Meet Madison Gaynor | Student + Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Madison Gaynor and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Madison, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
I started this business back in February of 2022 when i was 18 and in my freshman year of college. I was already a full time student, a part time employee at my local hospital, and trying to have a social life. Starting my business wasn’t easy but i have learned so much. I have definitely improved my time management skills by designating days when i’m free to build up my stock and create new ideas for my business. I have an awesome support group who are always willing to help me out when i need it.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My main idea behind my business is for my products to be ethically + locally sourced. I want to support other small businesses while creating mine. I make sure every ingredient in my soaps are natural and organic. My candles are only soy wax. The fragrance’s i use are sulfate, phthalate , and cruelty free. Starting my business was not easy. The testing phase was difficult but when i finally got good results it was so worth it. It is always fun making + creating new soaps because i allow my creative side to run wild. I love experimenting with new fragrances and new candles vessels. I want people to know if they have a dream they need to make it a reality. Life should be spent doing things you love and that make you happy. Take those chances, take those risks and makes those dreams a reality!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If i had the chance to take my best friend to all my favorite places i would start by introducing them to my horse and cows. Then we would go downtown Murphys, Ca and have brunch at Grounds or V Bar. Then we would head up to Arnold, Ca and fish for a few hours. Then we would go up to White Pines which is in Arnold and ride dirt bikes and quads. For dinner we would go to the Murphys Hotel and end the night with my all time favorite movie, White Chicks!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’m truly so grateful for my family and my amazing community. My mom Michelle and my boyfriend Ryan have been nothing but supportive throughout this adventure. I came up with the idea to launch a business on a random Tuesday evening and i definitely took everyone by surprise. My mom and Ryan spent countless hours helping me research and really get started. My community has been so amazing during the journey too. When i was ready to start having my product in local businesses i was so nervous but I received so much love and support from fellow business owners. Boutiques and wineries were so excited to carry my products and let me have my own shelf in their shops. Since April my business has made its way into 12 local shops! I can’t thank my family + community enough for being so incredibly supportive.

Website: www.westernwinds.co

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/westernwinds.co/

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/105539238778505/