One thing that surprises people when they hear my story is that I didn't leave a job I hated.
I left a job I absolutely loved.
Before Lolly & Laddie, I worked in an OB/GYN office and it was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Every day, I had the privilege of walking alongside women and families during some of the biggest moments they'd ever experience. From positive pregnancy tests and ultrasounds to hearing a baby's heartbeat for the very first time, I was constantly surrounded by hope, excitement, and new beginnings.
There was something incredibly special about celebrating those milestones with our patients. You built relationships with people. You laughed with them, cried with them, and watched families grow. It never felt like "just a job."
In many ways, that's where my love for families truly grew.
Looking back now, it's funny how those years shaped the business I would eventually create. Even though I had no idea it at the time, I was spending my days celebrating growing families, and now I spend my days creating products for those same families to make memories in.
When I first started thinking about Lolly & Laddie, I never imagined it would become what it is today. It was simply a dream that wouldn't leave my heart. I didn't have experience in fashion, manufacturing, or running a business. I just had an idea, a willingness to learn, and a lot of determination.
Making the decision to leave the OB/GYN office wasn't easy.
It wasn't because I wanted to leave the people I worked with or the patients I cared about. In fact, that was the hardest part. They had become such an important part of my life and walking away from something that brought me so much joy was scary...
But sometimes God places a new dream on your heart that you can't ignore.
I took a leap of faith, not knowing exactly where it would lead. There were plenty of moments when I questioned whether I had made the right decision. Starting a business is exciting, but it's also overwhelming. There isn't a handbook telling you what to do next and every mistake feels personal when it's your own dream on the line.
Now, when I look around our warehouse or see photos of your little ones wearing Lolly & Laddie, I'm reminded that this journey has come full circle.
I may not be working in an OB/GYN office anymore, but I still get to be part of family milestones every single day. Instead of celebrating a baby's first heartbeat, I get to celebrate first birthdays, first holidays, family vacations, new siblings, and bedtime traditions. It's a different role, but the heart behind it feels remarkably similar.
I'll always be grateful for my time in healthcare. It taught me compassion, patience, and the importance of treating people with kindness. Those lessons have stayed with me and continue to shape how we serve every customer who shops with us.
Sometimes people think chasing your dream means leaving something bad behind.
For me, it meant leaving something wonderful to pursue something different.
And I'll always be thankful for both chapters of my story.
Madison
Founder & Owner, Lolly & Laddie Boutique