Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Madonia.
Hi Ashley, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’ve always been fortunate to work with incredible people. After five years of teaching kindergarten alongside some of the most supportive teammates, I completed my Master’s in Administration and Policy with the goal of eventually becoming a principal. Around that time, a friend who owned a recruitment firm encouraged me to meet a colleague at NorthPoint Development. I declined—more than once—until a spontaneous decision in 2019 led me to say yes to what I thought would be a harmless Monday coffee.
That same morning, just as I was about to leave for the meeting, my principal called with unexpected news: our school didn’t have enough kindergarteners enrolled. I’d been selected to move to a new building, join a new team, and teach an entirely different grade—with less than a week before the school year began. I remember sitting in my car, stunned, before eventually driving to the coffee meeting. Until that moment, I had never seriously considered not being a teacher.
That coffee ended up changing my life. The opportunity at NorthPoint would be an unexpected blend of analytical and creative work—which absolutely intrigued me. Within days, I found myself packing up my classroom and weighing the familiar against the unknown. By Thursday afternoon, I accepted the job offer and officially submitted my resignation from teaching.
The transition into commercial real estate was a whirlwind. I met so many wonderful people and learned countless new skills. It was both challenging and energizing. One of my favorite parts of the job was touring spaces with clients—helping them visualize not just what was, but what could be.
A few years later, our team participated in a workshop with Blooming Consciousness, focused on reprogramming thought patterns, setting bold goals, and taking inspired actions. I challenged myself to find a way to generate additional income doing something I was passionate about while still working full-time at NorthPoint Development. This is when I launched Madonia Design Co.
Design and organization have always been second nature to me. Even as a kid, I was constantly rearranging my room, testing new layouts, and fine-tuning details until they felt right. That curiosity about how spaces function—and how they make people feel—never left.
Wherever I go, I can’t help but see potential. Whether it’s a commercial office, an underutilized corner, or a home ready for transformation, my mind immediately starts mapping ways to make it more functional, cohesive, and inviting. Every project is a balance of practicality and personality—refining what exists while imagining what’s possible.
Through Madonia Design Co., I create intentional, functional spaces that elevate the way people live and work. My designs balance creativity with precision, blending aesthetics and purpose to reflect each client’s unique personality. Whether commercial or residential, every project is an opportunity to create spaces that feel timeless, authentic, and genuinely inspiring.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Starting any business comes with its challenges, and Madonia Design Co. was no exception. There’s a steep learning curve when you go from having a structured career path to building something entirely your own—figuring out systems, processes, pricing, and how to balance creativity with business operations. There were plenty of moments of uncertainty, self-doubt, and long nights trying to get everything “just right.”
I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have people in my corner who genuinely believe in me and the vision behind what I’m building. Having friends, family, clients, and mentors cheering me on has made all the difference. Their encouragement has turned what could have been an isolating experience into something energizing and deeply rewarding.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
What sets Madonia Design Co. apart is the balance between design vision and real-world functionality. I’m not just focused on how a space looks, but how it works—how it supports productivity, encourages connection, and makes daily life easier and more enjoyable. I spend a lot of time understanding each client’s habits, preferences, and goals so every design decision feels personal and intentional.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of the trust that’s developed with my clients. Many of my projects have come through word-of-mouth and ongoing partnerships, which to me is the best measure of success. My goal is always to make the process collaborative and enjoyable—helping clients feel confident and inspired along the way!
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I’ve always felt that luck tends to meet you halfway—right where preparation and timing intersect. That one spontaneous coffee meeting completely changed my career path and eventually led to Madonia Design Co. Every “lucky break” in my journey really came down to me saying yes, being brave enough to try, working hard, and trusting that even unexpected turns can lead to something better.
Pricing:
- Consultations: Starting at $150/hour – ideal for design advice, layout guidance, or color/material selections.
- Residential Design: Projects are customized based on scope, size, and level of involvement.
- Commercial Design: Pricing varies by project complexity and square footage; proposals are tailored after an initial walkthrough and consultation.
- Virtual Design: Available for clients outside the Kansas City area or for smaller-scale projects.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.madoniadesignco.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madoniadesignco
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565596491392
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/madoniadesignco/
