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Let’s be real. Building a business while raising babies isn’t for the faint of heart. You’re knee-deep in diapers and deadlines, trying to figure out if you’re crushing it—or just slowly losing it.

Sound familiar?

That’s exactly why I had to bring on Maddy Fero, founder of Little Rad Things, to the Empowered and Unapologetic Podcast. She’s the ultimate example of what happens when creativity meets chaos in the best possible way. Maddy went from NASCAR spokesmodel to sewing novice to powerhouse entrepreneur with a booming kids’ brand built on sustainability, bold design, and a whole lotta heart.

And the best part? She’s done it all while staying true to herself—and her family.

“I was literally sewing clothes at my kitchen table during naptime. I didn’t see anything I liked in stores, so I thought, why not make it?” – Maddy Fero

From Thread to Thrive: Starting a Business While Figuring Out Motherhood

Maddy started sewing in 2020 as a creative escape—and it took off. Like, viral on Instagram with college friends sliding into her DMs kind of takeoff.

But teaching herself to sew and launching a brand was just the beginning. When she officially formed an LLC in 2021, she was pregnant with her second son and ready to do both: grow a business and work full-time.

Spoiler alert: it didn’t go as planned.

“I was two weeks into a new job and I just quit. I knew I couldn’t mentally handle both. My husband said, ‘Go for it. We’ll figure it out.’” – Maddy Fero

That leap took guts—and a lot of grace. Maddy was brutally honest about the emotional rollercoaster of entrepreneurship, admitting there were moments she felt lost in it all.

“You’re doing so much as a mom and a business owner. And when you finally get time for yourself, you usually feel guilty. I had to relearn how to do things that brought me joy.” – Maddy Fero

Her secret? Daily walks, gym time, and just being still—whether that’s 20 minutes in the tub or sipping coffee solo before the house wakes up.

Business, Marriage & Boundaries: How Maddy Does It All (Without Doing It All)

While juggling two young boys and a rapidly growing business, Maddy also had to navigate what that meant for her marriage—and her sense of self.

“I’m super lucky—my husband is my rock. But we still have moments where he’s like, ‘Put your phone down.’ It never turns off when you run your own business.” – Maddy Fero

And if you’ve ever had a partner not understand why you’re up at midnight tweaking a product page or answering DMs—same, girl.

Maddy shared a story about nearly spiraling during a family vacation when a business credit card hit its hidden limit.

“I panicked. I thought the world was ending. My husband gave me 30 minutes to cry it out, then said, ‘We’re fine. The product’s coming. Take a breath and strategize.’” – Maddy Fero

And yes, she works weird hours and doesn’t always get eight hours of sleep. But time-blocking is her saving grace—and one of the systems that keeps the wheels turning.

“I block my days like a puzzle. Mornings with my kids, work hours are sacred, and nights I usually work again after bedtime. It’s not perfect, but it works.” – Maddy Fero

Staying Rad in a Noisy Market

So how does she keep Little Rad Things rad when the kids apparel market is loud and fast?

Simple: she stays in her lane.

“I don’t follow trends. I don’t chase what other brands are doing. I keep my head down and stay rooted in my values.” – Maddy Fero

Those values? Sustainability, ethical sourcing, and a full shift to American-made production by 2025—even if it means higher costs and explaining her prices to the occasional TikTok troll.

“Yes, you could buy something cheaper at Shein or Target. But what you’re paying for with us is better quality, safer materials, and products made with purpose and care.” – Maddy Fero

And speaking of purpose—her community is her why. Maddy doesn’t call them customers. She calls them family. One mom has five kids—and all five wear Little Rad Things. If that’s not brand loyalty, I don’t know what is.

“It’s emotional for me. The fact that someone chooses to dress their child in something I made? It’s so personal. It means everything.” – Maddy Fero

So what’s next? Amazon, baby. Maddy’s expanding into registry-ready baby gear just in time for the holidays, and she’s just getting started.

Celebrate the Win, Already

I told Maddy (and now I’m telling you): Schedule the celebration. Don’t wait for the “next big thing” to throw yourself a little confetti.

Because when you build something from scratch—something that brings joy, creates jobs, and gives you purpose—you deserve that moment.

“I’ve accomplished things I once dreamed of. But I don’t stop and say, ‘Go me.’ I need to get better at that.” – Maddy Fero

So whether you’re sewing onesies during naptime or launching your own version of Little Rad Things, remember this: you can do it scared, you can do it imperfectly, and you can do it your way.

And when you do? Don’t forget to clap for yourself. You’ve earned it.

Useful links:

• Join our FaceBook Page – Empowered and Unapologetic
• Take the Marriage Predictor quiz!
• Follow me on Instagram
• Check out the new website! https://veronicacisneros.org/
• Outside The Norm Counseling – 951 395 3288 call to schedule an appointment today!
• 5 Things that are Killing your Marriage Free Guide available at www.veronicacisneros.org

Meet Maddy Fero

Maddy Fero is the founder and creative force behind Little Rad Things, a premium kids clothing brand inspired by motorsports and built on bold style, sustainability, and heart. A former NASCAR spokesmodel turned mompreneur, Maddy taught herself to sew during early motherhood and transformed a creative passion into a fast-growing business. With two rad boys by her side, she’s on a mission to raise good humans, create cool clothes, and build a brand that’s 100% American-made by 2025. Maddy is passionate about faith, family, and helping fellow moms embrace both motherhood and entrepreneurship unapologetically.

Digital Coordinates:

Website: https://littleradthings.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelittleradthings/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/littleradthings/

Meet Veronica Cisneros

As a leading authority in women’s empowerment and a fierce advocate for building strong networks, Veronica is your go-to guru for turning fears into victories, struggles into strengths, and doubts into boundless opportunities.
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist for 10 plus years; empowering high-achieving women in business to conquer both professional heights and personal fulfillment. She doesn’t do bandaids!
Veronica has a unique approach to overcoming obstacles and smashing through the glass ceilings that loom over ambitious women. With her arsenal of practical tools, actionable strategies, and unwavering support, Veronica doesn’t just help women succeed in their careers – she helps them thrive in every facet of their lives.

But Veronica’s expertise isn’t just theoretical – it’s personal. With over 24 years of marriage, three daughters, and a soaring career, Veronica embodies the resilience and determination needed to navigate life’s challenges. As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Group Private Practice Owner, of Outside The Norm Counseling, Marriage Coach, and the voice behind the Empowered and Unapologetic podcast, Veronica effortlessly guides women to challenge themselves beyond their comfort zones.

Veronica is more than an expert – she’s a partner in transformation, turning mundane relationships into true connections. With her relatable charm and infectious humor, Veronica illuminates the path for women who refuse to settle for anything less than success in both business and relationships. Through practical tips, heartfelt anecdotes, and her trademark wit, Veronica empowers every woman to cultivate unbreakable bonds without sacrificing their ambitions.

Whether you listen to the podcast, join the free Facebook community, or do the Workshop,  you’re in the right place. Let’s do this together!

Thanks for listening!

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