This past week, I had the chance to talk with Madison Barse, founder of Full Herizon. She discusses the fulfillment of owning her own business and the inspiration behind it.
Her Campus (HC): Tell us a little about yourself.
Madison Barse (MB): Hi! I’m Madison Barse and I am the owner of Full Herizon and host of SUNDAYS Podcast. I am currently a junior at Florida State University studying marketing and minoring in retail entrepreneurship.
HC: What inspired you to make an accessory business?
MB: I started Full Herizon in August 2020 after two of my summer internships got canceled. Instead of taking the canceled opportunities as a loss, I took it as a sign to redirect my energy. I have always known in my heart that I wanted to do something bigger than myself that involved spreading kindness and women empowerment. I had danced for over 11 years when I was younger and through that experience, I developed a lot of insecurities about the way I looked and weighed. Years later, I started my own self-love journey and wanted to help other women find ways to celebrate the skin they are in. My earring cards include women of all ethnicities, shapes and sizes to help spark a revolution against the typical beauty standard. I want to be a part of the change. I always ask myself if not you, then who?
HC: How did you come across the name “Full Herizon?”
MB: My main mission for Full Herizon is to spread kindness (which I like to call “spread sunshine”) and to empower women. Starting a new business for me was a brand new adventure. It was a new horizon I wanted to explore. The other reason why I came up with the name is because of the idea of spreading “SUNshine.” I only sell my accessories on Sundays for 24 hours unless it is a special circumstance. Sundays are a big day full of sunshine. Not only does my shop open up, but my podcast called SUNDAYS releases a new episode. SUNDAYS highlights women-led passion projects and businesses every Sunday. This is my favorite part because I get to share so many incredible stories of women from across the nation, but I also inspire so many of our women listeners to chase after their dreams.
MB: Starting a business has been one of the most rewarding experiences I have ever had. My favorite experience so far has been selling out on my launch day in five hours. I did not expect so much support to happen so early on in my journey. I will never forget how emotional I felt because that was one of the first times I felt like it was the start of something so much bigger.
HC: I noticed that you have grown a pretty big social media presence on TikTok. What has that journey been like?
MB: The support I have received from TikTok has been incredible and I would not change it for the world. I love being able to connect with so many people and create a community of women. TikTok allows me to show a fun behind-the-scenes side to my business. It has been a powerful tool in my personal success. I am so excited to see what is to come from it all!
HC: Where do you see your business going in the next year?
MB: This upcoming year is going to be a transformational one. I could not be more excited! Of course, there will be lots of new styles and fun accessories. I am also looking into expanding our gift boxes and potentially even adding on subscription boxes by the end of this year. So, stay tuned!
MB: Never let anyone tell you that the “market is too saturated.” You have amazing strengths and talents that will instantly set you apart from your competition. Be passionate about what you are doing and stay consistent. It is far from easy, but you can do it, I promise.
Want to see more HCFSU? Be sure to like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, Youtube and Pinterest!