Hidden Gems: Meet Ann Madden of Ann Madden Marketing

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ann Madden.

Hi Ann, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Hello! I’m Ann, the creator of Ann Madden Marketing. I’ve always known that I wanted to work for myself, especially after growing up with two entrepreneur parents, I knew the corporate world wasn’t for me. However, I also knew that gaining experience and connections through those channels would be key to my growth and success. And let’s face it, as a fresh out of college 20 something-year-old, I needed a steady income. ⁣ ⁣

My corporate path was incredible, starting at Cerner to Black & Veatch. I hustled hard, met some lifelong friends, and gained an insane amount of experience, lessons learned, skills and confidence. While living the corporate life, I craved something more and being the planner I am, needed to lay the groundwork for when the day came that I became a mama and needed to get out of the 8 to 5 lifestyle. ⁣I knew I wanted to be the number one care provider for my kiddos, I wanted to be there for all of the fresh and precious moments of those first years, but also crave the desire to express my creativity and be an earner for our family as well. I’ve learned that it’s not about work-life balance, but rather work-life integration. I’m here to show my daughter and son that you can live out your dreams, whatever they may be. I strive to be that role model for them. Life is too short to do anything less.

Every experience, I’ve had throughout my variety of roles over the years has given me the tools, skills, connections + friendships to be where I am today. When I was in the corporate world, it started with wedding planning, I am a huge lover of all things weddings, and evolved into taking over Enjoy Pure Food’s social media after discovering that incredibly unique goodness! I am a huge health fanatic and Enjoy has truly been life-changing for me in so many ways. I also got my first chance at a brand refresh with my parent’s real estate company, Budd Real Estate.

My clients continue to grow to include Strang Hall as my latest undertaking. I am a firm believer in going after what you want, it’s how I landed those side hustles that have now evolved into my very own business with Ann Madden Marketing. I absolutely love collaborating and lifting up other local, small businesses! I strive to include them in any way I can through my marketing efforts, as I am a firm believer in supporting other like-minded hustlers like myself. Any chance I get, I am shining a light on others who are killing it from the ground up!

Being a mom is my calling, but maintaining my own separate identity and passion is also a top priority. Being my own boss has allowed me the opportunity to be there for my little babes while also doing work I adore, is it easy? Heck no. Worth it? 100%.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My road has been more of a continuous rollercoaster, including major highs and lows throughout this journey and it’s only just the beginning. I would say the road has been smooth in the sense that I knew without a question that doing my own thing was my destiny, it was a matter of determining how to make my dream a reality.

I found clients I truly believe in and know I want to be a part of helping to grow their brand and allow them to thrive by way of my skills, put myself out there and be persistent. I’m confident in myself and my abilities and I believe that is critical to the success of being an entrepreneur. Yes, it’s absolutely terrifying leaving the safe and secure corporate world behind, but to me, there was no alternative.

I knew I would not be happy and fulfilled living that life and therefore made it happen by creating Ann Madden Marketing, Yes, you will get rejected but every experience, good or bad, is a valuable lesson learned in my book that only helps you grow both professionally and personally.

We’ve been impressed with Ann Madden Marketing, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My goal is to help elevate your brand by telling your story – whether you’re starting from scratch with brand creation, looking to refresh your existing brand/website, or looking to step up your social media game – I’m here for you! I am truly energized by working to help your business, big or small, thrive.

I work for myself which is a huge differentiator, as I am motivated by helping my clients thrive day and night, your success is my success. I am incredibly proud of being a vital part of the growth of my client’s success, starting from the ground up.

I am here to meet my clients where they are at and where they would like to be, I’m agile and will adapt to exceed my client’s needs, whatever they may be.

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Put yourself out there, don’t be afraid of rejection or what people may think of you. Be your own advocate, no one else will do it for you. Trust that you are valuable and an asset. Your confidence will shine through, so bring it and own it!

Have a little voice in your head encouraging you to take the leap? Go for it! It takes endless self-motivation, dedication, resilience, discomfort, and trust but I promise it is so worth it!

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: (In the making!)
• Instagram: @annmaddenmarketing