Today we’d like to introduce you to Maddy Simone.
Hi Maddy, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
In this season of my life, I am a senior at Georgia State University majoring in Marketing with a minor in Entrepreneurship. Alongside being a full-time student, I serve as the VP of Communications for the American Marketing Association Collegiate Chapter at GSU, a Career Advancement Center Champion Student for the J. Mack Robinson College of Business, and an active member of the Commercial Real Estate Group. Outside of academics, I currently work as a Sales, Content, and Communications intern for a global software company and as part of the Social Media Marketing Team at The Smith Agency.
From the outside, it may seem like I have it all figured out. While I am extremely grateful for the opportunities I’ve been given and the organizations I’m a part of, my journey has been far from easy. My success did not happen overnight—it took time, growth, and a lot of trial and error. If you told me a year ago that this is what my life would be, I would have laughed and laughed hard.
When I first started college, I had no idea what I wanted to major in. I began as an Entrepreneurship major but quickly realized I was struggling to navigate what that path meant for my future. By my sophomore year, I made the decision to switch my major to Marketing and pursue Entrepreneurship as my minor. That change opened the door to new experiences and helped me better understand myself. I discovered not only how creative I am and how much I enjoy collaborating with others, but also that boxing myself into the plan I thought I “should” follow was only holding me back.
For a long time, I had a very specific vision for what life after high school and college was “supposed” to look like. But as I continued my college journey and grew deeper in my faith, I realized that my plan wasn’t being fulfilled because God had a greater purpose for me.
So, to answer how I got started and how I’ve gotten to where I am today—the truth is, everything I’ve accomplished is by the grace of God and through the confidence I’ve found in myself. That combination has allowed me to fully embrace who I am, pursue opportunities with intention, and make the most of the world in front of me.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. To call my my journey a smooth road is an understatement. This path has had many speed bumps on its tracks. One of the biggest challenges I faced for nearly two years was the feeling of overworking myself toward an outcome I thought I wanted. When I didn’t see the results I expected, it often felt like all my hard work was for nothing. That experience taught me the value of patience and timing. Now, with the blessings and achievements I’ve received—and the newfound strength I’ve discovered within myself—I’ve learned how to maintain a healthy work-life balance while still being deeply involved in several powerhouse organizations.
Beyond academics, I often struggled with comparison. Seeing others who seemed like they had it all figured out made me second-guess my own abilities. What helped me move past that was learning to give myself grace, trusting God’s plan for my life, and realizing that true growth comes through challenges, not in spite of them.
Looking back, those struggles shaped me. They pushed me to step outside of my comfort zone, get involved on campus, and pursue opportunities that once felt intimidating. Every setback became a lesson, and those lessons gave me the confidence to be exactly where I am today.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Outside of my academic and professional career, I am an aspiring content creator. Through Instagram posts, reels, and “day-in-the-life” TikTok videos, I share content that reflects my personal brand—rooted in creativity and authenticity. What sets me apart is my ability to merge professionalism with personality. I don’t create content just to follow trends; instead, I use it as a way to digitize my memories and experiences, connecting with like-minded individuals who enjoy both storytelling and a crisp, curated aesthetic.
Ten years from now, I don’t want to look back and think, “I only posted this because it was trendy.” I want to scroll through my feed and be reminded of the experiences that shaped me—saying, “Wow, look at what I was doing in college,” or, “I remember how much fun that day was.” That perspective keeps me grounded in why I create: to document and celebrate life, not just chase trends.
One of the things I’m most proud of as a content creator is my consistency and confidence in putting myself out there. Over time, I’ve built engagement from followers who genuinely look forward to seeing what I share next. A great example of this is my TikTok series, “Spend the Day with Me! Happy Thursday!” where I chronicle my day leading up to the American Marketing Association meetings. Thursdays have truly become my favorite day of the week, and showcasing all the excitement and preparation behind the scenes has resonated with my audience.
Another mini-series I’ve enjoyed creating is my “Market Digital Diary,” which highlights my experiences working for The Smith Agency at AmericasMart in downtown Atlanta. It has been an honor to document my work with prestigious brands while also capturing the networking and creative energy of the fashion industry. These series remind me why I love content creation—it’s not just about sharing, but about storytelling, connecting, and building a digital legacy I can look back on with pride.
What matters most to you?
As I reflect on my life, who I am today and who I am becoming, I know that everything has been possible because of God. My faith keeps me grounded and reminds me that the opportunities I’ve been given aren’t just for me, but are also a way to serve others and make an impact. That matters most to me because my journey of faith has not only made me stronger as an individual, but has also led me to the right people and places—ones that support my growth and embrace the ideas and energy I bring.
Alongside my faith, the power of relationships and networking is equally important to me. I’ve always been known as a “social butterfly,” someone who naturally connects with people. As I’ve pursued academic and professional opportunities, learning how to authentically network has been a key tool for success. It has allowed me to market myself, share my goals, and build meaningful connections with people who, in turn, have opened doors and guided me along my career path.
What I value most are the lasting relationships I’ve built with people from all walks of life—friends I’ve known for over ten years (which I know is rare in today’s world), a family who fully supports me, and countless teachers, professors, mentors, coworkers, and peers who continuously encourage me and cheer for my success. To me, faith and relationships are what matter most, because they are the foundation that keeps me grounded, motivated, and inspired.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ms.maddysimone/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lawson-maddy/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@ms.maddysimone
