Dig Deep Into Your Own Soul
With Madison Russell
Introduce yourself! Who are you?
Hey y’all, my name is Madison Russell. I am a Southern Belle turned Manhattanite who currently works as a fashion and beauty writer for a handful of digital publications. Often, you can find me working in a coffee shop with a cortado (the perfect espresso drink, bar none), cuddling with my rescue pup Talullah or playing board games with friends. I’m a skincare fanatic and fell in love with fashion at a young age. Mostly, I’m a creator and artist, continually trying to make the world a more beautiful place than when I arrived.
What is one thing no one really knows about you?
It’s a crazy realization, as it was my raison d’être for ages, but most people don’t know that I studied acting, singing and dancing my entire life. At 18 months old, I took my first ballet class. At 15, I moved to Michigan to study acting at a prestigious, arts boarding high school. At 17, I moved to New York City in pursuit of the Broadway stage. It wasn’t until a few years ago that I morphed my love of storytelling to the written word. Now, I wouldn’t have it any other way.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
Advice is a funny thing, isn’t it? I think the best advice I’ve ever gotten is to forget advice. You have to dig deep into your own soul to determine if a decision is right for you. The mistakes I’ve made have come from relying on outside input and not trusting that inner voice. She always knows. Listen.
What would you say to 16-year-old you?
Hey girl. Firstly, I love you, and that is all that matters. Secondly, you’re doing so well. You really are. I know it may seem like the road ahead is foggy, but I promise you’re headed in a beautiful direction.
What message do you think every woman should hear?
You are enough. You are so enough. The world needs you exactly as you are. Also, Desiderata by Max Ehrmann. Read it ASAP.
What is your favorite thing about where you live?
The best things about New York City are free: the sound of taxi drivers shouting at midnight, the flurry of kids rushing out of school at the last bell, the endless art museums, the glimmer of golden sun bouncing off hundreds of windows as the day sets. If you really look around, this city is absolute magic.
What is your favorite meal?
Favorite meal: banana chocolate chip pancakes from a diner called The Dish, ordered via Seamless on a lazy Sunday morning when it’s snowing outside with a side of puppy cuddles and boyfriend kisses. (No, I’m not kidding.)
What do you do on a daily basis to grow and move forward?
The sheer tenacity to ask yourself, “What have I done today to propel my life?” is reason enough to know you’re growing. There are things I try to do–like writing every day, creating something new, leaving the world a better place than when I woke up—but trust that you’re growing.
If you weren’t doing the job you have now, what would you be doing?
In another life, I would’ve been a professional figure skater, but I’ve legitimately never put on a pair of skates. I grew up in a very warm climate and the nearest rink was hours away. Ah, well. Next time.
Where do you find inspiration?
This is a funny question. Where don’t you find inspiration? If you can’t find it, you’re not really looking. Use your eyeballs.
What are your biggest passions?
I’m utterly passionate about creating art that didn’t exist the day prior. I’m passionate about my dog and supporting animal rescue. And, I’m passionate about striving for unrealistic dreams in the hope that they, one day, might be real.
More About Madison
Madison Russell is an editorial contributor to digital publications like PureWow and Guest of a Guest, with a focus on fashion and beauty. She is based in Chelsea, New York City with her better half and their pup.