Hang Ten is an easily-digested, quick-to-read interview series. I created it to pick the brains of some powerhouse women that I’ve been fortunate enough to know because of SFB. I fire off the questions, you give the answers.
Out of everything Maddy MacDonald’s contributed to the digital world, there’s one thing that has no part in the brand she’s created: Bullshit.
If you’re like me, @thebadassbohemian probably crept on your Instagram Explore page and you were immediately captivated by her content. And even as I scroll through lengthy captions and curated influencer posts on my feed, Maddy’s content still sticks out from the rest. It’s a little bit of wisdom, a whole lot of authenticity, and artsy as hell photos, often featuring her trademark blue hair.
I have been particularly moved by how openly Maddy speaks about her fitness journey, including her battles with self-love and body positivity. Truly, I look at that stuff, and I feel like I learn and grow from how vulnerable she allows herself to be.
Maddy is a wellness titan, a creative force, and a self-love guru… and we are all better for having her as a member of the WNY community. Cheers, girl. This is her Hang Ten.
Hang Ten
1. What’s been the most disappointing news headline in the past decade or so? To be blunt, the announcement of the President in 2016. That hurt my heart and blew my mind. And then a lot of the headlines that followed the decisions of that administration. Disappointing is an understatement. E.g. the way the BLM movement was discussed, not cool. Environmental movement discussion, not cool. Women’s rights being diminished too, not cool.
2. When you’re alone, where do you go? Typically, I’ll go to the kitchen or walk my dog. I queue up my favorite jams, usually some Trevor Hall or podcasts like “Your Own Magic”, “Zura Health Podcast”, or some “Nourishing Women.” Then I’ll move my body while I create some colorful, delicious meals… or just while walking in nature.
3. You can’t get to therapy…what’s the next best thing? Yoga, meditating, dancing around with some sage and incense all at the same time. I might also go throw some weight around at the gym, depending on my mood. I basically try to nurture my feelings in any way that feels good. Journaling is also a solid go-to option as well!
4. What’s Western New York’s best-kept secret? I would say the sand dunes near the Outer Harbor. You’re technically not supposed to go on them, but they just give you a moment of forgetting you are in Buffalo and suddenly, you’re in a desert. The Outer Harbor in general is a really chill spot where you can walk or bike to watch the sunset, and it is way more beautiful than Canalside, in my opinion.
5. Who’s a woman that everyone should know about? My girl, Katie Monacelli. I swear we have met in a different life because she is a true soul connection and a ray of light to anyone who crosses her path. Katie runs BKC (Be Kind City) and is a badass DJ who is always on the go while simultaneously killing it in life.
6. If you had one message to share, what would it be? Allow yourself to grow, keep watering yourself, my darling. You deserve the sun, the moon, and all the stars, and don’t you dare let anyone make you question your worth.
7. What are you doing to protect the environment in your everyday life? Every day, I try to be super conscious about my plastic use, slash not using plastic. My world kind of revolves around glass: from mason jars, to glass straws, to the growler I drink my water from to make sure I stay hydrated AF. I also compost with my roomie, because we eat a lot of fresh fruits and veggies. Oh, and I buy second hand as much as possible.
8. What’s the best wedding you’ve ever been to? I went to a wedding at Notting Hill Farm and it was just so beautifully rustic and adorable. Not to mention, the bride and groom were/are madly in love, adding to the vibe.
9. Who’s the best feminist you know? My mentor through college. She was my sociology professor who continues to be a strong woman in my life. She is a force of knowledge and light like none other. Erin pushed me to be the woman I am now. She opened my mind and heart to see the injustices of the world, and she’s inspired me to never stop using my voice to fight for what is right.
10. What’s something you’re proud of yourself for? I am proud of myself for prioritizing my health, from the inside out. I was an obese little girl who underwent a lot of life changes very young. I grew up quick and put my heart into my health journey and I promised myself I would grow to be a woman who spreads love and light. I am here to empower the women around me and ensure that we all love the bodies we are in because we all deserve to feel strong, sexy, and like a bunch of badass babes.
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You can find Maddy MacDonald on Instagram @thebadassbohemian or @the_bohemianfoodie. For more of her insightful wisdom, check out the Mindful Maddy blog.