THE SHORT STORY

Born and raised in Warwick, Rhode Island I always felt there was something more out there for me. I never liked following the rules but I never aspired to be bad at heart. I have always found love and acceptance for those around me and their stories. I wanted to create art that helped others feel seen. I figured if art had saved my life then maybe mine could help someone save theirs too.

Gone Maad has a unique story and a long one at that. I will try my best to summarize it here but as Abraham Lincoln once said

"I’M SORRY I COULD NOT HAVE WRITTEN A SHORTER LETTER, BUT I DIDN’T HAVE THE TIME"

 

 

I've always struggled to comprehend why people can be so judgmental. There were times when I questioned whether I was the odd one out, perhaps the crazy one in a world full of critics. I was raised to challenge what I heard while trusting what people revealed through their actions. From a young age, I felt a deep sense that I was meant for something greater. What that something was, I’m still discovering, piece by piece, every day. In 2019, I achieved more than I ever thought possible. Dismantling those pieces, despite the whispers that labeled me a mess, insane, or out of my mind. I finally felt like I was being true to myself. I was exhilarated by the lifestyle I had started to build for myself. With handcrafted clothing, over a thousand t-shirts sold, and a buzz surrounding my brand, it seemed I had finally arrived. Madison Armstrong Alternative Designs had established itself as something worthy of attention. My journey began with just a small notepad and a few magazines collages during treatment. In my first art therapy session, I created a collage of a girl with her high heels kicked up, lounging in the passenger seat of a stunning convertible, cruising through the mountains without a care in the world. She radiated confidence, fully aware that she was destined for something extraordinary.

The journey I embarked on after leaving treatment—road tripping home with my mom, moving in with a supportive family member, and striving to maintain my sobriety and creativity—has laid the foundation for this brand. I couldn’t have done it without the encouragement of my friends and local creatives. I’ll share more about my experiences in my upcoming book, set to release this spring. For now, as I focus on this website and the essence of my clothing line, I’ve chosen to set aside any contradictions surrounding my decisions. GONE MAAD is crafted for a distinct audience—those who seek an outsider’s perspective, who yearn for change, who embrace unconventional opinions, accountability, freedom, and the bravery to challenge boundaries.