Living genuinely. Celebrating imperfection. Making memories. Embracing wear you are in your life and how you live. Welcome to WEAR THEY ARE: A Snapshot of Fearless Females and How They Got There- a series where all of these concepts come to life through the stories of women who’ve embraced them firsthand.
Given all that is happening in the world around us as of late, it is with utmost certainty I declare that I cannot fathom existing in a world where women don’t band together to build each other up. You know the saying “It takes a village”? Well it does. I don’t care if you’re a stay-at-home Mom or a CEO- you didn’t get there alone. And you’re not alone now.
One of the things I enjoy most about what I do is the unbelievable kick-ass group of women I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know. And Madeline Northway is no exception. As a photographer, writer, and travel blogger, Madeline is the finger on the trigger of some of Chicago’s best fashion, commercial, travel and portrait photography. When she’s not behind the camera, this self proclaimed travel nerd and expert people watcher spends her days writing and selling original prints and postcards on her blog North by Northway– all to benefit the GlobalGiving Hurricane Irma & Maria relief fund. Madeline has crossed my professional path on numerous occasions; packing one hell of a photographic punch and doing it all with an ease reminiscent of a woman wise beyond her years.
In the second installment of the WEAR THEY ARE series, I sit down with Madeline to share a story that’s one part cool girl (enter vinyl records) and one part wanderer (think solo traveler) about a woman who’s fearlessness afforded her the opportunity to once photograph Heidi Klum at fashion week. I mean come on- does it get any cooler than that?
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO CHOSE TO WORK IN A CREATIVE FIELD? TELL US HOW YOU GOT YOUR START IN PHOTOGRAPHY.
I was lucky enough to grow up surrounded by art. My parents are both creative people and entrepreneurs and raised my sister and I to share in those values. My sister is also an artist, and I used to spend weekends going to see her show her paintings in galleries throughout St. Louis and Chicago. Getting to be a part of her journey as an artist really helped inspire my dreams for my own future. I didn’t grow up asking “is this possible?” because seeing her living her dream as an artist was proof enough!
I picked up my first camera when I was in high school. One of my friends at the time was a photographer for bands and he became the mentor I needed. I started photographing all of my friends- dressing them up, doing their hair and taking them on adventures. My first paid jobs were photographing engagements and weddings for friends and family and it really took off from there!
WHAT LED YOU TO BRANCH OUT ON YOUR OWN AS A FEMALE ENTREPRENEUR?
It just sort of began that way, organically. Truth be told, I did hold many part time jobs over the years to supplement income- working for salons and bars- but finally getting the courage to trust in myself and go fully freelance was a big move for me! The idea of being solely reliant on yourself can be a terrifying hurdle to jump over. Terrifying, but freeing!
NAME ONE THING ABOUT WORKING FOR YOURSELF THAT NO ONE TOLD YOU TO EXPECT.
Being your own boss is so hard! I don’t have someone checking in with me to make sure I’m meeting deadlines, reaching goals and staying proactive. I always have to make sure I’m holding myself accountable.
AS A SELF-PROCLAIMED ADVENTURE SEEKER, HOW DO YOUR TRAVELS INSPIRE YOUR WORK?
Traveling inspires the way I think, act and live and ultimately, it’s what really inspires my art. Every trip is a chance to step outside of my familiar life and find perspective. And to me, that perspective is found by spending time alone with myself in an unfamiliar place and by experiencing the way others live. I try to apply that perspective to my own life & city every time I come home.
YOU ALSO WRITE A BLOG AND PRODUCE ORIGINAL PRINTS AND POSTCARDS FOR YOUR PRINT SHOP, NORTH BY NORTHWAY. HOW DO YOU MANAGE IT ALL WHILE STILL LEAVING TIME FOR YOURSELF?
That’s a great question! I definitely put a lot on my plate and live an active life. Finding a balance has been one of my greatest challenges as a freelance artist. Over time, I’ve found how to better recognize patterns within myself and can identify when I’ve started to take on too much. I’ve really discovered the importance of self care and try to honor that by giving myself time to do the things I need; all while prioritizing opportunities and being OK with saying “no”. Yoga, meditation, spending time outside and cooking are just some of the ways I manage.
HOW DO YOU DEFINE THE WORD “FEARLESS”?
I define the word fearless as not holding yourself back from doing something because you may fail. The most fearless people I’ve met in my life are those who are unafraid of failure. Following your heart, doing what you want to do and unapologetically being who you want to be are all acts of fearlessness. Life isn’t meant to be static. It’s always in flux and we are constantly improvising. You try something and if it works, great! And if it doesn’t, at least you’ve tried, learned some important lessons and hopefully gained new inspiration along the way.
I BELIEVE THAT EVERY WOMAN HAS A TRIBE OF LIKE-MINDED LADIES WHO HELPED THEM GET WHERE THEY ARE. DO YOU HAVE A FEMALE ROLE MODEL? WHO IS SHE?
My sister Nicole Northway! As the artist, designer and owner of Chicago boutique One Strange Bird, she is a shining example of living fearlessly. I’ve witnessed her navigate the unpredictable ups and downs of entrepreneurship (and life) and transform her art & business in countless ways. She’s never afraid to make something different or try out a new practice of business. She rides the waves of life freely and never lets herself be confined to any one idea. For this I admire her so much. Not to mention, she’s been forever encouraging to me and supports my work every step of the way!
IN KEEPING WITH THE THEME OF MAKING MEMORIES THROUGH FASHION, WHAT WAS YOUR PROUDEST FASHION MOMENT?
I think my proudest fashion moment was (and is) finding my own personal style. We all go through phases throughout our lives, following trends and whatnot… and arriving at a place where I feel totally myself and comfortable that my style reflects who I am as a person is a wonderful thing! That, and shooting Heidi Klum at New York Fashion Week last September.
TELL US ABOUT THE BEST TRIP YOU EVER TOOK.
I took a totally last minute, insane solo trip to Japan last April that put me the furthest outside of my comfort zone I’ve ever been. I had never traveled internationally alone, I knew zero Japanese and I planned it all by myself. It was one of the best experiences and greatest challenges of my life. I also accredit it with sealing the deal on my addiction to travel (and sushi)!
IF YOU COULD SHARE ONE PIECE OF ADVICE WITH YOUR YOUNGER SELF JUST AS SHE WAS STARTING HER CAREER, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
Just be yourself. Don’t worry about what everyone else is doing and how they’re doing it. Your path is your own and it will never look exactly like anybody else’s journey.
Want to keep up with all things Madeline Northway + North by Northway? Follow along on social (@northbynorthway on Instagram and Facebook) and head to MadelineNorthway.com or NorthbyNorthway.com for more.
Images credited to Madeline Northway taken at Estereo Chicago.
Build your tribe. Wear you are now.
xx
Natalie
Natalie
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