Meet Madison Smith, Founder of Charlotte Social Studio

Madison Smith, founder of Charlotte Social Studio. (Image: Courtesy of Charlotte Social Studio)

Madison Smith built Charlotte Social Studio for women in design — and for the life she wanted as a new mom.  

Before Madison Smith launched her boutique marketing and PR agency, Charlotte Social Studio, she worked as an interior designer. Smith knew first-hand that designers need a personalized and strategic approach to marketing within the design industry – especially in a field that can feel saturated and difficult to stand out in. When the Coeur d’Alene, Idaho-based entrepreneur unexpectedly became a single mother, one of her top priorities was creating a work-life balance that would fit around her life. In 2023, Smith launched Charlotte Social Studio, a boutique agency named after her daughter and dedicated to helping interior designers elevate their brands. Today, Smith says she is proud to be helping other women in the design field grow successful businesses while also creating the life she wants for her daughter – and herself. 

Here’s our lightly edited Q&A, from The Story Exchange 1,000+ Stories Project.

How is your business different from others in your industry?

We bring an insider’s perspective to the interior design world. Our boutique approach allows us to form close, collaborative relationships with our clients, acting as an extension of their team and offering full-service support across social media, PR, email marketing, ad campaigns and more. 

We also focus on strong personal branding —we help our clients uncover what makes them unique and we translate that into a cohesive, elevated presence across every platform. Social media marketing and PR are not separate efforts but work together in perfect harmony, with each aspect of our strategy complimenting the next.

Tell us about your biggest success so far. 

Seeing how impactful this work is for my clients. I’ve seen clients shift from taking on unaligned or less-than-ideal projects just to keep the pipeline full, to taking on high-profile, truly luxury projects they once thought were out of reach. It’s more rewarding than I can express.

What is your top challenge and how have you addressed it?

Helping clients understand the importance of consistency in building their brand over time. A common misconception in this industry is that when the pipeline is full, marketing can fall to the wayside. Many designers who take a DIY approach to marketing and PR tend to focus on marketing when they need more leads, only to stop or disappear from those efforts when they’re busy with projects. When those projects end and marketing hasn’t been maintained, panic often sets in. The reality is, it’s crucial to continue marketing and nurturing your brand, regardless of whether the pipeline is full or not. 

Have you experienced any significant personal situations that have affected your business decisions?

The birth of my daughter shifted my priorities and motivated me to create a business that allowed me to be present for her while still doing the work I love. Additionally, my prior work experience in both interior design and marketing gave me the foundation to start. 

What is your biggest tip for other startup entrepreneurs? 

If you truly love what you do and you focus on building your business in the best way you know how, the money and success will follow. We all define success differently. For some it may be making a certain amount of money, for others it might mean having more freedom with your time, or having more work-life balance. What matters most is building a business that aligns with your values. 

How do you find inspiration on your darkest days?

I find inspiration by coming back to my why—my daughter. She’s the reason I keep going, even when things feel heavy. I also think about the incredible women I serve—passionate interior designers who are pouring their hearts into their work – just like I am. Knowing that I get to help them show up confidently and grow their businesses reminds me that this work matters deeply. I am helping someone make their dreams come true! What an honor.

What is your go-to song to get motivated on tough days?

I love worship music for those tough days.

Who is your most important role model? 

Can your 2-year-old daughter be your role model? I am so grateful for her and I know without a shadow of a doubt that I would be nowhere near where I am without her. Beyond her, other role models would be my family who inspired me to start my journey in entrepreneurship and have supported me every step of the way. I come from two parents who are entrepreneurs, and their support has been a driving force in my journey. ◾

Instagram: @Charlottesocialstudio