Story & Lesson Highlights with Madelyn Gobel of Mesa/Gilbert

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Madelyn Gobel. Check out our conversation below.

Hi Madelyn , thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ince breaker: When was the last time you felt true joy?
The last time I felt true joy was dancing in the front row of my favorite local band’s show. I felt all the daily stresses and anxieties slip away as I danced out every last worry. I felt like the only person in the room and yet I was accompanied by so many similar people experiencing the same feeling. This band’s lead singer is also my best friend so his joy ran through me at the same time as he went crazy through his whole set.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Maddy! I’m the owner of Gay Little Bracelets and the merch/social media manager for a band called Body Rez. Gay Little Bracelets has been difficult for me to expand lately but it’s something I truly enjoy and feel proud of. I make silly bracelets with absurd sayings. I love seeing people’s reactions, good or bad, to my creations. Body Rez is unlike any band I’ve seen before. Our lead singer writes the craziest punk songs about how drugs are bad or how he needs a lobotomy. In turn he puts on the best show, he jumps, he thrashes, he goes insane on stage and it’s truly impressive. I make all their merch by hand, bleached shirts, bracelets, and pins. My focus has shifted to Body Rez more than Gay Little Bracelets lately since they have a lot more opportunities for me to promote what I’ve created. I’ve had a lot of mental struggles in the past and music has always been such a great outlet. Even though I’m running a merch stand, you can catch me in the front row going insane at every show. Mental health is so important, and I think it’s truly important to find moments of true joy and to hold onto those as hard as you can in your low moments. Body Rez and Gay Little Bracelets bring me all that joy and I’m so grateful for them both.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
As a child I believed I had to be perfect, even though nobody was enforcing that belief I set this expectation for myself. I believed I was meant to make no mistakes and would be furious at myself whenever I did. I’ve learned that mistakes are actually very important! How else would we learn right from wrong without making a few mistakes on the way? I realized holding that expectation for myself only hurts me more. We are all human, nobody is perfect. Although I still get frustrated when I make silly mistakes, I look back on them and feel grateful that I made them. The mistakes have taught me how to be who I am now.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
There were so many times I wished I could give up. Around 19-20 I was admitted to a hospital for suicidal thoughts and actions. I would spend nights wishing I could just crash my car or fade away into nothing. I felt like I couldn’t handle the stress of life, I felt like I was all alone and that nobody could understand. The first time I was in the hospital I met great friends and felt less alone but I still didn’t feel like I could handle living anymore. But, the second time I really fought to change my mindset. I learned why I deserved to be alive, why I simply couldn’t just give up, I learned that this life is worth living. So even now, when I feel like giving up I remember that there is an end goal worth reaching. I remember that there are so many people who need me to keep fighting. I remember this life is tough but it’s worth living.

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. Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
The one person I admire most is my mom. Her character is unmatched. She does everything for me, my dad, and my grandma. She is willing to put others before herself constantly. I see how difficult it can be for her at times and yet she will never stop caring with all her heart. I admire how shes willing to ask for help when she needs it and how she rarely loses her cool. She is such a strong woman and I admire her with every fiber of my being. I hope I make people feel as loved as she makes me feel. She has been there through all my lowest points, whether I’m sick or ready to give up, she’s been by my side holding my hand and bringing me Squishmallows. My mom is the greatest person I know, truly.

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?
If I only had 10 years left I would stop wasting time and waiting to do the things I want to do most. For example, I have been dying to travel so I would stop putting that off and plan a trip immediately. Or I would stop laying in bed and watching TV when I can be out on a walk or enjoying time with friends. If I truly only had 10 years left I would make every day worth while. I would treasure the world around me. I would also want to leave an impact on the world, whether it’d be starting an organization or volunteering for a great cause. I wouldn’t waste a single second.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @body.rez @gaylittlebracelets
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1C7DTY7Tog/
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCSEZ9OYZRLyGas3mVWth2_w?si=dU4U5-8PvaSrXCs-
• Other: Body Rez on Spotify