5-year-old Entrepreneur Lands Her Flip-Flop in Nordstrom

Madison Robinson is like any ordinary creative teen who doodles her designs, except her designs have landed $1 million-plus in sales.

Not many 15-year-olds can say they have a clothing and footwear line at Nordstrom’s, but Texas teen Madison Robinson can. From the time she sketched up her first FishFlop design when she was 8 until she launched the business two years ago, Madison has learned the ropes of entrepreneurship along the way. Her ocean-themed footwear featuring colorful illustrations of seahorses, angel fish, octopuses and starfish is inspired by her native Galveston Island, Texas, where flip-flops are a way of life. Last year, FishFlops had retail sales of more than $1 million, showing the $19.95 shoe has become a fashion favorite of girls and moms alike. SUCCESS had the opportunity to ask Madison about her entrepreneurial experience thus far and what she has in the works for the future.
How did the name FishFlops come about?
When I was 8, I drew an outline of a flip-flop and added my drawings of sea creatures. I took the drawings to my dad and said, “Hey, look dad, FishFlops!” I thought the name was catchy, and so did my dad, because he got excited and purchased the FishFlops.com domain name that day!
Do you draw the designs, or do you work with designers? What is the design process like?
I am the creator and founder of FishFlops. I create the designs, approve the samples and attend tradeshows where I interact with the store buyers. I get ideas from the ocean, beaches, books and magazines. I like changing up the colors based on what I like.
You have proved age is not a factor in starting your own business. How has your experience as a young entrepreneur been unique?
I enjoy being an entrepreneur at such a young age. It allows me to have an experience that not many teenagers can have. I have donated thousands of FishFlops to hospitals, military families, and to needy kids around the world. I think it’s important to give back. I don’t want to just send shoes to these causes; I want to be a part of it. So that’s why I go to the hospitals to meet the children, interact with the military families, and help sort and pack the shoes that are shipped around the world. It feels good to do good.
How do you manage both school and your business?
My schoolwork always comes first, but I’ll work on some things with my dad daily during the school year. I have been traveling a lot more for meetings, charity events or public appearances. I devote more time in the summer working on FishFlops.
You are also an author. Do you plan to write more books? What else do you have planned for your brand and your own future?
Right now we are focusing on footwear. I want to continue to grow in all areas of my life. I will finish high school and do the things that teenagers do. I want to attend college and see where that takes me. I’d like to see FishFlops become a lifestyle brand and continue to expand my shoe collection in Nordstrom. I would like to find a company that will help me create an animated show using my FishFlops characters. I can see it as a way of educating children about the ocean and the life in it, and things we can do to protect it. I will continue to give back because that is important to me. And one day I want to create a fashion brand called Madison Nicole.
What lessons have you learned and what advice do you have about becoming an entrepreneur?
To be an entrepreneur you have to take the first step on your own—be patient, persistent and never give up. I learned if you have an idea that you love and can see the possibilities, then go for it! You never know where it will take you and how you can help others with what you’ve done. Be open to suggestions and patient because it can be a long process, but eventually things do start happening. Make sure you balance your time and enjoy life while working.

http://www.success.com/articles/2468-15-year-old-entrepreneur-lands-flip-flop-nordstrom