Madison Hamilton, a senior entrepreneurship and marketing double major, is the founder of Stitched By Madison, a sorority apparel and accessories brand celebrating sisterhood through fun, personalized designs. What began as a side hustle in high school with a single embroidery machine has grown into a thriving business serving Panhellenic sororities.
What is the story of your business? 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 long term. 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 really taking it seriously. launched my website and started running my small business completely out of my dorm room! Since then, I have grown a lot! I am licensed for 11 different sororities and work with a production company which helps me be able to produce more products. I now have an office at home in Nashville which has been very helpful, but when I’m at Samford I am still running everything completely out of my dorm!
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 am licensed for all of the sororities I work with, and get every single product approved by each sorority. I also submit royalty reports every quarter, which was a huge learning curve at first, but now it feels simple! I have learned that the more you do hard things, the easier it gets! Another ongoing challenge is balancing my business with the rest of my life. I have learned a lot about how to stay balance, but sometimes it can still feel like there’s not enough hours in the day.
What is the goal behind your entrepreneurial pursuits? What do you envision for your business?
The goal is to continue to grow Stitched By Madison after graduation. I can only imagine how much I will grow once I am able to devote my full time to my business. I want to do everything I already do now, but better. This means more pop-up shops, Bid Day packages, and drops throughout the year. I would also love to grow my ambassador program and possibly launch a mobile pop-up or storefront. I have a lot of dreams for what I want Stitched By Madison could be, and I honestly can’t imagine ever giving it up.
Does your business have a social mission or purpose? If so, explain how your business is redemptive in a Christlike manner?
My business would be nothing without Christ. When I first started my business, I struggled with figuring out how I could honor God in my business. My business is rooted in the idea of celebrating community and connection. I use my platform to uplift and encourage others, whether that’s through spotlighting my ambassadors, or creating products that make people feel connected. God gave me my creativity, and through my business I am able to use that gift. I am constantly thanking God for the opportunities he has placed in my life.
How do you see your company having an impact on the Samford and/or Birmingham communities?
I always love walking around campus and seeing girls in different sororities wearing my apparel. Some students are even a part of our campus ambassador program, which has members all over the country! I have hosted multiple pop-up shops on campus as well. I love being able to create apparel that connects students to their chapter. 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 can feel like school takes up so much of my time that it gets in the way of my business, but without Samford my business would not be here. I am so thankful for all of the opportunities Samford has given me, like being a part of this program!
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