Shonda Broadus shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Shonda, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What is a normal day like for you right now?
A normal day for me starts with a little meditation and breakfast before heading out to my day job as a hairstylist. Once I’m done behind the chair, I shift my focus to building my own brands. That could mean designing, marketing, shooting content, or planning drops-whatever the day calls for. I make it a point to create at least one new design for each brand daily, just to keep the creativity flowing and the momentum strong.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Shonda, a hairstylist, artist, and creator behind Mad Cool and Sunroof KiKi. I spend my days styling hair and my nights and weekends designing art that lives on everything from stickers and socks to streetwear. My brands are rooted in nostalgia, fashion, and style — inspired by 80s and 90s pop culture and bold color. What makes my work special is how personal it is; every design starts as a thought, a memory, or a mood. I’m building brands that blend art, fashion, and storytelling — wearable pieces and collectibles that make people feel seen and confident. Right now, I’m focused on expanding both brands, introducing new collections, and continuing to turn my creative world into something people can wear, share, and collect. I’m currently working on my “Alter Ego” collections (for both brands), and I’m very excited about the opportunities they may bring.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
I grew up believing you couldn’t really make money with art, that it was more of a hobby than a career. But now, as a grandma, I want my children and grandchildren to see that the things you’re passionate about can truly become something real. You can build a life around your creativity, your ideas, and what you love, and I want to be living proof of that every day.
When you were sad or scared as a child, what helped?
Again, I grew up in the 80s, so when I was sad or scared, I’d turn to my teen magazines, read the articles, cut out pictures of my celebrity crushes, and cover my bedroom walls with them. I’d listen to music for hours and draw – it was my escape, my comfort, and the way I made my own little world feel safe and happy.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
The world. I want nothing more than a peaceful, happy world – no hate, no racism, no sexism. A world where people talk to understand, not to divide. As a creative, working with and learning from others is one of the best parts of what I do. So to see people miss out on opportunities, or be denied them because of race, gender, or identity – it’s wild to me. We’re all here to create, connect, and make things better together.
I think that’s why I love the 80s and 90s so much. People from all different backgrounds connected and created such beautiful, things. Art, music, fashion…
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
Not fully believing in myself. If I’m being real, at 46 and wanting to collab with major brands, be in stores, and check off everything on my list, I sometimes feel like I should’ve started earlier. But I had responsibilities; I was raising my babies and doing what needed to be done. Now, I feel like it’s my time to focus fully on me and go after those dreams without hesitation.
Forty-six is an age I’m not ashamed of, but it can sometimes feel like the window to reach certain goals is smaller. But it’s normal to doubt yourself – it’s what you do with that doubt that matters.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.imjustmadcool.com/
- Instagram: https://Instagram.com/shopmadcool
- Other: https://new.express.adobe.com/webpage/nZq3H1x5eX6QB
Instagram.com/sunroofkiki
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