Meet Madalyn Ziongas

We recently connected with Madalyn Ziongas and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Madalyn with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?

I believe my work ethic comes from a combination of personal experiences and values. Growing up, I experienced the importance of resilience, dedication, and doing things with purpose. As I navigate through challenges in my own life—like balancing family responsibilities, homeschooling, and building a business from scratch—I realized that hard work isn’t just about effort; it’s about persistence and finding meaning in what you do.

I’m also deeply motivated by the impact my work can have on others. Whether it’s through my business, Bentley’s Buds and Brews, or community initiatives, knowing that my efforts bring joy and connection to people fuels my drive every day.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

Bentley’s Buds and Brews started as a dream to bring people together, connect them with nature, and spread joy through the simple act of giving flowers. Inspired by the beauty of fresh blooms and a love for community, we wanted to create something truly unique—an experience that felt more like a cherished moment than a business transaction. And so, Bentley’s Buds and Brews was born: a flower truck that travels across Charlotte, NC, inviting people to build their own bouquets, enjoy a smile, connect with nature and each other, and share in the beauty of locally grown flowers.
At Bentley’s, we believe that experiences are far more valuable than things. In a world where people crave connection, we’re here to offer just that. Whether stopping by the truck to choose flowers with a friend, attending a pop-up event, or creating a bouquet for someone special, our customers find something they can’t always buy—a shared moment, a memory, and a connection.
Bentley’s Buds and Brews came to me at a challenging time. I was only eight weeks postpartum when this idea took shape, and it became a source of hope and joy during an otherwise difficult period. As someone navigating that journey without a strong support system, I found strength in envisioning how I could provide the support I lacked to others in my community. This business became a symbol of resilience and connection—a way to offer comfort and joy through simple, beautiful moments.
The heart of Bentley’s Buds and Brews isn’t just flowers; it’s our community. And after enduring the challenges of raising young children, including a set of twins, while working from home and homeschooling, I knew firsthand the importance of resilience, creativity, and connection. This journey inspired me to create a business that allowed me to give back, create jobs, and support local growers, all while spreading kindness.
Our flower truck offers a fresh twist on floral retail. Whether we’re parked at a local school, hosting a pop-up event, or visiting a neighborhood market, our goal is always the same: to bring people closer together through blooms that they can hand-select and personalize. Each bouquet is crafted with care and a little piece of our heart, with biodegradable packaging and locally sourced flowers whenever possible.
Bentley’s Buds and Brews is more than just flowers; it’s a way of building memories, nurturing connections, and bringing a little brightness to every corner of Charlotte. With every bouquet, we hope to inspire joy and make the world a bit more beautiful—one petal at a time. We are currently working on finishing the build out of our second truck that debuts this Valentines day!

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, the three qualities that were most impactful in my journey have been resilience, adaptability, and community connection.

Resilience: Life often throws unexpected challenges, and the ability to keep moving forward despite setbacks has been crucial. For me, resilience came from remembering my “why”—the purpose behind my efforts—and finding strength in small wins, even during hard times.
Advice: Start by embracing failure as a learning opportunity. Build habits that strengthen your mental and emotional resilience, like reflecting on challenges and celebrating progress, no matter how small.
Adaptability: The journey is rarely linear, and being able to pivot, adjust, and rethink plans has made all the difference. Whether it’s shifting my business model or finding new ways to meet customer needs, flexibility has been key.
Advice: Develop a mindset that welcomes change. Stay curious, invest in learning new skills, and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone to explore different approaches.
Community Connection: Building relationships has been invaluable—not only with customers but also within the broader community. It’s these connections that create opportunities, foster trust, and provide support.
Advice: Focus on listening and understanding others’ needs. Take time to network, volunteer, or simply connect with people in your industry or local area. Genuine relationships can lead to partnerships, collaborations, and a deeper sense of fulfillment.
For those just starting out, my biggest piece of advice is to stay true to your purpose while staying open to growth. Surround yourself with people who inspire and support you, and remember that success often comes from persistence and passion over time.

Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?

When I was around 9 years old I took a book from my fathers room called “Don’t sweat the small stuff, it’s all small stuff.” And though that may seem silly to choose as very impactful- it truly was for me. It was and still is a constant reminder that IT’S OKAY- there will most certainly be ups and downs- things will go wrong or not as expected- you may have days or periods where you feel on top of the world and others where you feel like you are failing but that’s life and don’t sweat it! It’s not as big as you think it is and it’s all a part of the growth process. You don’t give up- keep going, keep learning, keep pivoting- We are all much greater than we think we are!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://bentleysbudsandbrewsflowertruck.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bentleysbudsflowertruck/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089954614848

Image Credits

corri huggins creative
enchanted hills photography