We recently had the chance to connect with Madeleine Saade and have shared our conversation below.
Madeleine, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
We live in a culture of quick and easy gifting. With a few clicks on Amazon, a package arrives at your door in seconds. But true gifting has never been about convenience—it’s about meaning and thoughtfulness. At La Madeleine Designs, we create gifts with purpose: for a moment, a milestone, a memory. Our pieces aren’t the kind you tuck away in a drawer and forget. They are displayed with pride, cherished for their intention, and remembered for the impact they leave. That is what it truly means to be in the business of gifting.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Madeleine Saade, founder of La Madeleine Designs. Before launching my gifting company, I worked as a wedding designer, where my passion was always in creating unique, custom-tailored designs that felt both personal and fabulous. I loved the artistry of weaving together details that truly reflected a couple’s story—and that same love of intentional, one-of-a-kind design is what inspired me to build La Madeleine Designs.
At La Madeleine Designs, every gift is more than just a collection of beautiful items. It’s an experience, a moment, a story waiting to be told. I believe gifting should be meaningful and thoughtful—something proudly displayed, remembered, and cherished. That’s what makes our brand unique: we don’t create “throwaway” gifts, but lasting impressions.
Today, I’m excited to bring that philosophy into the world of luxury gifting, from bespoke corporate collections to personal milestones. It’s about transforming the art of gifting into something deeper—elevating every gesture into a celebration of connection, memory, and beauty.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who taught you the most about work?
The person who taught me the most about work was my grandfather. As a teenager, he left his native country alone to find opportunity, starting from the ground up and never once shying away from reinvention. Through his determination and entrepreneurial spirit, he built businesses that laid the foundation for our family’s future.
When I transitioned out of the wedding industry to become a new mom, I found myself needing to reinvent my own career path. It was his example—the courage to start over, to adapt, and to build with intention—that gave me the strength to do so. La Madeleine Designs was born out of that same spirit of resilience and creativity, and I carry his lessons with me every day.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would tell my younger self: “Trust the process, and don’t be afraid to pivot.” Every experience—whether in weddings, motherhood, or business—has shaped me into who I am today. The moments of change that once felt uncertain were actually leading me closer to my true calling. I’d remind her that it’s okay to slow down, to evolve, and to create a path that is both meaningful and uniquely yours.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Where are smart people getting it totally wrong today?
I think smart people today often get it wrong by equating speed with success. We live in a world that celebrates instant results—fast growth, fast consumption, fast solutions. But in the rush to achieve, we lose sight of depth, meaning, and quality. Whether in business or in life, what truly lasts is built with intention.
That philosophy is at the heart of La Madeleine Designs. In gifting, for example, the easiest solution might be a quick purchase, but the most impactful gifts are the ones that carry thought, story, and purpose. Slowing down to create something meaningful isn’t inefficiency—it’s what creates real connection and legacy.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people say that I built a life and a business rooted in meaning, beauty, and connection. That I took the time to create things that made others feel seen and celebrated. That I wasn’t afraid to reinvent myself, take risks, and follow my passion — even when the path wasn’t clear.
On a personal level, I hope my children, husband, and family remember me as someone who showed them how to blend creativity with courage, and how to honor tradition while building something new. If the story people tell is that I made their lives a little more special, thoughtful, or beautiful — then I’ve done what I set out to do.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lamadeleinedesigns.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lamadeleinedesigns
