figuring out Greek licensing. I’m licensed for all the sororities I work with and get every single product approved by each.. I also submit royalty reports every quarter, which was a huge learning curve at first, but now it feels simple. I’ve learned that the more you do hard things, the easier they get. Another ongoing challenge is balancing my business with the rest of my life. I’ve learned a lot about how to stay balanced, but sometimes it still feels like there aren’t enough hours in the day.
How has the Samford Startup program helped you grow professionally?
This program has helped me become more confident in how I represent my business. We’re challenged to set big goals and are held accountable. We work on giving an elevator pitch that’s effective and confident, which has helped me grow in representing my brand. It’s also made me more comfortable networking and advocating for myself. I’ve learned that if you want something for your business, you have to be willing to ask for it.
What do you envision for your business?
My goal is to continue to grow Stitched by Madison after graduation. I can only imagine how much I’ll grow once I’m able to devote myself to my business full time. I want to do everything I do now, but better. That means more pop-up shops, Bid Day packages and drops throughout the year. I’d also love to grow my ambassador program and possibly launch a mobile pop-up or storefront. I have a lot of dreams for what Stitched by Madison could be, and I can’t imagine ever giving it up.
How is your business redemptive in a Christ-like manner?
My business would be nothing without Christ. When I first started, I struggled to figure out how I could honor God through it. Stitched by Madison is rooted in celebrating community and connection. I use my platform to uplift and encourage others, whether that’s by spotlighting my ambassadors or creating products that make people feel connected. God gave me my creativity, and through my business, I’m able to use that gift. I constantly thank God for the opportunities he’s placed in my life.
How do you see your company having an impact on the Samford and Birmingham communities?
I love walking around campus and seeing girls in different sororities wearing my apparel. Some students are even part of our Campus Ambassador Program, which has members all over the country. I’ve hosted multiple pop-up shops on campus too. I love creating apparel that connects students to their chapters. Samford has been such a special place for my business, and I always love giving back to the place that got me started. Sometimes it feels like school takes up so much time that it gets in the way of my business, but without Samford, it wouldn’t exist. I’m so thankful for the opportunities Samford has given me, like being part of this program.
Why would you encourage other student entrepreneurs to join the Samford Startup program?
This program gives you the support and resources you need to take your business to the next level. It provides a community of like-minded people. It’s not common to be a business owner in college, and most people don’t understand how hard it can be, so it’s amazing to be surrounded by others who do. If you’re an entrepreneur at heart, this is the place for you. It’s hard running a business by yourself, but here, everyone around you is supporting and rooting for you. They understand the struggles and help you through them.
Learn more about Stitched by Madison
